We are proud to offer a variety of classes and levels. Students of any level are welcome to all of our classes. Our experienced instructors are here to support you and will show you how to adapt the practice to your personal needs.
The below are general guidelines to help you find the class that best fits your needs!
CLASS TYPES
The word Yoga is derived from the sanskrit root yuj, which means “to yoke”; the yoking of the individual soul (Atman) or sense of self with the external, universal soul (Brahman). Yoga embraces a wide range of disciplines whose ultimate goal is the joining of body, mind and spirit, a conscious unification into Oneness. Many yoga styles are derived from Hatha yoga sequencing, which is the physical practice of yoga. There are many types of physical practice, such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Anusara, Kundalini, Kripalu, and Bikram. Below are some basic descriptions of the different yoga styles primarily offered at Yoga Mandali.
Vinyasa — Students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next. Vinyasa is also the term used to describe a specific sequence of poses, or asanas, (commonly Chaturanga to Upward-Facing Dog to Downward-Facing Dog), along with Sun Salutations, which help warm up the body for deeper opening and longer holds. Ashtanga, Baptiste Yoga, Jivamukti, Power Yoga, and Prana Flow could all be considered vinyasa yoga.
Kripalu — A gentle approach to asana practice that emphasizes meditation and breathwork, and encourages inward focus and spiritual attunement. It begins by understanding your body, and figuring out how it manages in different poses, as all bodies are different and we must take this individuality into consideration always. There is a focus on "press points" that are attuned to your body, so that you will gradually learn not to do poses in the ways prescribed by the books and experts, but in a way that best suits your body.
Restorative — A restorative yoga sequence typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends. Most restorative practices are based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.
Yin — A slow-paced style of yoga with asanas that are held for longer periods of time, which often ranges from 1-5 minutes, depending on the practitioner. Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body (the tendons, fascia, and ligaments) with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A more meditative approach to yoga, yin aims at cultivating awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality.
Prenatal + Postnatal — Practices uniquely designed to support pregnant moms-to-be and new moms, both emotionally and physically. With an emphasis on breathing, stamina, pelvic floor work, restorative poses, and core strength, Prenatal Yoga can help you become more resilient during and after pregnancy. While Postnatal Yoga helps restore your body and relieve the tightness that comes after pregnancy and labor. These classes are also designed with an emphasis on helping you reclaim your body!
NEW TO YOGA?
Whether you’re new to the practice or new to Yoga Mandali, we want you to feel comfortable and at ease entering our space!
