Yoga Class Descriptions
Santosha Yoga Studio is proud to offer diverse types of yoga classes, with experienced yoga instructors. We currently offer:
Yoga Basics
Yoga Basics is a welcoming approach to practicing yoga postures (Asana) that are suitable for individuals of all levels. Yoga Basics work through foundational teachings of alignment, engagement, and focus to help build a strong and well-balanced practice for any modern-age human. One’s yoga path is long-lasting and built through experience. Time spent on the mat creating a solid foundation will help development flourish. In Yoga Basics class you can expect to talk about technique and break down the poses to understand the integrity of each one, while also working hard and feeling good in your body.
Yoga Basics is a great way to start building a strong and sound foundation for your yoga practice. Working through a clear and technical approach to the asana postures, this class will help refine alignment and build strength to help set you up for your yoga journey.
Hatha Yoga
“Hatha” means the yoga that balances the sun and moon within you. This yoga is a physical preparation that readies the body for a higher possibility. Hatha yoga is the foundation for all modern yoga styles. Typically, these classes have a slightly slower pace than Vinyasa but are more vigorous than Yin and Restorative yoga styles. Hatha is one of the best forms of yoga to learn the basics in terms of doing poses with proper alignment and safe movement. Hatha classes offer the instructor the opportunity to correct the students individually during class. It is also a good form of yoga to practice and develop breathing and self-awareness techniques.
Hatha Yoga 1
Our Hatha Level 1 class teaches yoga fundamentals and is best suited to beginners or more experienced practitioners looking for a gentle practice that follows a slower and instructive pace. Hatha 1 yoga classes are a great way to start building knowledge of yoga poses, alignment, balance, strength, and flexibility. Our Hatha 1 class prepares students for both our Hatha Level 2 class and our Vinyasa Level 1 and Level 2 class. Our Hatha 1 yoga class is great for those who have to be more careful and mindful in their practice due to age, disability, or healing and recovery from injury or trauma.
Hatha Yoga 2
Our Hatha Level 2 class is best suited to more experienced practitioners who are looking to advance their yoga practice in terms of more challenging poses, strength, flexibility, alignment, and endurance. The more eager and physically prepared student might choose Hatha 2 as a starting place for their yoga journey. Although the pace may be slower than Vinyasa, the demands on the body can be intense. Hatha 2 classes are likely to take the student into yoga poses that practice arm balances and inversions that require strength, flexibility, and balance.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is a style of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body. From the Sanskrit “to place in a special way,” Vinyasa Yoga aligns a deliberate sequence of poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow. Inhalation is often connected to upward and open movements, while exhalation is often connected to downward movements and twists.
Vinyasa Yoga 1
Our Vinyasa Level 1 class is aimed at students who are looking to feel good through the deep movements of a Vinyasa flow. During this yoga practice the body can feel both calm and invigorated. The poses practiced may be challenging at times, but the real focus during this yoga class is on gentle movement, deep stretching, and relaxation. A Vinyasa Level 1 class will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle life outside our yoga studio.
Vinyasa Yoga 2
Our Vinyasa Level 2 class is the best way to get a good workout from yoga. Bring power to your flow and bring some sweat to your practice. Our Vinaya 2 class will challenge your core in ways you never thought possible. This class is the perfect way to burn off excess physical stress from work, sitting, or driving the car. At the same time, this class will take your physical fitness to new levels. With consistent practice, you will be amazed at the transformation in your yoga body.
Yoga for Bone Health
Our Yoga for Bone Health class taught by instructor Katy follows a series of yoga poses proven to reverse osteoporosis and build healthy bones when practiced consistently over time. Yoga students here at Santosha Yoga will learn and practice Dr. Loren Fishman’s ‘Series 1’, a set of 12 poses that are proven to have positive effects on osteoporosis and bone growth. With adaptations of each pose available, Yoga for Bone Health is accessible to beginner yoga students as well as more experienced ones. During some of our Yoga for Bone Health classes, poses from Series 2 and 3 will also be introduced.
Restorative Yoga
Our restorative yoga encourages physical, mental, and emotional relaxation by focusing on long holds, stillness, and deep breathing. Learn More about Restorative Yoga from our instructor Chris in our blog post, What is Restorative Yoga.
Senior Yoga
Senior yoga classes are specifically designed to work with our aging bodies. Offering a complete range of yoga practices including breath work, stretching, and strengthening movements with the cautious approach of an anatomy and physiology informed instructor, these classes offer a range of modifications for various health conditions. With the “do no harm” guiding motto in mind, regular practice of senior yoga will steadily lead to stronger muscles and bones, well exercised joints, better circulation and blood pressure regulation, and improved organ function. Stabilization of certain medical conditions might be also achievable through yoga. These classes are suitable for both people in the golden age group and for individuals with limiting health conditions that require a wider range of pose modifications, all to achieve the same goal of helping you be more mobile, feel healthier and more energized. Yoga philosophy and mindfulness will be an accompanying essential part of the practice as well.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga works deeply into our body with passive, longer-held poses. Yin yoga targets the connective tissues of the body – the fascia, the ligaments and the tendons. It’s slower and more meditative, giving you time and space to look inward, tuning into both your mind and the physical body.
Learn More about Yin Yoga from our instructor Chris in our blog post, What is Yin Yoga.
Our Vinyasa Level 2 class is the best way to get a good workout from yoga. Bring power to your flow and bring some sweat to your practice. Our Vinaya 2 class will challenge your core in ways you never thought possible. This class is the perfect way to burn off excess physical stress from work, sitting, or driving the car. At the same time, this class will take your physical fitness to new levels. With consistent practice, you will be amazed at the transformation in your yoga body.
Meditation
Meditation is the soul of yoga. We are offering different approaches by four different teachers for starting or continuing your meditation practice. Traditional Yogic and Buddhist teachings go alongside contemporary practices of going within and letting go of mental, emotional, and physical tension through seated meditation, breath work, restorative poses, therapeutic yoga, or a sound bath filled with Crystal Tones bowls. All of these forms support and cultivate our capacity to be healthy, calm, aware, and fully present.
