Hatha Yoga

HATHA YOGAis the term used for Yoga that relates to the physical body and consists of a practice of poses or postures known as "Asanas". The practice of Hatha Yoga through Asanas is only one of the eight limbs of Yoga, and is designed to open the energy channels of the body, purifying the body and focusing the mind.

Hot Yoga - Featuring "The Barkan Method" by Jimmy Barkan

Our HOT YOGA Program features THE BARKAN METHOD OF HOT YOGA created by YOGA CONNECTION owner JIMMY BARKAN, who has been teaching Hot Yoga styles for over 20 years. Jimmy's BARKAN METHOD OF HOT YOGA is a specially designed series of Asanas performed in a heated room, thus allowing the body a deeper release. THE BARKAN METHOD OF HOT YOGA is geared toward all levels, from beginner to advanced student. Students are guided to their individual abilities and levels by our trained instructors.

Flowing with Yoga

FLOWING WITH YOGA is a specially designed class held in a warm, heated room and consists of a combination of yoga postures that conform to Universal Principles of Alignment. All students will be encouraged to find their own connection to the postures and to the mind/body connection that is the essence of all yoga. Each class will be new and interesting and dedicated to the individual abilities of all students.

Vinyasa Yoga

VINYASA YOGA is the art of sequencing yoga postures, flowing from one asana to another, better known as "Power Yoga". Vinyasa, meaning "Flow", are more vigorous classes and offer a fast paced sequence of Asanas, flowing from one to the other, and linking the movements to breath in a non-sequential flow. Vinyasa Yoga builds upper body strength, flexibility and stamina. Using the reath/body principles of Ashtanga Yoga, beginner to advanced students are guided to their individual levels. All of our Vinyasa classes are unique to the particular sequencing and style of our instructors.

Gentle Vinyasa

GENTLE VINYASA - is a slower paced, more gentle flow of asanas designed for both the beginner student and students of all levels. Beginner students who desire to learn Vinyasa Yoga are encouraged to participate in Gentle Vinyasa.

Hot Vinyasa - Featuring "The Barkan Method" by Jimmy Barkan

JIMMY BARKAN has incorporated Asanas from his lineage into a "HOT VINYASA" (continuous flow) style, also part of THE BARKAN METHOD OF HOT YOGA. This physically vigorous class is held in a warm room and combines upper body strength, flexibility and cardio. This class is designed for students of all levels seeking a challenge.

Anuttara Janma Yoga

Meaning "Yoga of the Highest Birth", this ecclectic or syncretic style of yoga is deep and powerful combination of forms incorporating emotional attitude (bhava), physical biomechanics (asana) and an underlying emphasis on yoga philosophy (darshan). This class weaves into the poses mudra, manta and bandas to introduce to the student, of any level, a richer experience of this ancient practice.

Anusara Yoga

ANUSARA YOGA is said to be “an elegant set of alignment principles and heart oriented Tantric philosophy”. Meaning “flowing with grace”, this powerful hatha yoga system is based on an uplifting philosophy that honors the differences and limitations in all of us, yet unifies us in community and service. Anusara Yoga expresses itself from the inside out, lifting the heart, and connecting to Universal Principles of Alignment. Anusara Yoga is a uniquely integrated style of Hatha Yoga in wich the artistic glory of the human heart blends magically with the scientific principles of biomechanics. This Yoga style developed by John Friend, is designed for students of all levels and all physical conditions.

Sivananda Yoga

SIVANANDA YOGA offers a meditative approach through a series of Asanas, Pranyama (breathing), Meditation and Deep Relaxation, working systematically on the body, stretching and relaxing muscles, joints and ligaments, creating a more flexible spine and improving circulation. Sivananda Yoga is one of the most classic forms of Yoga created in 1935 in India by its founder doctor Sri Swami Sivananda who encouraged all students to embrace a healthy lifestyle by combining the following five basic principles of the ancient wisdom of Yoga: proper diet, positive thinking and meditation, relaxation, breathing and Asanas.

Amrit Yoga

AMRIT YOGA was created in 1966 by Yogi Amrit Desai, the founder of Kripalu Yoga. Amrit Yoga is referred to as the "Yoga of Consciousness" or "Meditation in Motion". This gentle and slower paced yoga class emphasizes clearing the mind by listening to the body while maintaining inward focus, in an experiential reality transcending every aspect of our being by combining Hatha Yoga with the mental and spiritual disciplines of Raja Yoga. This class is wonderful for students of all levels.

Amrit Yoga/Yoga Nidra

AMRIT YOGA/YOGA NIDRA is an in depth class that explores the inward focus during Asanas, and moves into Yoga Nidra, an ancient form of meditation that literally means "Yogic Sleep". Students may preregister for our monthly Yoga Nidra workshops and learn to go into the deepest form of meditation while remaining fully aware by dropping brain waves into the alpha and theta state and ultimately realigning with the spirit in an expression of higher consciousness. Quoting Albert Einstein, this monthly practice is based on the premise that "You can not solve a problem with the mind that created it". In this monthly workshop, we resolve karmic patterns by going to the root of self destructive fears and patterns, alleviate stress, awaken the inner healer, boost the immune system, improve sleep, prevent premature aging and lower blood pressure. Reconnect to the source of your own inner power, manifesting a life that is consistent with your highest truth. "Where Shavasana ends, Yoga Nidra begins".

Classical Yoga

This holistic approach to yoga incorporates a complete asana routine combined with deep relaxation, pranayama and a short meditation. This quintessential yoga practice evolved from the teaching of Sri T. Krisnamarchya whose students head the three main forms of classical yoga taught today: Ashtanga Yoga (Sri K. Pattabhi Jois), Iyengar Yoga (B.K.S. Iyengar), Viniyoga (T.K.V. Desikachar, an integration of the elements of yoga in the development of a practice specific to each individual's needs, and defined as "appropriate application").

Yoga to Sacred Music

Our SACRED MUSIC YOGA class is conducted in a warm and dimly lit room, to traditional Indian music, with minimal instruction so that each student may practice in a quiet individualized place. This class is a dance of the body, breath and spirit. Because there is mnimal instruction, students must have completed at least 10 Yoga classes (of any yoga style) prior to attending our Sacred Music classes. Once the student has completed the 10 class minimum, we encourage all students to participate in this beautiful practice.

Budokon

BUDOKON (or "Way of the Warrior Spirit") is a unique holistic training system that combines the ancient traditions of yoga, martial arts and meditation. This non-competitive practice focuses on body organization, concentration, alignment and technique. Budokon practice helps cultivate flexibility, explosive power, endurance and agility, while developing clarity and focus of the mind, body and spirit. Budokon is a variation on Vinyasa yoga asanas and basic martial arts stances, punches, and kicks. Combining serious focus with playfulness, students learn to move through space with ease and grace while providing and intense full body workout in a safe non-competitive environment. This brand new approach to fitness and health has been gaining popularity and recognition. Jason has been studying with Budokon founder Cameron Shayne for several years and is one of the first certified conditioning teachers in the world. Formore information on Budokon, visit www.budokon.com. As a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor, Jason adds another dimension to this class by combining core based functional Pilates movements.
This class is designed for students interested in an intense full body workout.

Pilates

Originally called CONTROLOGY, this exercise style was developed by Joseph Pilates as an exercise practice based upon 34 movements rooted in mat work. It is an exercise style that effectively trains and works the "core" muscles of the body, to create a strong and stable back, align the shoulders and chest to correct muscle imbalances and to achieve good posture. Our Pilates classes focus on basic Pilates principles, breath work, awareness of body alignment, efficient and graceful body movement and functionality. All yoga students should also practice Pilates for the core strength in Yoga Asanas.

Kids' Yoga

In Kid's Yoga, 5 to 11 year olds learn the basics of Yoga, Asanas, Breath Work, Guided Visualization and Relaxation for focus, concentration and strength. Breathing and visualization techniques teach kids how to focus, relax and develop self control. Yoga games, breath, meditation and deep relaxation are wonderful self help therapies for hyperactivity, and have helped with ADD/ADHD, Autism and children's health and well being. Yoga for children has been shown to improve self-esteem, physical health and grade point average. Studies have shown a correlation between yoga and academic performance, discipline, attendance and self-esteem. Children who participate in yoga have fewer referrals and discipline problems. Our Kid's Yoga Class is a fun, creative approach to yoga that can be very helpful for children whose bodies are still developing. The use of animated poses and basic stretching exercises promote strength, flexibility, coordination and body awareness. Kids will improve concentration, stimulate their imagination and help to release energy in a fun, safe environment. Using interactive games and animated postures, kids learn about animals, nature and basic anatomy through yoga. So that our kids may progress at a consistent pace, our Kids Yoga classes are scheduled in 8 consecutive week series by preregistration only, with appropriate accommodations being made for vacations. Call us to find out when our next series will begin.

THAI YOGA BODYWORK

"THE RIGHT STRETCH"

The Right Stretch is a unique form of bodywork that combines the opening and stretching elements of partner yoga and Thai massage with the relaxing and releasing healing benefits of sports massage and Japanese shiatsu. The Right Stretch is recommended for individuals seeking to improve their flexibility, release tight joints, soothe tired muscles,increase circulation and experience deep relaxation. Students are encouraged to experience this private one on one work and may schedule their private appointments, in advance, whenever classes are not in session.

COMMON YOGA TERMS:

* Asana: The postures or poses which make up the practice of Yoga.

* Chakras: "Wheels" of energy located on the spine, corresponding with the five main nerve ganglia of the spinal column and the upper and lower brain. Yoga works to align the Chakras for optimal physical and mental health.

* Prana: The body's vital energy expressed through five main types of breathing.

* Shavasana: A pose designed to bring the body and the mind into a completely relaxed state.

* Ujjayi breathing: A type of breathing that resonates in the back of the throat.

* Yoga: Literally, "union" or "communion," from the root "yuj" meaning to yoke or to harness.

WHAT IS YOGA?

A Physical Practice

Most commonly, Yoga is regarded as a physical regimen. By regular practice of Yoga exercises (called postures or "Asanas"), Yoga strengthens, stretches and aligns the body and increases flexibility. The Asanas also help relieve physical, mental, and emotional stress. Over the centuries, different styles of Yoga have evolved, but all have in common the same goal of "oneness."

A Mental Discipline

Yoga can also be considered a mental discipline. Practicing Asanas requires attention to detail which develops sharp observation skills. Sitting still and meditating teaches the ability to focus on a single point for long periods. Ultimately, Yoga is a process of un-learning old habits and patterns. One learns to harness the mind's potential rather than to be a slave to its wanderings and distractions.

An Emotional Journey

Yoga seeks to bring out the best in a person: the joy at the core of every being. Sometimes, though, there are other emotions in the way. It is not uncommon for people to feel angry when holding a posture or after a deep relaxation to feel tears of joy streaming down their face. Through Yoga, one learns to express their emotions more fully without the need to suppress them or get caught up in the drama of them.

A Spiritual Path

We can also say that Yoga is a spiritual endeavor. While aspects of Yoga philosophy have been incorporated into various eastern religions, Yoga itself is not a religion. Yoga is a systematized method of exploring the question: "Who am I?" In the course of such an exploration, it is not uncommon to develop an expanded awareness of the world around you and an appreciation of who you really are and what holds you and the world around you together. A belief in God or a Supreme Being is neither a prerequisite nor a hindrance to taking up a Yoga practice.

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