Intro to Yoga Series (4 weeks)
Intro to Yoga is designed for students new to yoga or anyone with a beginner’s heart. You study basic poses, breathing techniques and meditation. After the teacher demonstrates a pose, you have the opportunity to practice it while getting immediate feedback and adjustments/modifications. Your questions are encouraged and serve to help others in the class gain a deeper understanding.
Beginner Yoga Course (4 weeks)
Two intro classes a week plus *****unlimited****** Whole Body or Fundamentals classes throughout the four week course. For those brand new to yoga or those who have been practicing yoga who wish to deepen their practice or refine alignments and prevent injuries. In an interactive and safe environment you will learn the Whole Body Sequence and the fundamental principles of alignment that work quickly to to improve posture, alleviate pain and focus your mind. In your first class you will learn eight to ten postures and leave stronger and more relaxed … yet energized. After twelve classes you will know why yoga is the oldest most effective system of wellness in existence! Upon completion of this course you will have built a strong foundation for yoga practice – fully able to participate in many of the classes taught at Yoga Soleil.
Fundamentals
An ongoing class for beginners and those who wish to build and nourish a strong foundation in their yoga practice. Learn how to breathe and move deeply from within. Practice poses and breath with consciousness to build strength, balance, flexibility, steadiness and inner peace. All welcome.
Whole Body Practice
The Whole Body Sequence is for “every body” – for people of all ages, and all levels – with different modifications and variations that help you work where you are. And where you are today is not where you’ll be the next time you step onto your yoga mat. You will get stronger and you will get more flexible. You will see real changes and improvements in your body. This set of stationary poses cultivates flexibility and strength as well as deeper levels of concentration by emphasizing the fundamental principles of movement that work quickly to improve posture, alleviate pain and focus the mind. All welcome.
Mixed-Level Flow
Mixed-level classes are suitable for experienced beginners, intermediate students, and everyone in between. These classes offer modifications so that you can customize your class to fit your specific needs and level of expertise and deepen your practice. Familiarity with basic poses recommended. We prefer that you have attended Fundamentals for at least 6 weeks before attending this class.
Intermediate Flow
A dynamic, flowing strength building sequence of poses, arm balances and inversions. Familiarity with Fundamentals and Mixed Level Flow class recommended; or a regular yoga practice for at least 6 months prior to attending. No major therapeutic issues please.
Power Vinyasa
This sequence is designed to restore and maintain range of motion, physical alignment and to stimulate the vital organs and systems of the body. The room is heated to keep the muscles supple, prevent injury and to aid in detoxification of the body. Great for Yogis of all levels who are willing to work hard and sweat! No major therapeutic issues please.
Anusara
Anusara means, “to be in the flow of your own Essence” and is one of the most inspiring, therapeutically effective, and physically transformative styles of hatha yoga. Yogis of all levels will enjoy its light-hearted yet profound celebration of the human spirit and its deeply therapeutic power. The Anusara® Universal Principles of Alignment allow the body, breath, and spirit to align with the power of Grace, so that we can tap into our potential for a full and radiant life.
Yoga Therapeutics
A slower paced Hatha class which emphasizes proper alignment and therapeutic applications of poses. Serving people of all ages who are dealing with physical injuries or limitations. Must be able to move from the floor back to standing and back to the floor without assistance. Recommended for first time students or those with physical injuries. All levels welcome.
Restorative Yoga
Savor complete surrender of mind and body. This practice is slow and deliberate. We start with deep stretches and warm-up poses before using props to allow the body to completely let go. This class targets the para-sympathetic nervous system, or PNS, which is responsible for balancing the body and bringing its response system back into equilibrium. Stimulating the PNS helps to lower heart rate, blood pressure; it helps to stimulate the immune and endocrine systems, and promotes well-being. Open to all levels of practitioners – no yoga experience necessary.
Gentle Yoga
In this class, yoga postures and breath work are adapted to accommodate individual needs. Each practitioner is encouraged to work at his/her own pace with attitudes of compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance. For anyone who enjoys moving at a gentler, slower pace! This class is also perfect for people living with chronic pain or illness. Open to all levels of practitioners, wonderful for seniors – no yoga experience necessary.
Chair Yoga
It is never too late to improve daily function ability, to change and improve the health of the body, to retune and regenerate, to learn to quiet the mind in calmness and peacefulness. If injury, pre-existing condition, or age have limited your range of motion, this yoga class will be your practice. Chairs and other props are used to make it an enjoyable, safe and relaxing experience. Ideal for seniors and students with chronic pain or illness.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a 5,000-year-old authentic system of yogic exercise and meditation that promotes health, happiness, and spiritual awareness. There are three basic components to Kundalini Yoga. There are the physical postures, literally thousands of kriyas (exercise sets) that strengthen and balance the nervous system, the glandular system and the circulatory system to promote optimum physical and emotional health. Breathing techniques (pranayam) assist a person in processing emotions and feelings, controlling moods, and developing concentration. Mantra (sound) and meditation techniques work to direct and discipline the mind. The practice of this yoga can give you the strength, courage and radiance to meet all of life’s challenges with grace. All levels welcome.
Prenatal Yoga
In these unique classes, our teachers offer a carefully selected series of asanas (postures) and breathing techniques to restore balance and vitality while deepening your awareness of pregnancy. Concentration and relaxation techniques assist in preparing for and providing relief during labor and birth. Pre-natal yoga also helps relieve physical and emotional discomforts associated with pregnancy, including back pain, heartburn, constipation, swelling, and sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety. Our partner yoga classes and workshops support couples during pregnancy and prepare you both for childbirth.
WHAT CLASS SHOULD I TAKE IF. . .
I’ve never done yoga before? We recommend you first gain a foundation in yoga by attending our Intro to Yoga Series or Beginner Yoga Course Intensive, where the practice and postures will be broken down and explained to you as you experience them. Other classes that are appropriate for first-time students are Fundamentals, Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Whole Body Practice and Kundalini Yoga.
I am recovering from an injury or surgery or illness? Try our Gentle Yoga class or Restorative Yoga. Please advise the teacher of your restrictions or injuries so we can help you move safely through your practice.
If I am fit and want to get a really good workout? Try attending one of our more vigorous classes, beginning with Intro to Flow Workshop, Mixed Level and Intermediate Yoga.
If I need some special attention to work with a cranky back or other health issue? Consider taking a private lesson or two to learn how you can modify a yoga class to fit your needs.
I used to do yoga years ago but haven’t been in a studio in years? Sign up for our Intro to Yoga or Intro to Yoga Series, Intro to Flow Workshop or Beginner Yoga Course Intensive for a refresher, or attend our Fundamentals or Whole Body Practice classes, where the slower pace provides time to experience the poses at a moderate pace.
I am overweight and out of shape? Yoga is for every body and every body type. Your instructor can help you modify the practice to meet your current fitness level. While you build strength and endurance, it may be best to start with one of our slower-paced classes, like Fundamentals, Whole Body Practice, Gentle Yoga or Restorative Yoga.
How often should you attend classes? For the first month or so, attend two or three classes a week. After this, build up to practicing four days a week, or even more if your schedule permits. From a consistent practice like this, a momentum is gained and you will see notable, exponential changes within a relatively short time. You will learn yoga that you can take home, or on the road so you can practice anywhere.
If you are still unsure about which class will best serve you, please email us or call us at 253-446-7045 and we will be glad to assist you.