Class Descriptions
Gentle Yoga - this class is designed for
students with temporary or chronic physical limitations,
including pregnancy and/or for those who are out of shape
and desire a slow, modified Yoga class. Yoga poses are adapted
to meet the specific needs of students and may include the
use of props and chairs to facilitate a gentle workout.
A guided relaxation follows the physical poses and breathing
exercises. If you are pregnant or have a serious medical
condition, please consult your health care provider for
permission to enroll in this class.
Beacon Photo
Deb Van Patten |
Basic Yoga - Enjoy gentle stretching,
breathwork and progressive relaxation as you re-energize,
relax and renew. Learn Yoga basics and body awareness to
strengthen the body, enhance well-being and calm the mind.
Open to all levels, but most suitable for beginners and
those who have been away from Yoga for a while.
Intermediate Yoga-This more challenging
class is recommended for those with some previous Yoga experience.
It incorporates some of the deeper aspects of sadhana (practice)
and pranayama (breathing techniques), allowing you to pause
between asana (posture) or vinyasa (flow) and experience
the feelings and sensations in the body/mind/spirit. Students
are encouraged to listen to their own body/mind dialogue,
then find that place of challenge and ease within the asana.
Students are also encouraged to challenge themselves through
different variations of the same asanas. The “spirit”
element of this class allows you to strengthen your own,
very personal beliefs; thus, allowing you to experience
the joy of yoga.
Basic Vinyasa- Vinyasa is the linking
of breath with asana from one pose to the next in a flow.
Expect basic poses, standard sun and moon salutations and
creative vinyasa such as dancing warrior. Discover vinyasa's
magic as you unite internal breath and external poses in
a dance of union. In this integration, the act of breathing
and movement cease to be separate, they exist as one--balance
of strength and flexibility, movement and stillness. Set
free the mind and allow your practice to become a rhythmic
dance.
Suitable for fit beginners and those who would like to
experience a deeper exploration of asana and breath.
Children's Yoga - fun and fitness combine
to inspire the active bodies and playful imaginations of
children ages 5-10. Yoga poses and breathwork develop strength,
flexibility and balance, while relaxation offers a chance
to be still and reflect.
Chi Kung/Qi Gong - Experience synchronized
breathing and movement exercises to purify and unblock the
body's life force energy (chi or qi) and improve health.
Ideal for seniors or those who need a gentle practice.
Introduction to Tai Chi- Students are instructed
in the principles and traditional movements of the Yang
Style 24 Form. Movements are combined in a series of flowing
patterns, promoting balance, strength and relaxation. Movements
may be modified, as needed. Improve balance, increase strength
and enhance relaxation with Tai Chi.
Belly Dancing, a truly holistic exercise
for mind, body and spirit, has been practiced for thousands
of years by many different cultures. This feminine and sensual
dance is based on natural body movements. It is a thorough
and effective exercise from head to toe and a fun way to
get in shape, tone and firm the body. It calms the mind,
releases stress and lifts the spirit. Belly Dance’s
basic foundation moves aren’t too difficult to learn.
Most students can learn a simple dance routine in one to
two months with practice. New students are welcome at any
time.
Dressing the part makes the learning process easier and
makes you feel like a ‘real’ belly dancer. Practice
costumes can be created from things you have in your closet:
elastic-waisted long skirts can be fitted below the waist;
swimsuit tops can be worn; a blouse can be gathered and
tied at the bottom. Leotards, tights or leggings and tank
tops with bare feet or ballet slippers work great, too!
Zumba combines high energy and motivating
music with unique moves and combinations that allow the
Zumba participants to dance away their worries. It is based
on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND
EASY TO DO" in order for Zumba participants to stick
to the Zumba fitness program to achieve long-term health
benefits. Zumba is not only great for the body, but is also
great for the mind. It is a "feel-happy" workout.
ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music - dance
themes creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system!
The routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with
a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt
the body. An aerobic dance workout that will melt the pounds
away! Some of the dance steps taught are Cumbia, Salsa,
Merengue, Bachata, Regaeton, and Samba. Enjoy the rhythms
of the Caribbean while exercising your body, mind and spirit!
Please bring sox, ballet slippers or very light-weight canvas
tennis shoes to dance. Wear light-weight comfortable clothing,
bring water and a towel--And plan to SMILE through your
Zumba class!
Pre-Natal Yoga is a journey into motherhood
through the practice of modified Hatha Yoga. The exercises/postures
are safe and specific for pregnant women. Many skills will
be taught for relaxation and breathwork that is needed for
labour. Daily exercises of this kind are very beneficial
for mental and physical conditioning for pregnancy and birth.
The class covers breathing, relaxation, and postures. These
disciplines can enhance skills needed for labour and preparation
for childbirth. They assist after a birth in ensuring a
faster return to your pre-pregnancy level of fitness. You
do not need prior yoga experience to benefit from this class
and you can join in your beginning weeks of pregnancy to
your last few weeks. Pregnancy is a short moment in your
life; it is a time to honour your womanhood, to be proud
of your pregnancy and your child in utero, while preparing
for the joy of motherhood.
