This is a class…
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A class designed to introduce students to Ashtanga Yoga. Suitable for beginners and first-timers.
In this class the student will learn about the philosophical foundations of Ashtanga Yoga, the main breathing techniques, the fundamental poses of the Primary Series, as well as chants and mantras.
This class is for preparing beginners for the Primary Series. This preparatory class is a step beyond the Intro class.
It prepares the student for more advanced poses, but it is still suitable for beginners. More advanced students can also benefit from it, as they can refine aspects of the different poses and perfect their practice.
Guided Primary Series practice.
Ashtanga Yoga consists of series, and this is a guided practice of the Primary Series. The Primary Series is called Yoga Chikitsa, which means yoga therapy. The Primary Series is designed to cleanse and detoxify the muscles and internal organs, as well as to help with the body’s alignment.
Anyone that has attended intro and prep classes can participate in these lessons: the teacher will adapt the different poses according to student needs by using variations and modifications, including from the simplest version of a pose to the most complex one.
Shared personal practice
During a Mysore practice, the studio remains open for a specific time slot to allow students to come in and practice, whenever is most convenient for them. Once they complete their personal practice they may exit the studio. It is intended to gather all Mysore practitioners in the same space to share their practice, each person according to where they are in their practice at that time.
Mysore is the traditional style of practicing Ashtanga Yoga, and it is a class in which everyone practices the series individually, according to their personal level. For example, the practice of a beginner will consist solely of Sun Salutations. Over time the teacher will give each student new asanas, making their practice longer and more difficult.
A characteristic of the Mysore style is that the teacher does not lead the students, but rather supervises each student individually. This way the teacher can guide students according to their abilities, skills, and personal needs.
Teacher supervision is aimed at helping students improve performance and optimize alignment, breathing, and other aspects of each asana, which in turn helps them know what to improve and discover new options that will aid them in achieving greater goals. Receiving individualized attention is an excellent way for students to improve and advance in their practice.
Given that it is not a synchronized class, flexibility is managed more gradually, and emphasis may be placed on the poses that each student is struggling with. The goal is that, with commitment and the help of a professional, the students can perfect their practice.
The teacher will adapt the practice to each student so that everyone feels welcome to attend, regardless of their physical condition or knowledge level.
Advanced practitioners will be assigned greater challenges (either because their practice includes more asanas or because they will be assigned the most advanced variations), while beginners will be gradually introduced to the practice. Pregnant and menstruating students, senior citizens, and people with injuries or specific conditions will be assigned a practice that is suitable for their condition.
The only requirements are self-discipline, perseverance, and willpower.
Introduction to the Intermediate Series.
This class is an introduction to the Intermediate (or Second) series for students who master the Primary Series.
This class prepares students for the more intense poses of the Intermediate Series. Variations and modifications of the different poses are included so that all students can access them and enjoy their benefits.
Guided Intermediate Series practice.
Guided practice of the Intermediate Series for students who master the Primary Series and have been attending the Intermediate Series Intro class regularly. The Intermediate Series is called Nadi Shodhana. It is designed to cleanse the nervous system and open the body’s subtle energy channels. The Intermediate Series works on the subtle body.
Vinyasa Flow based on the principles of Ashtanga Yoga.
This is a dynamic class that differs from the series. It is a practice where the teacher strings poses together to form a sequence. Poses are either chosen by the teacher or requested by the students. The class sequence follows the Vinyasa Flow style, which involves the stringing together of poses through movement synchronized with breathing. This class applies the same technical principles as the series: poses, bandhas, and drishti.
These are dynamic and intense practices designed for students who have attended Intro and Prep classes.
Building confidence.
It is an intense class designed for seasoned practitioners. The class focuses on the abdominal area and arm balances to strengthen those areas of the body.
Without a doubt, Arm Balances develop sraddha (confidence), which contributes to the harmonious union of the body, mind, and spirit. It is a practice that strengthens and expands us, builds faith, and drives confidence, self-esteem, and willpower, all through a shared, enjoyable, and balanced experienced.