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

But do call us at 916-564-YOGA if there are questions. If you're new to to yoga, start with a Hatha Level 1 or Bill's Level 1-2 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. 

Hatha Yoga Level I  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 Beginners  Even easier than our level 1 classes. But not just for beginners--come join us if you're looking for a gentle yoga class with lots of personal attention. Offered as a drop-in class a number of times throughout the week. We also offer an Introduction to Yoga as a 6 week Saturday series (which requires pre-registration). For information on this package, see our news & events page.

Hatha Yoga Levels  I-II   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 Level I-II classes Bill teaches Mondays and Wednesdays at 6pm go to: www.absolutelyashtanga.com

Hatha Yoga Level II  Faster pace and more challenging poses than the Level 1 or 1-2 classes. Enhance and deepen your practice.

Hatha Yoga Levels II-III   Here we're working on deeper versions of poses introduced in our more moderate classes but also exploring lots of internal work with pranayama, mudras and bandhas (energetic locks) to deepen your practice and lead toward a more yogic lifestyle.

Hatha Flow  Starts relatively new practitioners to build skills toward flowing sequences (vinyasas) focusing on combining breath with movement. 

Vinyasa Level 1    More ashtanga based than the hatha flow classes. We work vigorously at sun salutations, standing poses, and a wide variety of floor work. The poses are linked into a flow (vinyasa) with an ongoing focus on the breath. Fit beginners are welcome.

Vinyasa Level II   More challenging vinyasa style work building on poses learned in the Hatha Flow and Vinyasa 1 classes. Some vinyasa experience is desirable.

Ashtanga >> vinyasa remix  A wild vinyasa class. 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 vinyasa information is on Bill's website: www.absolutelyashtanga.com 

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:    ashtangaFAQs             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

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.

Kid's Yoga   This class is a playful celebration of yoga for kids age 8 and up. Kids can stretch like cats, balance like birds and learn fun new ways to get upsiode down. We teach relaxation and visualization exercises useful throughout life. Start anytime either on a drop-in basis or pre-register for a block of 4 classes. More information about the kid's yoga classes is on www.circletimeyoga.com.

Prenatal Yoga   An ongoing class for those at any stage of pregnancy. Prior yoga experience not required. Keep doing your yoga into the 9th month! Come explore breathwork and modified versions of many standard poses. Drop-ins welcome.

Restorative Yoga   This soothing yoga practice focuses on alignment and relaxation. Props like blocks, blankets, and straps will be 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.

Gentle Yoga   A class for those wanting a more relaxed envoronment to explore poses to address specific needs. Here we offer modifications to standard poses with the use of props to allow a more comfortable practice at a gentler, slower pace. An easier practice than our Level I classes, it's accessible to all.

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.

Yoga Nidra   Nidra means "sleep" in Sanskrit but it's actually meditation that we're after in this practice.  The class starts off with pranayama (breathwork) and a gentle asana practice to stretch, unwind and prepare the body for relaxation. The final 30 minutes of the class is a guided relaxation with the instructor gently directing your awareness around to different points of the body to facilitate dropping into a deep meditative state to relieve stress and promote a feeling of total contentment.

Just starting your Sacramento yoga adventures? Join Bill for Hatha Yoga Levels I-II every Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm.  See you in class soon!

Fun and challenging yoga in Sacramento        for all levels.                   map to shanti yoga

SHANTI YOGA STUDIO 907 Howe Avenue Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 564-YOGA info@sacramentoyoga.net

                back to top  |  home  |  classes - shanti yoga sacramento  |  prices  

                      news and events  |  about our sacramento yoga teachers