about yoga
Yoga has something to offer everyone. It is an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years. Through proper alignment of postures, yoga develops strength and flexibility. Using pranayama (breath practice), it cultivates mindfulness, balance and relaxation.
What To Expect in a Yoga Class
All classes are rejuvenating and relaxing. Classes typically start with a pranayama centering practice and then flow through a series of poses, called asanas. The asana practice is designed to move the body in different directions, encouraging strength, flexibility & balance. Pranayama practice calms the mind & encourages focus & well being. We offer classes that emphasize different aspects of practice. Please see our Schedule or talk with us for more information. Many yoga classes use the Sanskrit word Namaste at the beginning or end of class. It is a greeting that means “I acknowledge and honor the light in you.”
Preparing for Class
Plan to arrive a few minutes early so that we can start & end promptly
as well as give you a moment to settle in and relax.
Please leave cell phones outside the studio. Yoga is about unplugging from distraction.
Please remove shoes & leave them in the cubes near the front door. Yoga is done barefoot. Wear comfortable clothing that you can move & breathe in.
Mats are available for use, but if you become a regular we encourage you to get your own so that it suits you & feels like home. You are investing a lot of time & energy into this little rectangle of space! We have mats for sale if you need one in our Boutique.
Be sure & let the instructor know if you have any special concerns or injuries before class. Remember that while yoga can be challenging, it should not hurt - feel free to leave out or modify anything according to your intuition - take care of yourself & enjoy the process…
Practice Is Perfect
Ultimately, a yoga practice is best done consistently. The progress of your practice is not about how flexible you are or how your poses look, but about how you approach each class. The reward is the journey. Make the commitment & discover the power of yoga!
Yoga Postures
This is a list of some common yoga postures, or asanas. Click on the terms to learn more. But don't worry - we teach in English and just sprinkle a little Sanskrit in...
Sanskrit English
Adho Mukha Svanasana Downward-Facing Dog
Adho Mukha Vrksasana Handstand (Downward-Facing Tree)
Anjali Mudra Salutation Seal
Ardha Chandrasana Half Moon
Ardha Matsyendrasana Half Spinal Twist
Baddha Konasana Bound Angle
Bakasana Crane
Balasana Child's Pose (relaxation)
Bharadvajasana Bharadvaja's Twist
Bhujangasana Cobra
Chakrasana Wheel
Chaturanga Dandasana Four-Limbed Staff
Dandasana Staff pose
Dhanurasana Bow
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana One-Legged King Pigeon
Garudasana Eagle
Gomukhasana Cow Face
Halasana Plow
Hanumanasana Monkey (named after Hanuman)
Janu Sirsasana Head-to-Knee Forward Bend
Kakasana Crow
Krounchasana Heron
Kukkutasana Cockerel
Kurmasana Tortoise
Makarasana Crocodile (relaxation)
Matsyasana Fish
Matsyendrasana Lord of the Fishes (named after Matsyendra)
Mayurasana Peacock
Natarajasana Lord of the Dance
Pada Hasthasana Standing Forward Bend
Padmasana Lotus
Paripurna Navasana Full Boat
Parivrtta Parsvakonasana Revolved Side Angle
Parivrtta Trikonasana Revolved Triangle
Pasasana Noose
Paschimottanasana Seated Forward Bend
Prasarita Padottanasana Intense Spread Leg Stretch
Salabhasana Locust
Sarvangasana Shoulder Stand
Savasana Corpse Pose (relaxation)
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana Bridge, Half Wheel
Siddhasana Perfect Pose
Simhasana Lion
Sirsasana Head Stand
Sukkasana Auspicious Pose
Supta Baddha Konasana Reclining Bound Angle
Supta Padangusthasana Reclining Big Toe
Supta Virasana Reclining Hero
Svastikasana Prosperous Pose
Tadasana Mountain Pose
Trikonasana Triangle
Upavistha Konasana Open Angle
Urdhva Dhanurasana Upward Bow, Backbend, or Wheel
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana Upward-Facing Dog
Ustrasana Camel
Uttana Kurmasana Upside-Down Tortoise
Utkatasana Chair
Uttanasana Standing Forward Bend
Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana Raised Hand to Big Toe
Utthita Parsvakonasana Extended Side Angle
Utthita Trikonasana Extended Triangle
Vasisthasana Side Plank
Viparita Karani Legs-up-the-Wall
Vajrasana Thunderbolt
Virasana Hero
Vrksasana Tree
Sources: Wikipedia & Yoga Journal