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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Somewhat easier than our Power Yoga and Baptiste style classes.
Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga This is a flowing style of yoga done in a warmer room that is both challenging and uplifting. Unlike our Vinyasa Flow and Power Yoga classes where each class is somewhat different, Baptiste Power Vinyasa uses specifically sequenced sets of poses. These sequences combined with deep breathing build strength, increase endurance, release tension and increase flexibility.
This provides a healing, detoxifying environment for the body and an emotional and spiritual sense of awareness. More information about the Baptiste system can be found at www.baronbaptiste.com.
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 101 classes. Enhance and deepen your practice in this class that's influenced by both the classical hatha and vinyasa practice styles.
Yin/Yang Yoga This class emphasizes long-held passive stretching to enhance flexibility of lower back, sacrum, hips, shoulders combined with strengthening postures (mostly from standing positions); the use of acupressure points deepens the meditative and therapeutic effect of this practice.
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 101 These classes teach basic practices including breathwork, beginning yoga poses and relaxation and meditation techniques. If you're new to yoga, this is a great place to start.
Yoga for a Healthy Back This class focuses on stretching, strengthening and relieving tension from the back. We actively target key areas affecting the spine including hips, abdominal muscles and shoulders as well as explore periods of relaxation. The class stresses the importance of proper alignment which helps minimize back pain. Even if you don't have back problems, come join us if you're looking for a gentle, well-rounded class.
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.
Beginners Yoga Series We frequently run a weekend series for beginning yogis. But they're not just for beginners--come join us if it's been awhile since you've done yoga and you need a refresher and don't yet feel ready for our drop-in classes. Call the studio at 451-8100 for information on starting dates and pre-registration for this package.
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.