Yoga Level 1-2
Yoga Level 1-2 and other intermediate level yoga classes are geared toward students who have some yoga experience and are looking to deepen their practice. Not sure where to start? Contact us, and we'll be happy to offer guidance.
Yoga Level 1-2
Building on the foundation of Level 1 classes, Yoga Level 1-2 includes more postures for the advanced beginner and some preparations for a Level 2 practice. Level 1-2 classes typically emphasize building strength and endurance in postures, refining alignment, and working with more challenging variations on basic postures. Level 1-2 is designed for continuing students who have taken Level 1 classes and who are familiar with basic standing and seated poses. Level 1-2 is not intended for students who are new to yoga.
Iyengar Yoga All Levels
Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga, based on the teachings of BKS Iyengar. This class emphasizes the importance of precision, alignment, and attention to detail in order to cultivate vitality of body and clarity of mind. Through the asanas, we explore the balance of stability and flexibility and work to bring intelligence and awareness into our actions, both on and off the mat. Props are used to enhance and/or modify the posture. Each class is thoughtfully sequenced and welcomes both the beginner and the more seasoned practitioner.
Stretch, Strengthen and Align
This class offers techniques to strengthen muscles, correct common imbalances, recruit breath to promote core functioning and release deeply held tension in body and mind so that you can feel better in your everyday activities. We combine traditional yoga poses with breathwork, self-myofascial release, corrective exercises, passive muscle release, stretch, and exploratory movement. Each week we target a specific relationship between regions of the body to build awareness and help you find your optimal alignment.
Supportive Yoga for Larger Bodies
Do you have a large, round, or curvy body? Think yoga isn't for you or struggling to make yoga work for you? Want to learn new ways to support your body in your practice? In this class, you will learn to stretch, strengthen, and build endurance with a yoga practice designed to complement your individual shape. Michelle will help you explore all the amazing possibilities for your yoga practice with pacing, posture sequences, and variations on common poses that are specifically adapted for your body. More
Yoga from the Inside Out - Level 1-2
The relationships we have with ourselves is a window into how we approach and operate in life at large. This Level 1-2 class weaves philosophical explorations into the asana practice, inviting curiosity for how what we do on the mat can influence how we live life off the mat. Tools for emotional regulation, unwinding stress patterns, cultivating compassion, increasing mindfulness, and cultivating confidence are examples of things you'll be invited to explore.
Yoga and Functional Movement
Part of the magic of yoga is that it invites us to move into body positions that are outside our habitual patterns. In this way we rediscover flexibility and build strength. Functional movement adds to that repertoire, emphasizing simpler forms that provide similar benefits. When both are employed with the breath, yoga and its impact grow. This class is most appropriate for students comfortable in a Level 1-2 practice.
Yoga and Mei Padam
Mei Padam is a system of body-mind conditioning geared toward improving physical fitness, enhancing cognitive functioning, and maximizing physiological wellness. It complements our yoga practice with dynamic yet safe rotational movements and rhythmic breathing. Mei Padam practices can help build lung and heart capacity, balance the nervous system, and improve spatial awareness and coordination.
Mei Padam can be described as what we call today "functional training." Sixth century Tamil sages and warriors would have not described it in such terms, but they certainly developed a powerful system that addresses the body and the mind as a whole rather than training specific areas. Their trained breath helped them balance their nervous system and clear their mind. Their trained body afforded them stamina, vitality, and precision of movement. Their trained mind could assess developing situations and respond skillfully. Our modern struggles may look very different from theirs, but all those capabilities are as relevant now as they were centuries ago.
Your body, mind, and breath are the only equipment needed for the practice of Yoga and Mei Padam. This class is designed for level 1-2 yoga students.
See samples of Mei Padam movements with Eduardo here and here.