Styles and Descriptions of Yoga at SMC
The bedrock of all styles of yoga rests in the cultivation of mindfulness, steadiness, and bliss within our beings. Finding a style and challenge level that is appropriate for your being is key in building a yoga practice that supports your whole being and personal growth.
Gentle to Moderate Classes
Anusara Flow
The poses in Anusara Yoga are considered to be “heart-oriented,” and are expressed from “inside out.” Instead of only trying to control the body and mind from the outside, the poses originate from a deep artistic feeling inside. The flow is to keep you moving but connecting with a different emphasis then a vinyasa flow
Back Essentials
If you have ever experienced back pain, don’t despair, you are not alone. This class focuses on prevention and the biomechanics of the back. A yoga therapy approach will help strengthen, lengthen and properly align the spine.
Fitness Stretch
Not quite ready for a full yoga class. Learn how to release the tension in your muscles and nervous system. A series of stretches and yoga poses to help bridge the gap between fitness and Yoga. This class is for all fitness enthusiasts who need to learn how to stretch and relax their muscles to remain injury free. All levels
The Cool Down
The breath is the most important element of yoga and for that matter life. It is truly an instrument of change, both physically and mentally. This short 30-minute class is geared towards understanding the mechanics of the breath and its deep impact in the body and mind. Most of the class will be done lying down. No prior yoga experience is necessary.
Hatha-Vinyasa
“Flow and hold” fusion of hatha and vinyasa styles of yoga to improve
concentration, inner strength, and endurance.
Candlelight Yoga and Meditation
A Vinyasa Flow class that begins with meditation session designed to relax the mind and rejuvenate the spirit. Let the glow of the candles set the mood and feel the stress of the week melt away.
Teen Yoga
Teens live in a stressful world and need a place to go to relax and live free of expectations. This class will provide that and more. Learn what poses and movements relieve pressure in the neck and shoulders. Learn how to breathe to relieve the stress before a test or anytime you find yourself anxious. This class is conducted in a warm/hot room to help your muscles relax even when your mind is resistant. Upbeat music and lighthearted in attitude.
Yoga Simply
A gentle and active yoga instruction incorporating therapeutic touch, guided deep breathing, relaxation techiques and meditation. Embracing the power of yoga to nourish and heal the body, and reduce stress to create a mindset of well-being.
Vinyasa Energetics Class Description
This class focuses on building greater awareness of energetics of asana’. Using simple flow sequences like classic Sun Salutations, breathing techniques, and dynamic movements within postures, you will discover how the energy (prana) moves in your body.
Moderate to Challenging Classes
Hot Power Flow
Vinyasa flow yoga in a room heated above 98ºF to increase detoxification and promote weight loss.
Vinyasa Flow
Challenging and flowing yoga postures corresponding with breath inhalation or exhalation to create a dynamic mind-body experience.
Hot Power Vinyasa Flow
Feel the warmth of the room flow through those stubbornly tight muscles. A level 2 Power Flow class in a 98ºF room. Designed to increase detoxification and promote weight loss
Align and Flow
An exploratory, slower type of flow, with emphasis on proper alignment for poses in the Vinyasa Flow sequence. This “back to basics” class is meant to safely enhance the benefits of your practice and deepen your yoga experience through perfecting your poses. Great for those newer to the Vinyasa flow style of yoga, while challenging and strenuous enough for the experienced yogi.
Yoga for Athletes
A fast paced practice, with emphasis on using core strength and internal stability to move through and within the poses. This practice also targets specific areas and muscles groups where athletes tend to get tight. The Athlete will be able to exhibit their natural strengths and build internal heat to increase flexibility in those areas, and help to avoid injury. Good for any all around athlete and the avid “gym-goer”.