HATHA YOGA

HATHA YOGA is the term used for Yoga that relates to the physical body, mind and spirit, and partially consists of the practice "Asanas" (postures or poses). As one of the 8 limbs of Hatha Yoga, the practice of Asanas is designed to open the energy channels of the body, purifying the body and focusing the mind. Our "organic" Hatha Yoga classes encourage all students of all levels to explore their own practice in a safe, structured and nurturing environment.

Our CLASSICAL HATHA YOGA classes utilize Asana, Pranayama (breath work) and relaxation as the skills to maintain good health and peace of mind. These physically, mentally and and spiritually uplifting classes will inspire and challenge yoga students of all levels.

HOT YOGA

HOT YOGA classes at Yoga Connection are an eclectic blend of Yoga styles combining the vast knowledge, experience and personalities of our amazing staff of Yoga Connection expert instructors. All Hot Yoga classes will be taught in our state of the art heated Yoga studio, and with great detail breaking down the mechanics of all postures.

HOT YOGA BARKAN METHOD

Created by YOGA CONNECTION founder JIMMY BARKAN, who has been teaching Hot Yoga styles for over 25 years. this style features 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.

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 breath/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. Students who are brand new to Vinyasa Yoga are strongly encouraged to first attend our Hot Yoga classes for a slower detailed introduction to Vinyasa postures using proper body mechanics and alignment. Vinyasa classes are taught in both our hot and non-heated studios and are all unique to our ndividual teachers and their styles.

YOGA FLOW

YOGA FLOW is a specially designed and uniquely eclectic and powerful class that is designed to conform to the Universal Principles of Alignment with emphasis on the precise biomechanics necessary for proper alignment in all yoga and all yoga styles. All students are encouraged to find their own connection to the postures and to the body and mind connection that is the essence of all yoga. Each class will be new and interesting and dedicated to the individual abilities of all students, and is practiced in both the hot and non-heated studios. Open to all levels, each student will be able to tailor their practice to their individual ability and lifestyle.

YOGA FUSION FLOW

Our FUSION FLOW classes are challenging and invigorating free form classes that combine emotional revelation with sacred space. Designed to facilitate flow, this amazing journey into yoga will allow all students to see what the heart will deliver when the work is deep and unrestrained. As with all of our classes, our fusion classes are open to all levels and each student will be instructed to their individual levels. Our Yoga Fusion classes are practiced in both our Hot and Non-Heated Studios and are a unique blend of Asanas drawn from the influences of Iyengar, Ashtanga, Viniyoga and Universal Yoga.

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: prope r diet, positive thinking and meditation, relaxation, breathing and Asanas.

KUNDALINI YOGA

Known as the mother of all yoga, Kundalini yoga combines postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Kundalini is a less physical form of yoga, which focuses on balancing one's spiritual anatomy so that the student can experience deeper levels of meditation. This very powerful technology has lasting effects that stay with the students helping them to feel a true sense of calm making them happier and more peaceful in their day to day lives. Julie's teaching style keeps its roots in India and is true to the method passed down by Yogi Bhajan.

ACTIVE RESTORATIVE YOGA

ACTIVE RESTORATIVE YOGA is a gentle moving class that combines Restorative poses and relaxation with Yogic breathing techniques, mantra and meditation using props, gravity and support. Students will restore balance and harmony in their minds, lives and bodies through awareness, alignment and understanding of proper body mechanics. Students will pamper themselves in this loving class, a completely blissful Restorative Yoga experience.

TGIF ROCKIN' HOT VINYASA (minimal instruction)

TGIF ROCKIN' HOT VINYASA blends a high energy, flowing yoga practice with classis rock, soul, R&B, and hip hop tunes that let go of the week and lift the spirits. Students find that they work harder, stretch deeper and wring out their bodies and minds. This class is simply a great time! Since there will be minimal instruction in TGIF Rockin Hot Vinyasa, we strongly encourage all students to have first completed 10 yoga classes.

YOGA TO SACRED MUSIC (minimal instruction)

Our SACRED MUSIC YOGA class is conducted in a 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.

YOGA FOR SCOLIOSIS, SPINE CARE & ALIGNMENT

Yoga Connection is proud to be the first studio in all of South Florida that offers the internationally acclaimed Yoga for Scoliosis program designed by Elise Browning Miller, senior certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. This intricate and detailed approach to yoga, designed for students with scoliosis, is a custom designed yoga practice that addresses each student's particular scoliosis and the right yoga practice that is necessary for that student’s particular curve(s). Learn how to “balance the imbalance” in the spine through a yoga practice that is customized to lengthen the spine, de-rotate twisted vertebrae, strengthen weakened muscles and elongate shortened muscles. Learn how to use yoga props, bolsters, blankets and straps for traction, balance and support. Since every curve is different, students with Scoliosis (both structural and functional) are encouraged to take at least two private sessions to earn the very important modifications to your yoga postures that you can use in all of your yoga classes.

In addition to those with scoliosis, our Spine Care and Alignment private sessions provide all students, whether or not in need of Back Care, with the proper alignment necessary in yoga practice and in all of life. Using deep breathing, gentle movement, strengthening Asanas, restorative Asanas, and precise alignment principles, these private sessions offers a personal approach to yoga practice that is rooted in the intention of taking care of our spines throughout our lives, and approaching all of our yoga practice in this precise manner. Whatever your physical condition, these private sessions will detail the means by which to maintain a healthy, strong and supported spine through precise alignment, movement, strength and flexibility.

PILATES: AN OVERVIEW

Originally called CONTROLOGY, Pilates is a mind-body connected exercise program developed by Joseph Pilates over 80 years ago. It is based upon 34 original movements rooted in mat work. Our Pilates classes focus on the guiding Pilates principles of breath work, awareness of body alignment, efficient and graceful body movement, and functionality. All Yoga students should also practice Pilates to develop core strength that will enhance their Yoga practice.

YOGA FLOW/CORE FUSION

A blended 90 minute class offering core based exercises combined with flowing Yoga stretches to create a powerful mind and body connection, this class is a fusion practice that will decrease stress, increase energy and concentration, improve flexibility, joint mobility and posture, while deeply strengthening core muscles. Students gain mental and physical strength in this amazing fusion class brought by our very own senior teacher Bea Raydo. Truly transformational, dynamic and empowering!

PILATES: WITH PROPS

An energetic one hour mat based Pilates class based upon Joseph Pilates' method of mind and body movement. Pilates with Props provides a full body workout that offers a deep connection to your core, along with a heightened awareness to alignment and form. Each class is unique and designed to challenge the body by rotating through a selection of props such as resistance bands, small flexible balls, "magic circle", and large stability balls. Open to all levels, this class offers specific modifications for new, intermediate, and advanced students resulting in an invigorating and inspiring experience for all.

YOGA for Kids, Parents, and Parents-To-Be:

THE WOMEN'S WELLNESS PROGRAM AT YOGA CONNECTION (preregistration only)

WOMEN'S HEALTH AND WELLNESS - Pre and Post Natal Yoga - In our brand new Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga class series, mothers to-be and new moms will learn yoga exercises that help prepare for labor, delivery and recovery from the amazing gift of birth. This class is intended for moms-to-be and new moms to help relieve stress, stretch out tired muscles and recharge the mind & body. It is also the safest & gentlest way to get back into shape.
Just click here for our Information/Registration Application and either fax it to 954-577-5708 or drop it off at our front desk. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us or email Karina by writing to breathingyoga@aol.com.

THE KIDS CONNECTION AT YOGA CONNECTION (preregistration only)

LITTLE YOGIS & YOGINIS - 5 to 10 year olds learn the basics of Yoga, Asanas, Breath Work, Visualization and Relaxation for concentration, focus and strength, wonderful self helptherapies for children's health and well being. Children’s Yoga has been shown to improve self-esteem, physical health, grade point average, concentration, imagination and helps to release energy in a fun, safe environment. Using interactive games and animated postures, kids learn about animals, nature, body awareness and basic anatomy through yoga. Kids classes are scheduled for 6 consecutive weeks, with one make up class allowed if needed.

ALL OF OUR KIDS WITH SCOLIOSIS ARE ENCOURAGED TO WORK WITH US!

YOGA CONNECTION'S MASSAGE PROGRAM:
with Sophie

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Therapeutic massage is a gentle, blissful relaxation and healing treatment for the body and spirit that focuses on relaxation and energy flow, and geared toward those who favor a light touch.

MULTI-MODALITY THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

This dynamic full body treatment integrates a combination of elements and focuses on specific areas of tension, energy flow and relaxation.

MULTI-MODALITY DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

This massage style offers a detailed combination massage and is especially designed for those with chronic muscular pain.

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.

DIRECTIONS TO STUDIO

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