If you're just starting your Sacramento yoga explorations, this guide to the classes at our yoga studio should help you decide where to start.

But do call us if there are questions. If you're new to to yoga, we'd suggest starting with one of Bill's Hatha All Levels classes and then go exploring from there. Be brave--come have some fun.

There are lots of different styles of practice in various Sacramento yoga studios and we're here to answer your questions and help you find the right class. 

Classical Hatha Yoga   Fun mixed-level classes to improve strength, flexibility and meditative focus.

We explore correct form and alignment in a wide variety of poses along with breathwork and relaxation techniques. 

These classes offer lots of basic instruction and modifications for beginners but also enough challenging adventures for more experienced students.

For more about the Hatha classes Bill teaches go to: sacramento hatha yoga FAQs

Power Yoga  A wild class linking poses with vinyasas -- flowing sequences timed to the breath. All levels are welcome - but come expecting a serious workout. And expect to skip things and work on preparatory phases of the more challenging poses.

Come breathe, flow, levitate and join us for great fun. We work on it all. In each class we explore different sequences drawn from the traditional Ashtanga Yoga first through fourth series - including backbends, inversions and arm balances. 

More ashtanga and power yoga class information is on Bill's website: vinyasa and power yoga FAQs

Ashtanga >> first series   

Ashtanga Yoga is the original flow practice that all other vinyasa and power yoga variants derive from.

In a first series ashtanga class we guide you through the 70 poses of the traditional practice, also known as the ashtanga primary series. It's fast paced (traditionally 5 breaths per pose), fun and very challenging for all levels.

As in a vinyasa class, the emphasis is on movement coordinated with the breath (vinyasa), specific visual or mental focus (drishti) and the use of energetic locks (bandha) to build internal heat, awaken core energies and move toward a natural state of meditation. Here by
working on a specific series of poses, we can internalize the practice and make it more meditative over time.

There are many poses in the series whose full expression requires years of effort for most practitioners. Yet it's also a practice that is accessible to newcomers who can approach the series gently by working with modifications and preparatory versions of the more
challenging poses.

This is the first of six traditional series of the ashtanga system as taught by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Come and explore with us -- all levels are welcome. You don't need to know the series but some previous vinyasa style practice is helpful.

For more information:    ashtanga FAQs             first series details

Ashtanga >> second series  

Not necessarily harder than a first series class, this series (also known as the ashtanga intermediate series) features a different selection of poses than first series -- including more backbends and inversions.

The class starts just like a first series class with the salutations and standing pose sequence and ends with the traditional finishing poses. Just different adventures in the middle.

Many ashtanga students put off the second series practice, thinking they're not "good enough" yet. But most of the second series poses are not dependent on first series practice skills. The only way to learn them is to start doing the second series practice. And we guide you through the whole adventure -- it's a led class.

All levels welcome. It's a friendly class. Don't be afraid. 

For more information:    second series details

Vinyasa Flow  The Vinyasa Flow practice works vigorously at sun salutations, standing poses, and a wide variety of floor work. The focus is on the breath, alignment in the poses and continuous movement throughout the class.  

Fit beginners and more experienced students are welcome. The Vinyasa Flow classes are somewhat easier than our Power Yoga classes.

Yoga for All  A mixed levels class tailored to the level of the students in a particular session. For those who are ready, we offer more challenging variations than in the Yoga Basics classes. Enhance and deepen your practice in this class that's influenced by both the classical hatha and vinyasa practice styles.

Restorative Yoga   This soothing yoga practice focuses on alignment and relaxation. Props like blocks, blankets, and straps are used to help increase strength and flexibility by working with supported versions of standard poses. Learn how to modify various asanas for longer holds to enjoy the healing and meditative effects of yoga.

Yoga Basics  This class teaces basic practices including breathwork, beginning yoga poses and relaxation and meditation techniques. If you're new to yoga or just want a gentle class this is a great choice. There's focus on basic alignment in the poses, use of props to optimize the effectiveness of the poses and an emphasis on working within your limitations.

Acu Yoga  This adventurous class utilizes longer holds in the poses while the teacher moves from student to student massaging certain acupressure points to enhance the meditative aspects of the practice and promote greater relaxation. 

Kundalini Yoga  A unique blend of hatha yoga poses, mudras (energetic locks), chanting and powerful breathwork to awaken dormant energies and promote a feeling of exubertant well-being. A dynamic all-levels class that will leave you recharged, refreshed and centered. 

Yoga Balance  A class combining some of the fundamental aspects of yoga -- brief meditation experiences, breathwork, standing and seated poses, balancing poses and so much more. It's a moderate mixed levels class that aims for strength and flexibility in both the mind and the body. Drop in and discover yourself.

Pilates  The Pilates mat classes draw from the work of Joseph Pilates, a fitness pioneer who created a discipline combining western fitness techniques, yoga practices and physical therapy. Pilates is particularly focused on developing core strength along with increased range of motion.

Just starting your Sacramento yoga adventures? Join a Hatha All Levels class with Bill some evening soon to start what we hope will be the beginning  of a long term exploration. See you in class soon!

Fun and challenging yoga in Sacramento        for all levels. Contact Bill Counter about his classes: By phone: (916) 441-4914 By e-mail: info@sacramentoyoga.net

class location: EAST SAC YOGA STUDIO 716 57th St. [ at H ] Sacramento, CA 95819 (916) 451-8100

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