Class Descriptions | Upstairs Yoga

Class Descriptions :

GENTLE YOGA

A gentle, bliss-filled, therapeutic practice for anyone seeking a slower paced yoga practice. Perfect for those recovering from injuries or are in the healing process (mentally, physically or emotionally) .... Suitable for anyone who is in need of a relaxing release. The class blends restorative yoga (supported postures), gentle yoga and breath work (Pranayama). Generally just a great way to relax and rejuvenate the body by stretching and meditating in ways that encourage healing, improve range of motion, joint mobility and reduce the effects of stress. Appropriate for all levels.

YIN

Yin yoga is a beautiful compliment to the more yang (active) styles of yoga such as vinyasa. Through long held floor stretches we focus on cultivating deep release not only in the physical body, but the energetic body as well. Postures are typically held anywhere from three to seven minutes, and students are encouraged to relax and surrender into the postures to target the deep connective tissue of the body. Focusing on stillness, pranayama (breath), and meditation, yin offers students a profoundly deep and rewarding experience. This is a great practice for those looking to relax, increase their joint mobility, improve their flexibility, or as a balance to more rigorous forms of exercise. This practice is suitable for all levels.

DEEP STRETCH

This class is suitable for all levels as flexibility is a completely personal journey. This class is for you if you want to balance out the strain we put on our muscles and give them a break! Working on flexibility is vital in keeping our bodies healthy and strong, but don't be fooled, this will not be as easy as you might think. Prepare to be sweating and breathing through the sequence like any other class (although the intensity will be what you make it). Know your limitations walking in, respect them and try to challenge yourself in small, safe steps along the way.

RESTORATIVE

If you are looking for a class that will have you feeling completely blissed-out and relaxed, look no further! Restorative yoga is a very slow paced sequence of seated postures that uses the aid of props to achieve physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. The goal in restorative yoga is to maintain in a posture, without strain or pain, for an extended period of time, allowing your mind and body to completely relax. This class is suitable for all levels and is a great option for healing; physically or emotionally. It is recommended to wear your comfiest clothing!

SLOW RISE FLOW

Slow Rise Flow is exactly as it sounds, slowly waking up the body with a long warm up and eventually making your way to a slow, breath-focused vinyasa flow. Slow Rise is a wonderful way to start your day with intentional movement that will deeper connect you to your mind and body before tackling the rest of your day. All levels are encouraged and welcomed to this class.

VINYASA &

DEEP STRETCH

Vinyasa and Deep Stretch works to build heat that helps to strengthen and detoxify, followed by cooling poses to calm the mind and relax the body. Through the Vinyasa portion we will strengthen and stretch our larger muscle groups with a combination of static poses and dynamic movement. Afterwards, we will cool down and target the deeper connective tissue with longer held postures. This class is highly beneficial for those looking for balance in their yoga practice as well as those looking to relax, build strength, and improve flexibility. This practice is suitable for all levels.

VINYASA

Vinyasa (in Sanskrit) is translated to: To place in a special way. This class is a flow that introduces both alignment and breath combined with conscious movement. Allowing the breath to guide your movement will help the body flow in and out of asanas (poses) quite seamlessly. Vinyasa classes might lead you to a peak pose, a peak flow, or be centered around a theme (heart opening, chakras, etc.) and will help you build strength, mobility, and confidence in your practice. This class is suitable for everyone, from a beginner to an advanced yogi.

WAKE UP VINYASA

Wake Up Vinyasa invites you to start your day with a little bit of sweat! Experience continual movement in a harmonious flow centered around breath-to-movement connection, creative transitions, and having fun with your yoga practice. We recommend this class to intermediate to advanced practitioners, but if you are a beginner bring an open mind and a willingness to take modifications where you need them. This class is the perfect combination of alignment, flow, strengthening, and fun. Drop your ego at the door and join us for Wake Up Vinyasa!

POWER VINYASA

As the body becomes more comfortable in integrating breath and mindful movement, Power Vinyasa will take you through a faster paced, invigorating style of yoga focusing on building strength, endurance and flexibility. In turn, our Power Vinyasa will help the mind connect with the body, relieving stress and anxiety, while simultaneously challenging your muscles. Expect a workout! This class is recommended for intermediate to advanced yogis, if you are unsure as to whether or not this class is for you, begin with the Wake Up Vinyasa class and check in with your body and mind to see if an additional challenge is appropriate.

PRENATAL YOGIS

Although we do not currently offer any classes specific to prenatal yoga, many of our classes are appropriate for those who are expecting. Such as gentle yoga, yin, deep stretch, restorative, and slow rise flow, depending on how far along you are. Before attending a class, please speak with your doctor to make sure yoga is appropriate for you, let your teacher know that you are expecting, and be aware of your limits (no twisting, making space for the baby, avoid inversions, etc.).

Dictionary:

Asanas (ah-sah-nah) - This simply means " yoga poses".

Pranayama (prah-nah-yah-ma) - Breathing exercises to either calm the body or invigorate the spirit depending on the breath and practice. There are many forms of Pranayama and the breath will depend on the desired outcome.

Vinyasa (vin-yah-sah) - Another word for "flow" or "sequence". A vinyasa based class will be a sequence of movements all strung together to create a graceful flow, combined with conscious breath. Focuses on inhales, exhales, and simultaneous body movements.