Class Levels & Guidelines
Class Levels
Level 1
Level 1 This class introduces the
basics of yoga practice:
asana (physical exercises), breathing, chanting, meditation,
philosophy and deep relaxation. The basic asana sequences
are broken down and explained in detail. This class has a
lot of instruction and is the perfect next step to your yoga
practice.
It is recommended that students take
at least 12 classes of Level 1 and Level 1&2 classes
before beginning higher-level classes.
Level 1 & 2
This class addresses the brand new beginner and the ongoing
beginner.
It is a great review for advanced students and students from
a different style of yoga. It is a little faster paced then
Level 1 but still breaks down the basic alignment and form.
There is a little less instruction and more practice.
Level 2 & 3
This is an intermediate class that is both invigorating and relaxing.
Some harder sequences and asanas with more variations are introduced and practiced. Headstands, handstands and forearm stands are all explained and experienced. The chanting is more varied and taken from a variety of original texts.
Level 3 & 4
The advanced level asana class explores deeper versions of
poses and has a more challenging pace and sequence of postures.
Equanimity in all asanas and the skillful use of breath
are the essential hallmarks of an advanced practitioner.
The student should intuitively know his or
her own limits and frontiers, be ready for an intense class
and know how
to create inner heat through breath and intelligent use
of body movements
Tantrasana
A 90-minute class that integrates
mantras, visualizations and pranayama in the Saraswati River
Yoga tradition. Each class concludes with a 20 minute guided
meditation. Tantrasana is an excellent gateway for the advanced student wishing to deepen their practice and explore in more depth the philosophy of yoga.
Family Yoga
See how your practice is changed and enhanced while practicing
with your children. Healthy children of all ages can practice
with mom and dad (or aunt, uncle, cousin, etc.).
The class
will be taught at a level 2 flowing pace and intensity,
a pace suitable for children to follow. Children and parents
may take breaks, play with other children in the room or
just watch and join back in when they wish to. The meditations
and relaxation will be led in a way that will interest
children, however everything else will be the same as an
adult class
except atmosphere!
Discover how rewarding and effortless it is to introduce
children to the practice that transformed you.
Adults without accompanying children may take this class
but the noise level, energy and direction of class will be
noticeably different from other adult classes.
Children ages 12 and up may take this class without an adult.
All other ages must have an accompanying adult.
The adult is responsible for changing, feeding and instructing
children in acceptable group behavior.
• The teacher will not baby-sit
or discipline children.
• The teacher will gently assist and instruct both adult and
child.
• Please only assist your own child.
• If you are unsure how to help your child in a pose, let the
teacher show you.
Please call for current schedule.
Of interest:
This class cultivates the spirit of community and communion.
You will find practicing together as families gives an
experience of a community raising its children. Parents
feel supported and children nurtured. Raising a family
too often happens in isolation. What a nice way to interact
as a community yet you are doing your own practice. How
much or how little you interact with others is up to you
but you are sure to feel the warmth of community
Therapeutic Classes are not flow style classes.
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Guidelines
- Please do not eat a heavy meal four hours
before class. If you find that difficult or find yourself
light headed during class, you may eat something light.
Fruit, juice, yogurt, nuts and such or good suggestions.
- Please wear comfortable loose clothes
lightly layered or
tight stretchy exercise type clothing.
- Please always shower before class, especially
if you anticipate a hot sweaty class. It is best to avoid
a shower for one hour after class.
- Please no perfume or cologne.
- Yoga is practiced with bare feet. Please
leave your shoes outside the yoga room.
- Mats and blankets are available for your
use if you do not have your own. For hygiene reasons
you may want to purchase your own.
- Please let the instructor know if you
don’t want to be touched in class or if you have
injuries so they can better help you.
- Always let the instructor know about
injuries, surgeries and medical considerations.
- Women may practice during their period
but should refrain from bandhas
(internal muscular contractions) and inversions.
- Mothers to be can safely practice yoga
during pregnancy.
There are some modifications, please let the instructor know.
- You cannot have smoked within 24 hours
of doing a pranayama class.
There are other restrictions, please inquire.
- You may come in late, however you must
be very quiet and respectful. If the class is meditating
or the teacher speaking, wait to unroll your mat and
settle in. If the class is full, the teacher or assistant
can help find a space for you when s/he is done with
the opening of class. It is appropriate to ask someone
to move a little to make space for you when the teacher
is not talking.
- If you know you are leaving early, ten
minutes before you leave lie down and
give yourself a savasana (final relaxation). This is very important before
you leave.
Then sit up quietly for a moment before you leave.
- Turn cell phones and beepers off or put
on silent mode or better yet,
leave them outside.
- Please no conversations during class.
- Do not assist anyone in class even if
you know how. If someone looks like they are doing something
unsafe, let the teacher know. This is for safety and
insurance reason.
- If you are an experienced student in
a beginner’s class, please do not do advanced poses
or variations. Understand the spirit of this i.e.. No
headstands in a level 1 or 1&2 class. You may add
vinyasa to the sequence unless the teacher specifically
says not to.
- It is ALWAYS appropriate to slow down,
back off,
take rest and/or watch class if you need or want to.
- Have fun!
This is not a complete list of contraindications
merely guidelines to ensure a safer more enjoyable experience
for all!
OM SHANTI!
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