Class Descriptions
Ashtanga (Moderate to vigorous) - Ashtanga yoga is a strong physical practice that is often referred to as the "power" of yoga styles. Typically appealing to go-getting achievers, the practice requires that we pull our busy mind and body back from what distracts us so we can focus on the fast paced synchronization of breathing and moving. One breath, one movement best describes the pace. While dynamic in nature, sound principles of alignment and safety are taught. Ashtanga yoga is reputed for helping practitioners heal injuries, systemic / immune function concerns as well as purify the thought processes that defeat us and replace them with life affirming ones. Saturday morning classes are designed for reasonably fit practitioners with some yoga experience, although not necessarily in this style.
Hatha (Gentle to moderate) - The class combines physical asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork) and relaxation to improve health, reduce stress, and increase flexibility. Core postures will be introduced and explored. We will focus on the meditative aspects of yoga as well as the benefits acquired through relaxation and stretching. Come to relax and detoxify through holding yoga postures and moving through slow transitions that will leave you restored and replenished.
Kids' Creative
Movement (Fun!) - This class will focus on helping
your child explore their own movement potential and the space around them
as well as introduce them to music and how it relates to dance. We will
use games, Movement Stories, as well as dance to help open up their minds
to a more creative way of experiencing the world around them. Visit www.wakefieldballet.com
for more info.
Kripalu (Gentle to moderate) - Kripalu Yoga puts a great emphasis on the mechanics of Yoga - proper breath and alignment - as well as in the inner, spiritual dimensions of Yogic practice. Students are encouraged to honor "the wisdom of the body" and to work according to the limits of their individual flexibility and strength. Kripalu Yoga develops the body, mind and spirit in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. You leave the class feeling uplifted and centered.
Mom & Baby (Gentle to moderate) - This class is meant as a haven to rediscover and embrace one's new life and new body and to share with others on a similar journey. Moms are encouraged to follow their own pace and attend to baby whenever there is a need. Time is spent on easing the tensions in the shoulders, back and hips, on gently strengthening the body and increasing stamina. While the first half of the class is mostly focused on mommy, the second half invites baby to join in playful movement and song. With breath and awareness, mothers also learn to create a place of peace inside that they can return to in moments of gentle chaos. Variations are given for many of the postures and all levels are welcome.
Pilates (Gentle to Moderate) -Building core strength is the foundation of Pilates exercise. When core muscles are strong and doing their job, as they are trained to do in Pilates, they work in tandem with the more superficial muscles to support the spine and movement. Targeted exercises help you gain control, strength, power and flexibility. You will see and feel your "core" get stronger each week and gain an increased sense of support in your legs and arms. One of the best things about the Pilates method is that it works so well for a wide range of people. Athletes and dancers love it, as do seniors, women rebounding from pregnancy, and people who are at various stages of physical rehabilitation. This basic level class packs a punch for your Pilates 'Powerhouse' - or midriff, in lay terms. Come and see and feel the difference a few weeks can make. "Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure." -Joseph Pilates
Prenatal (Gentle) - Prepare mind, body, spirit and emotions for the transformative experience of birthing! Yoga is the perfect exercise for pregnancy to prepare the body for giving birth, alleviate pregnancy related discomfort, and give moms a repertory of positions to use during labour and delivery. Wear comfortable clothing.
Tai Chi (Gentle) - This introduction to Tai Chi is open to everyone at all fitness levels interested in improving strength, balance, and overall health. Concentrating while practicing the series of movements is a great way to release stress and relax both body and mind. Wear comfortable clothing and solid footwear.
Tango (Moderate) - Discover new passion in your life! Our Tango class will expand your horizons to embrace new dynamic techniques of tango movement and exercise. Our classes will focus on a few main themes to advance your youthful self-expression and body intelligence: 1. Connection to tango technique (learning tango fundamentals); 2. Connection to the ground (balance, posture, and centering); 3.Connection to the music (how tango music influences your dance improvisation); 4. Connection to yourself (breathing and somatic body sensations tuned by tango); 5. Connection to others (communication through dance).Tango is an integration and synergy of dance therapy, sensory awareness, self centering and tango esthetics. Tango is a state of body and mind and a new zest for life! You do not need a partner to start.
Vinyasa (Moderate to vigorous) - Vinyasa is a dynamic yoga practice that incorporates a rhythmic combination of poses linked with the breath while simultaneously emphasizing alignment, balance, stamina and strength. This deeply flowing style encourages breath awareness as it opens and warms the body. All levels are welcome.
Yin & Yang (Power & Passive)
- Class begins slowly with Yin poses which are held longer to deeply
release your body at the connective tissue level. We then move into a
vigorous Yang flow, linking poses with the breath and shedding toxins
at the muscle level. A complete & balanced practice which combines
the "workout" aspect of yoga with the deep healing release and
relaxation aspects. Practicing "Yin" (passive) poses helps you
to go deeper in your "Yang" (power) practice.
All levels of experience welcome at every class!
