Class descriptions
While it is best to establish a practice and come to classes regularly, drop-ins are always welcome. Most classes are on-going, except where otherwise noted. No pre-registration required, and you can begin any time--just arrive a few minutes early!
Absolute Beginner Yoga: Jill
Always wanted to try yoga but think you’re not flexible enough? Or maybe you're not sure where to start. Absolute Beginners Yoga is just for you! Over four weeks this class will introduce you to some background in philosophy, history, yoga postures, breathing, stretching and relaxation. The classes are relaxed and informative and will give you the information you need to decide whether yoga is right for you. *Next session to be offered in the fall, Thursdays 5 - 6 p.m.
Ashtanga Yoga, An Introduction: Jill
A level I/II flow class that will tone and strengthen your body and increase your flexibility while providing a cardio workout. This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat
and a purifying sweat that detoxifies
muscles and organs and can create the conditions for a meditative experience. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Belly Dancing: Chris
Learn the ancient art and basic techniques of belly dancing in an 8-week period. Exercise while you dance, and dance while you exercise! Enjoy all the benefits of dance and use all the muscle groups in the body as you learn this graceful dance of the Middle East. Belly dancing provides a way to relax, overcome stress, increase creativity and imagination, build your confidence and increase your energy. In this class you will learn a dance choreography and put your own style and interpretation into the dance for free form and self-expression. Suitable for beginners as well as more experienced dancers.
Gentle Yoga for Relaxation: Jill
This gentle-level practice will help you to relieve stress and realize the ultimate goal of yoga, which is to reach complete peacefulness of body, mind and spirit. In turn, you will learn how to better manage stress and anxiety. This class is also appropriate for anyone seeking a gentle, relaxed practice, including students who are pregnant or those suffering from fibromaligia or arthritis, limited flexibility or mobility, or for anyone recovering from an illness or injury.
Happy Hour Yoga: Jill
Had a stressful week at work? Come decompress with "Happy Hour Yoga" on Fridays! Reduce your stress. Learn how to breathe. Increase flexibility and strength. Smile while you enjoy a good Yoga workout. Come laugh, relax, and have fun with us. A relaxed class suitable for beginners and students of all levels.
Mindfulness Meditation: Jan
Jan Baker will offer monthly Mindfulness Meditation sessions this summer. Visit our schedule page later this month for dates and times. Mindfulness Meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh is the practice of conscious breathing while living deeply in the present moment. Sessions will include silent, seated and walking meditation along with some guided meditation. For beginners and experienced meditators alike. Open to the public and free of charge. No need to register; just drop in.
Pilates: Lisa*This class is being cancelled for the summer
Pilates is a form of of isometric exercise developed and practiced to simultaneously stretch, strengthen, tone, and align the body, while eliminating excess tension and strain on the joints. Pilates-style workouts have been used by dancers and athletes for decades. It is a balanced blend of strength and flexibility training that improves posture, reduces stress and creates long, lean muscles without bulking. Through regular attendance to this class, students will learn basic Pilates principles and movements, gain core strength and flexibility, and learn essential breathing techniques. Suitable for beginners and experienced students alike looking for a moderately challenging workout.
Restorative Yoga*: Jan
Also known as "blanket yoga," Restorative Yoga is the most gentle yoga class offered. Supported poses will help balance and restore your energy. Classes will also include breathing practices, and guidelines will be offered for managing energy and maintaining equilibrium of the body/mind. Treat yourself to a relaxing and uplifting session of Restorative Yoga! A gentle class suitable for all levels.
*Offered monthly during Jan Baker's final Yoga Basics class of the month
Next session: Monday, August 30th, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Tai Chi: Kaethe*Next 8-week session beginning in the fall
Tai Chi has been called everything from a moving meditation to an art form. In this class, we will find out for ourselves why. Along with being a viable self-defense, this form can bend and move every muscle in the body in 8-9 minutes. We will use Taoist qi gong, short meditation, and the Bejing 24 Tai chi form in this class. The intent of the class is to help students to experience the integration of mind body and spirit so the feeling can be found outside of class. We will learn how to feel our body at peace and allow the mind and spirit to follow. Appropriate for both beginners and experienced students of Tai Chi.
Yoga Basics: Jan, Jill
Ideal for beginners, this class offers an introduction to classic Yoga postures,
including standing poses, inversions, backbends, twists, forward bends,
and restoratives. Emphasis will be placed on alignment (in Jan's class) and movement and awareness of breath (in Jill's). Props such as blankets, straps,and blocks will be incorporated to allow students to practice safely. Appropriate for beginners or students who want to learn more about foundations of yoga practice.
Yoga Fundamentals: Jason
Focusing on the fundamentals of Hatha Yoga, this class is open level and suitable both for beginners and more experienced students wishing to advance and deepen their yoga practice. This thoughtfully-constructed class will explore proper alignment and body awareness, along with emphasis on elements of yoga philosophy, as students learn and deepen their experience and understanding of Hatha yoga.
Yoga Level I: Jill
This is a moderate-level class for the student who has some yoga experience and wants to advance his/her practice, or for the beginning student who is physically fit. Classes will cover classic yoga poses and explore new and more challenging postures each week to enable students to deepen and expand their experience and practice.
Yoga Level II: Jason
An intermediate-level class, this class focuses on Hatha Yoga Asana fundamentals. Structural and functional patterns and themes are highlighted and foundational principles of movement and stillness of form are demonstrated in their integrity to a strong Hatha Yoga practice. With an intention of educating and empowering students, personal instructor attention and adjustments make this a highly interactive and valuable experience to build a practice that will serve students well, on and off the mat! For those seeking a greater level of depth and challenge in their practice.
Zumba®: Jenn
Lose the workout and join the party! Zumba®classes fuse hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a fun and energizing experience! The routines feature intervals of fast and slow rhythms and resistance training combined to tone and sculpt your body while you move. Come and enjoy the fusion of Latin and international music with a dynamic workout! *Please help us protect the bamboo floor by bringing athletic shoes with you. Also, Zumba classes are for adults and those aged 16 and up.
