Ashtanga: Mindful breathing, self awareness and rejuvenating postures...
What is Ashtanga Yoga...
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois introduced the traditional style of Ashtanga yoga to the west in the early 1970’s. This method for keeping the body healthy and the mind clear and calm is practiced daily by thousands of people around the world.
Ashtanga Yoga is a philosophy and way of life, which is meant to bring the practitioner into a state of vibrant health using physical postures, breathing techniques and internal awareness. The breath is used to synchronize each movement, producing an internal heat which purifies muscles and organs. Through
the combination of breath, bandhas (internal core locks) and drishti
(assigned gazing points), Ashtanga Yoga becomes a beautiful dance of postures flowing with grace and strength from one to the next. Gaining control of the senses by using these techniques with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.
Interested in learning more? Take an Ashtanga Basics Session!
The Ashtanga Primary Series, known as Yoga Chikitsa, is translated as ‘Yoga Therapy’. This style of yoga can help to rehabilitate sports and other injuries by restoring motion and agility.
Mysore (all levels)
This is a self led class in which you practice the primary series using your own body's rhythm and breath to immerse yourself into the flow. You do not have to be experienced, just ready to work and learn. It's the traditional way to learn Ashtanga Yoga and the only way to work towards 2nd Series. An instructor is circulating the room assisting the students in poses and helping new yogis as they learn the sequence. If you're interested in Ashtanga Yoga, this is the traditional way to learn. Take Mysore classes in addition to led classes. Those students taking the Basics course are strongly encouraged to attend Mysore practices. Sunday 9 am, Monday 6 pm.
*NEW* Friday Morning Open Studio
Since we are suspending the weekday Mysore for the winter months, we are encouraging anyone who practices Ashtanga Yoga at any level from beginner to advanced to come practice together Fridays at 7:30. You'll just need to bring your mat and some great energy and we'll all share some great Ashtanga time together, building community and growing together! There is no charge, you pay with your sweat! Join us!
Ashtanga Level 2 -3, Full Primary Series (intermediate to advanced)
The first series, known as Yoga Chikitsa, is translated as ‘Yoga Therapy’. This style of yoga can help to rehabilitate sports and other injuries by restoring motion and agility. Build upper body strength and endurance practicing this hour and a half long traditional Ashtanga yoga practice.
We offer led classes and Mysore (self led). See schedule page for days and times.
Ashtanga Level 1 - 2, Half Primary Series (beginners to intermediate)
This one hour class is for the graduates of the basics session, or current students who want a slower-paced class. You will practie the flow of breath and movement experienced in the Ashtanga primary series practice as you acquire a deeper internal awareness with the postures (modified as needed), ujjayi breath, and bandhas. The class will be a led practice that prepares you to move into a Full Primary Series practice.
Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Thursdays at 6:30
Ashtanga RE-mix (the not Ashtanga class) all levels
This class is for all levels from new students to commited Ashtanga practicioners. Traditionally Ashtanga yoga is practiced Sunday through Friday, with Saturday off. In honoring that tradition, we offer a class that mixes up the flow and sequence of the practice and gives students a chance to experience something different. We change the order, offer variations and take a playful approach to "not doing Ashtanga". We will also be practicing to cool music that is very untraditional, featuring a different playlist each Saturday. Class runs for 1hour, 15 minutes. 10 am Saturdays.
For Beginners, start with our 8 week Ashtanga Basics Session.
For new yoga students and students with no prior Ashtanga experience. Learn simplified variations of Ashtanga yoga Sun Salutations, standing, seated and finishing postures. Progress step-by-step each week through the sequence of yoga postures and breathing techniques known as the Primary Series of Ashtanga yoga. Time will be taken to introduce you to Ashtanga Yoga, the philosophy behind it, and the breath control and use of internal locks (bandhas) associated with the practice. Modifications are given for those with injuries or limitations. Next session starts Saturday , Jan. 21, 9:00 am.
Pre-registration required. 5 student minumum, 12 students max for each session. Enroll yourself early to assure your spot.
Monday, 7:30 PM - Ashtanga Yoga for Real People (level 1 - 2)
* If you think you don't have the "body type" for Ashtanga Yoga, think again.
This class if for people who are looking for a way to be healthier, happier and more flexible. You can love your body just the way it is. Ashtanga yoga is for everyone, every size, every age and you don't need to touch your toes... ever. Come join us for this 6 week session and you're guaranteed to enjoy yourself and have a positive experience with Sara Mercer, our instructor. You'll laugh, you'll breathe, you'll stretch and you will be uplifted. The pace will be slow, and the challenging poses will be modified.
Monday nights at 7:30 ;Saturday at 9:30 am