What do the different names mean?
ALIGN
ALIGN is influenced by the Iyengar style of yoga which prioritizes correct alignment of the body in each pose. One of the goals in an ALIGN class is to prioritize physical safety and build functional flexibility, strength and overall wellbeing. Most ALIGN classes will start with simple poses and gradually move towards more advanced poses, ending with a period of relaxation which may incorporate breathing techniques. Props are often used in class to allow those with less strength or flexibility to work correctly, and also to take the strong and flexible further into poses, so that all may achieve their full potential. ALIGN is the perfect blend of precision, attention to detail, deep somatic awareness, strength, flexibility and relaxation.
BALANCE
BALANCE is a Hatha style yoga class designed to provide a balanced combination of holding postures with attention to alignment. Coordinating breathing techniques with movement is also a key feature of this class. The focus is on strengthening static postures without a lot of the flow in between. The classes typically begin strong and work towards a meditative settling down. BALANCE is the perfect blend of precision, accuracy, stamina and concentration.
CALM
CALM is a gentle yoga flow class based on the vinyasa yoga style. Each CALM class is well rounded and geared towards cultivating balance, grounding and peace. Certain elements of our FLOW style class will be repeated in CALM such as linking breath with flowing movement. More time is dedicated to centering the mind and body in CALM before building up to stronger standing poses, seated twists and gentle back bends. CALM is the perfect class for those who like the elements of FLOW but want to skip the demanding sun salutations and more rigorous movements. The final portion of CALM will feature a sequence of more relaxing poses preparation you for the final stage of savasana at the end (relaxation.) CALM is the perfect blend of movement, grounding, balance, peace and serenity.
FLOW
FLOW is a vinyasa style yoga class which essentially links breath with flowing movement. Students are led through a sequence of poses with an emphasis on breath, flow and correct alignment of the body. Breath is used to guide the movement and to find ease in each pose. FLOW classes usually imply a well-rounded practice with a theme or a purpose where poses are linked or associated together in fluid and often graceful sequences of movements. Certain postures may be held longer to build strength and stamina. FLOW classes do not have a set sequence but will always include a general warm-up and stretching/opening sequence followed by standing postures (leading to a more energizing and strenuous sequence.) The final portion of FLOW will feature a series of more relaxing poses preparing you for the final stage of savasana at the end (relaxation). FLOW is the perfect blend of movement, creativity, fluidity, strength and surrender.
STILLNESS
STILLNESS is a yin style yoga class. Yin is characterised by static holds of floor-based poses for muscle relaxation and myofascial release (MFR.) The STILLNESS inherent to a yin yoga practice allows for a meditative focus, self-reflection or at least the possibility of releasing stored emotions and thoughts. The body is said to store many things like emotions, memories, trauma and tension. In STILLNESS the body is encouraged to release and surrender any of these stored or stuck things that are no longer necessary, resulting in an ultimately healing experience. STILLNESS focuses on mildly stressing and stimulating the connective tissue (fascia) and joints, calming the mind, nurturing the parasympathetic nervous system, generating body awareness and promoting the free flow of Qi and fluids in the body. It is above all a practice of relaxation and release. STILLNESS is the perfect blend of quiet, release, meditation, surrender and healing.
STRENGTH
STRENGTH is based on the fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga method. Asanas (physical postures) are sequenced together in an intelligent way to create a dynamic practice that eventually allows practitioners to experience stillness and quietness of the mind. In STRENGTH, students are led through a sequence of poses with an emphasis on breath, flow and correct alignment of the body similar to our FLOW style class. Breath is used to guide the movement and to find ease in each pose. STRENGTH emphasises engaging the various bandhas (energetic locks in the body) and steadying your gaze to steady the mind (called drishti in Sanskrit.) The focus in STRENGTH begins with rigorous movement ultimately giving way to inner reflection and awareness. STRENGTH is the perfect blend of stamina, movement, physicality, meditation and inner reflection.
THRIVE
THRIVE is our most accessible yoga class and can be taken in a chair. THRIVE is designed for people over 60 years of age, and/or for those who have physical limitations. No matter what your age, fitness or flexibility level is, a yoga practice can be adapted to meet your needs and your body’s ability. Some of the benefits of practicing yoga include: *Improved balance *Improved flexibility *Stronger muscles and bones *Improved circulation *Improved sleep *Management of stress and anxiety *It’s fun! Each THRIVE class begins by focusing on body awareness and breath. Physical alignment is emphasised and you’ll be guided to take note of tactile sensations. Each class includes some gentle warm up stretching, followed by practicing classical yoga “asanas” (traditional physical yoga postures) and some “pranayama” (yogic breathing techniques). THRIVE concludes with a well-deserved deep and restorative relaxation. THRIVE is the perfect blend of instruction, adaptability, focus, strengthening and relaxation.