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Karma Yoga Studio currently offers the following types of classes. If you still have questions after reading the class descriptions below, please don't hesitate to contact us!
Please note that unless noted otherwise in the descriptions below, all classes are taught at a temperature of 72 to 75 degrees F.
There are many different styles of yoga being practiced around the world. All yoga styles are based on the practice of physical postures (also called poses, or asanas) and some styles also incorporate additional elements such as breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, or chanting. Each style empasizes different postures, different ways of sequencing these postures, and different ways of combining elements.
PHYSIOYOGA™
PhysioYoga is a style that was developed at Karma Yoga Studio and is presently taught only at the Cambridge studio.
Gentle PhysioYoga : This class is designed as the perfect introduction to yoga, for absolutely any and every one. No one can ever feel out of place in this class, and everyone will feel they belong. The class is a mild practice session that is entirely appropriate for true beginners, more experienced students looking for a gentle stretch, or even for persons with minor injuries or physical limitations. This class is also appropriate during pregnancy (just let the teacher know that you are expecting at the start of the class). The overall pace is slow and steady, with gentle warm-ups and attention to the details of each posture. This class is a very educational class, but it is also very laid back. If you believe that laughter is good for the soul, that your teacher should view you as an equal, and if you like world of music--not just yoga music--there is a good chance that this is a class for you.
Moderate PhysioYoga : This class is designed for intermediate to advanced practitioners. Students will learn the anatomical alignments of the classic intermediate-level yoga postures in a way that protects your body and creates results. We will also explore variations and techniques that will help us gain a deeper understanding of the poses, give us more effective stretching, and build better strength and body awareness.
Core Strength PhysioYoga : Target your "power-house" muscles with a group of focused exercises that develop and build your core strength. The "core", or "power-house", is the torso of our bodies and it includes such major muscle groups as the abdominals and the paraspinals (the muscles that support the back). When we have a strong and flexible torso we can better support our whole body, enhance our posture, and improve the function of our digestive process. (Not to mention getting those abs!)
OTHER SPECIALIZED YOGA STYLES
(alphabetically listed)
The following classes are taught by certified instructors specialized in each of the
following yoga styles:
Asana in Motion : Explore new depths of spatial and body awareness through a constant flow of movement within every asana. Whether by flowing into and out of a pose, or by finding circular movement within the pose itself, we reach into and open up locked spaces in the body. In this unique style, we help the student find their maximum potential by creatively exploring every potentiality throughout the practice. Yogis of all levels are welcome and encouraged to bring with them a sense of play.
Ashtanga Yoga : Ashtanga yoga is the original source of all Vinyasa (Flow) and Power yoga. It is a traditional, vigorous system that focuses on coordination of movement with the breath through a set series of postures. Ashtanga has a grounding, meditative quality that builds strength in the body and mind. This introductory class (Level 1 series) is appropriate for new students and those with a basic understanding of the practice. We'll move through Sun Salutations, the standing series, some seated poses, beginning backbends and finishing postures.
Anusara Yoga : The Anusara style blends a spiritual context, which awakens and celebrates the heart, with the Universal Principles of Alignment, which bring the body toward its optimal muscular, skeletal, and energetic blueprint. Anusara translates as "stepping into the flow of grace" and is a practice that emphasizes freedom and honors individuality.
Beats and Grooves Yoga : Experience this feel-good Vinyasa (flow) practice to detoxify and enliven your mind, body, and soul. The vibe is simultaneously challenging and chill with a soundtrack of Hip Hop, Brit Pop, R&B, Reggae, and Jazz. Newcomers are encouraged to discover what this “yoga thing” is all about, while "yoga heads" are invited to deepen their practice. Saunter out lighter, happier, and inspired, humming your new favorite song as you leave the studio. See you on the mat!
Bring-Your-Own-Baby Yoga : This all-levels vinyasa flow class is tailored to students who have recently become new parents and still need their yoga! It's an hour of breathing and flowing asanas that will either include the baby, or leave room for the baby to rest while Mom or Dad fits in some practice. A loving environment and open to parents & their babies that are 18 months or younger.
Core-centric Vinyasa (Flow) Yoga : When the core is strong, the entire body is more connected and relaxed. With this concept in mind, we will flow through a strong sequence of poses focusing on core stability. Students of any level should come ready to work hard in a light-hearted atmosphere. Develop a stronger body, a calmer mind, and—most importantly—have fun.
Core Vinyasa (Flow) Yoga : [this class is taught in a room that is slightly heated] Core Vinyasa is a flowing style of yoga that integrates breathwork, movement, core-strength and awareness. This class is accompanied by music and held in a slightly heated room to promote detoxification and flexibility. With moderate pacing and subtle reminders of moving from the center, we keep the body and mind fully engaged in the present moment. Our core is both our literal & energetic center of our balance and strength. Many of us shut down around this area causing back pain, mis-aligned posture, suppressed emotions, and even poor digestion. Awaken your core and become strong & resilient both on and off your mat!
Core Power Yoga : [this class is taught in a room heated to aprox. 90 degrees F] This class is similar to the flowing, dynamic Power Yoga class (see description below), but with an added focus on the core. We will work on all of the major abdominal muscles in creative ways to access and build the strength to move to the next level on the mat. The core can offer us lightness and stability which can transform your practice! As you grow stronger, you'll be able to move deeper into challenging poses, discover better alignment, and find your body at more ease in every day life.
Deep Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga : Every level is welcome to this all levels vinyasa (flow) class that combines dynamic breath work, movement, and deep holds with a focus on improving balance, alignment and posture. Poses are held for a longer time to delve deeper into our internal body and awareness. You will gain flexibility, as well as tone the whole body and build core strength, and will leave feeling rejuvenated and energized.
Dynamic Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga : In this rich vinyasa (flow) style class, shed all self-imposed limitations, purify the body with a challenging asana (pose) practice, quiet the mind with breath and meditation, and enter the Temple of your Soul in Savasana (final relaxation).
Elemental Vinyasa (Flow) Yoga : A fusion of Flow (Vinyasa-style) Yoga and bodywork, this style features frequent isometric stretches, innovative use of props, and creative sequencing. A synergy of long holds, a slow flow of poses seamlessly linked by the breath, and extensive alignment instruction, Elemental Yoga is designed to promote myofascial release and expansion while enhancing students' self-knowledge and body awareness in order to shift long-held patterns of thought and movement.
Elemental Restorative Yoga : This restorative yoga therapeutics class involves carefully sequenced and artfully propped restorative yoga postures designed to balance the nervous system and emotional body. In these postures, the entire body stretches gently while supported by yoga props such as bolsters and blankets. Individually-designed support in each posture helps to minimize muscle contraction and to quiet blood pressure, heart rate, and brain function. Gentle guided meditation and basic breathwork techniques help create a safe space for the emergence of practitioners' innate wisdom and healing capacity.
Embodycore™ Yoga : This "integrated" core class is a multi-layered experience that incorporates our energetic, emotional and physical centers. In this fun and challenging class we will learn to experience and enliven our entire core, increasing vitality, stability and laghima (lightness)! Discover your optimal inner alignment as you establish abdominal strength without compromising energetic and emotional connection. Playful flows will build on the templates of embodyoga,® purifying systems, strengthening and integrating. Deep holds release tension while balancing and recharging the nervous system. This class is set to a lively playlist and held in a warm room.
Embodyoga™ Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga : The classical teachings of Iyengar (alignment-based Hatha) and Ashtanga (traditional Vinyasa) are combined with the work of Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, founder of the School of Body-Mind Centering, in this modern yoga style. Body-Mind Centering infuses the traditional practices of yoga with various movement modalities and therapies. A typical class will flow through some mindful namaskar (sun salutations) sequencing, warming & opening the entire body. Warmth, awareness, stability and integration at the core will be emphasized through this initial series. Throughout the practice attention will be given to proper alignment, appropriate and enhancing breathwork, diaphramatic and organ support, as well as yogic physiology. There will be time in the last half of class to move deeply into specific inquiries allowing students to experience the sweetness that balanced effort and surrender have to offer.
Forrest Yoga : [this class is taught in a room heated to aprox. 80 degrees F] This is an inspiring yoga practice that helps you connect to your core - getting strong and centered. Forrest Yoga uses heat, deep breathing and vigorous sequences to sweat out toxins. The long holds in the pose progressions help you flush, oxygenate and rejuvenate every cell. Learning to work honestly at your edges, you develop effective tools to deal with fear and struggle. This makes it possible for integrity, self awareness and playful curiosity to become part of your daily life. Forrest Yoga does not require strength or flexibility; it only requires that you bring a willingness to learn how to feel authentically and respond honestly.
Fundamentals of Flow (Vinyasa): This class is great for those new to yoga who have always wanted to try vinyasa flow yoga classes but were not sure where to begin or needed a slower pace. This class is appropriate for students new to yoga as well as for more seasoned practitioners who want to refine their technique and refresh their understanding of the fundamentals. Through mindful work and attention to the breath, students will learn safe alignment in basic postures and sun salutations. Students will build strength, flexibility, balance, and awareness to prepare to enter more advanced classes safely. Classes incorporate poses (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), and guided meditation.
Hatha Yoga : This general yoga style utilizes the classical yoga postures and different sequencing depending on the instructor for the purpose of strengthening, opening, and cleansing the body. In Hatha-style classes, the poses are held by the practitioner for varying lengths of time (depending on the instructor), unlike in Vinyasa-style classes where the poses are linked and create a flowing movement from one pose to the next (see Vinyasa description below). Please note that this general-style class is conducted in a unique way by each different instructor--so Hatha with one teacher might not be the same experience as Hatha with another teacher.
Hip-Pop & Rock Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga : Have you ever wanted to (or do you) practice to your I-pod on shuffle? Then this is your flow. A vinyasa flow class set to up-beat pop, rock & dance music. It's time to leave your serious yoga face at the door and get your groove on. All levels welcome, open mind mandatory, singing optional.
Jivamukti Yoga : Description coming soon.
Joyful Vinyasa (Flow) Yoga : This is a dynamic, athletic, vinyasa (Ashtanga-based) style of yoga that develops your core strength, stability, balance and flexibility by connecting movement with purposeful breath. Be prepared to move and sweat, and leave feeling joyful, loving, fearless!
Kripalu Energy Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga : Kripalu vinyasa yoga emphasizes finding a state of flow between postures, guided by coordination of movement and conscious breath. Classes begin with core warm ups and build to standing sequences that stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Instruction focuses on breath, alignment, and cultivation of inner awareness. Join this invigorating practice to add energy and strength to your day.
Kundalini Yoga : Open to all students, Kundalini is an ancient practice which incorporates breathing, yoga postures, mantras, mudras and meditations. These five components are used in specific combinations or sequences called Kriyas. Kriyas enable the creative energy (Kundalini) to flow and circulate up the spine. Through this process the body, mind and spirit are brought together in an integrated experience of the universal self.
Prebaby/Prenatal Yoga : This class utilizes the principles of prenatal yoga to support anyone anticipating the arrival of a child, helping ease the stress placed on the body and mind during this special time. Through gentle asanas (yoga postures), pranayam (breathwork), meditation, and the conscious creation of community, this nurturing practice promotes a grounded, centered and supportive approach to this life-changing event. All parents-to-be from all different types of families-in-creation are welcome to attend. Partners welcome.
Power Yoga : [this class is taught in a room heated to aprox. 90 degrees F] Sweat, Surrender, Serenity! Practiced in a heated room, Power Yoga is a challenging vinyasa-based style of yoga focused on building heat to burn away mental, physical, and emotional toxins. We'll flow on the rhythm of the breath through Sun Salutations and use the heat to move further into the body with progressively more intense poses. Often described as a meditation in motion, Power Yoga offers an active and intense practice meant to quiet your mind as you detoxify the body and cultivate the energy of the breath. Emphasizing safety and alignment, modifications will be offered so that everyone can work at their own pace with their own authentic breath. You will leave feeling stronger, centered and refreshed.
Radiant Core Slow Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga : This slow but strong vinyasa class focuses on core strength and stability. We will place special emphasis on the front abdominals, back muscles, obliques, shoulders and hips. The class is paced so that students can enjoy deep, enlivening breathing and optimal alignnment. Stand taller, grow stronger, and feel rejuvenated from the inside out. All levels are most welcome.
Slow Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga : As the name indicates, this class slows down the pace of a regular vinyasa-style yoga class and breaks down poses in order to focus more on breath and alignment. Because of the slower pace of this class, the student is enabled to breathe more deeply into each
posture, increasing flexibility and strength while allowing extra focus
on alignment. In this mindful yoga practice, you will release tightness and gain strength in a nurturing environment.
Vinyasa (Flow) Yoga : [this class may be taught in a heated room--see if "heated" is marked on the schedule next to the class name] A very popular contemporary yoga style, this class requires a good-working knowledge of the basic yoga postures. The class leads through a series of breath-synchronized postures which are linked to one another through a flowing movement--thus "flowing" into one another and inspiring the style name, Flow Yoga. The class harmonizes each movement of the body to each breath taken, so the breath is not forced to follow the actions of the body as occurs with other forms of exercise. Some Flow classes will use a heated room--see if "heated" is specified on the class schedule. Please note that this general-style class is conducted in a unique way by each different instructor--so Vinyasa with one teacher might not be the same experience as Vinyasa with another teacher.
Yin Yoga : This lusciously slow and meditative practice is the yogic prescription for chronic tension, feelings of overwhelm, longterm physical imbalance, and/or exhaustion. It is the perfect compliment to more vigorous yoga styles, and a great balancer for high-stress living. Through the elegant combination of appropriate asana and gentle timing, Yin Yoga deeply stretches and nourishes the joints of the body, helping to generate much greater flexibility and core-level relaxation. Yin Yoga is not boring -- the poses and cues will challenge and inspire you -- and the relaxation is mindful and deep. The practice is designed to bring your Central Nervous System into "Rest, Digest and Restore" mode, where healing work at the cellular level can occur—like digestion, muscle repair, scar tissue production, organ detoxification and emotional processing. Think of it as an efficient way to catch up on all that sleep you missed over the years! Yin yoga sequences are often linked to Meridian theory, similar to the practice of acupuncture, and can help open up and balance the body's energetic pathways.
Yin Yang Yoga : This balanced class offers two equally valuable practices to bring harmony into your life. Sometimes referred to as "needle-less acupuncture," Yin Yoga is a deeply relaxing style of yoga based on the meridians of chinese medicine. The Yang component of class is an invigorating, heart-pumping flow. Move stagnant energy, increase range of motion and build strength all in one practice.
Yoga Happy Hour : This fun class, perfect for the end of the work week, is a steady flow of dynamic, energizing poses that develop core strength, stability, flexibility and balance by connecting movement with purposeful breath. Be prepared to move and sweat in this upbeat, music filled, one hour class and leave energized and ready to enjoy your Friday nights and weekend!
Wake Up Groove Vinyasa (Flow) Yoga : Hop out of bed and start shaking! This class has a Forrest-inspired flow, mixed with some core work, and accompanied by an upbeat pop/rock/house playlist. Better than caffeine in the morning!
Weekend Wind-Down Restorative Yoga: Feeling stressed and tired on Fridays? Overworked or Overwhelmed by the end of the week? Come recharge in this experience of delicious deep relaxation for body and mind. Restorative yoga focuses on restful, supported postures that gently unwind your body, allowing you to rejuvenate and restore. You'll experience a deep release of tension and stress while promoting mental calm. Poses are held passively for 5-10 minutes. Props such as blankets and blocks completely support the body to promote the relaxation response. You'll leave feeling rested, rejuvenated, clearer, and calmer. An essential class for every student of yoga. This class is appropriate during and after pregnancy and for anyone recovering from injury, surgery, or illness. Open to all ages and all levels. No experience necessary.
NOT YOGA!
(alphabetically listed)
The following classes are taught at our studio because they complement, enrich, or are related to the practice of yoga.
Chi Kung : The Chinese equivalent of yoga, this is an ancient exercise that uses simple flowing movements, breath control, and "standing" meditation. Easily accessible to beginners, it is an excellent tool to promote overall strength in the body, freedom in the joints, and calmness in the mind.
Nia : This dynamic mind-body-spirit workout combines elements of dance, martial arts, yoga, and awareness techniques. Balancing technical precision with free-form expression, this transformational movement practice will increase your levels of stability, mobility, agility, and flexibility. Nia classes are integrative, exhilarating, and most of all, FUN!
Pilates (mat class) : This yoga-influenced exercise program is a uniquely transformational method of body conditioning appropriate for people of all ages and abilities. Pilates focuses on improving core strength while lengthening and stretching all the other muscle groups. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. It teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. This class is taught as a "mat" class (i.e., using a yoga mat). No matter who we are or what shape we are in, we feel how Pilates enhances the everyday activities of our lives - whether it’s just bending over to pick up the newspaper or running a 26-mile marathon. Come join us, this class is a complete and fun workout for everyone. |
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