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Tai Chi Chuan 24 Movement Yang Style
Tai Chi Ch'uan is an ancient martial art and exercise system which is practiced
all over the world today for its health benefits. Tai Chi improves balance,
strength, coordination and circulation, as well as relieving stress and
promoting calmness. In this class we will learn the 24 movement Yang style,
widely practiced in China and here in the US. Classes will include Tai Chi warm
up exercises, instruction in postures, and ongoing discussion of Chinese
philosophical principles embodied in the Tai Chi form.
YOGA
(Scroll down for descriptions of all
classes)
Intro to Yoga Series:
Each series is 4 sessions only (see schedule).
This series are absolutely essential for your yogic development as it will
introduce you to the most important concepts in yoga, without which your
experience in yoga will be greatly limited and possibly unsatisfactory. Think
about it like the way you had to learn the alphabet first before you could
attempt to spell out words let alone enjoy beautiful poems and fascinating
novels.
The Series are recommended before you attempt to go into a harder class if
you have never done yoga. If you are looking to remind yourself of a few things
if you have not done yoga in the last 18 months this will be a good place for
you as well. Also, if you have experienced major set backs due to health related
issues this series will help you reacquaint yourself with your body and its new
abilities and challenges. For info on what is included in the class see
Workshops
and Events. If the Intro To Yoga does not fit your
schedule, or if you wish to start your yoga practice immediately,
you may want to make an appointment for a private session or two at your convenience in
order to be introduced to yoga and gain understanding of the ability and tenancies
of your body.
(A) Real
Beginner/Beginner
This class is exactly the way it sounds - for real
beginners. It is suitable for people coming right out of Intro To Yoga, who feel
like they need a little more courage before they move into a L1 class. We go
slow, have a good time, re-enforce good basics, grow stronger and more flexible
with every class. Open to all interested.
(AA) Beginner/Strong Beginner
These
classes are suitable for beginners and strong beginners. Previous yoga
experience is very strongly recommended although not required. It is important
to have proper foundation and knowledge of yoga prior to attending your first L1
class. It is our experience that people without prior knowledge and experience
in yoga have a difficult time connecting with their body and breath and this is
what a yoga practice is all about. This connection is what gives you the feeling
of relaxed ease and peaceful contentment at the end of your practice. Without
the connection, a yoga class could even be a frustrating experience. Expect the
instructor to provide modifications and options within each pose when such are needed.
Prinayama (breathing techniques) follows the asanas (postures) sequence. The
class ends with relaxation.
In
Val's classes you will experience Sun Salutations, or Moon Salutations during
lunar practices. Val teaches Vinyasa Flow. Each class aims at integrated
mind-body experience, synchronized with the season, the weather and time of day
taking into account ayurvedic principles.
In
Shelley's classes you will experience Sun Salutations at times and other forms
of warm ups at other times. Shelley is very creative with props.
Recommended:
Introduction to Yoga (see our schedule).
(A) 50+Gentle
Yoga
This class is suitable for all wise adults who know that their bodies no
longer feel like jumping and pushing. Realizing the beauty of every stage of
your life is a great gift. This class is an appropriate ratio of cooling and
stretching activity, balance and strength work, mindfulness and surrender. Often
we start seated in chairs and transition from there to standing poses, than to
floor work and to relaxation, ending the class with a short meditative
reflection to savor the beautiful balancing of our energies. Yin Yoga and deep
tissue work is a strong component of the instruction as it enables the student
to maintain flexibility in the hip joints and the spine, which brings about ease
in walking, standing, sitting and just enjoying life.
Yoga Flow (AAA+) and (AAAA)
These
classes are for
advanced beginners, intermediate and experienced students of yoga. Previous yoga
experience is essential for participation in this classes. Although, if you are a
beginner and have no other time availability, you are welcome to attend - just
let Val know she will help you with modifications.
Each class is a
full body balanced experience. These classes focus on strength building,
flexibility, balance, toning, stretching, energy work, and much more. There is
continuity building on previous experience and exploring possibilities at the
same time. At the end of
each class you will enjoy a blissful relaxation. Variety of breathing techniques
are used in these classes. These are Vinyasa Flow classes. During Full Moon and New Moon the classes are
less intense and more grounded often with a few Yin Yoga postures. Each class
aims at full integration of mind and body, synchronized with the season, the weather
and time of day taking into account ayurvedic principles.
Strongly
recommended: At least 6 months of previous yoga experience, and/or Intro to Yoga (see schedule)
.
Sunday
Community Yoga
This
classes are open to all. They are mixed level classes, so if you are a beginner
you may find your self challenged further than you expect at times during the
class. It is very important to all students in this class to understand that
they absolutely must honor their limits and that even the "easiest"
pose can be very challenging if you approach it with interest, inquisitiveness,
full attention and devotion. So, if you are an advanced student, and at times
you find the class to be "going back to basics" remember that the
basics are the building blocks of your entire yoga experience and take this time
to enjoy the maintenance process. By the nature of the class there will be
something for every one - from basics to challenges.
Recommended:
Intro to Yoga (see schedule).
Private
instruction is also available. You must make an
appointment
Private sessions are a great way to get personal
and focused attention. If you have never had yoga before this will be a great
way to start slowly and learn right from the beginning to tailor you practice to
your body's needs and ability. Some people never go to regular classes. They just take
private instruction and practice at home. This is also a very good way to experience yoga if you have
serious disabilities and/or health concerns and you are unable to find a class in which you can
participate comfortably.
Finally,
if you are already a serious participant in classes but feel that you need deeper
understanding and polishing your skills, a private session will help you work
on an area of your choice and provide you with personal attention and feedback
specific to your goals and needs.
No more than 3 people total. Call
for an appointment and cost.
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