Flow yoga is a style of yoga where the practitioner moves gracefully from one pose to the next and the class becomes almost like a dance. Generally, each movement into or out of a posture is made on an inhalation or exhalation, so the yoga unites the breath with the movement in a flowing sequence of postures.   The flowing movements may be combined with some longer holds of certain postures to increase strength or to give a moment of rest.  In flow the student experiences a sense of fluid physical motion through these postures that are matched with the breath, creating an even greater sense of flow, strength, ease and tension release.   In our flower you can be sure that you will get a nice mixture of relaxation, breath work, and energizing movement.  

This weekly Comeback Yoga class, for vets only, revolves around staying seated in a chair, or when appropriate to have students stand using the chair for support and balance. This class usually ends with a bit (5 minutes or so) of quiet time seated and sometimes with the option to lay down on a mat. This class is designed for beginners and those who have mobility issues. Through this regular practice you will increase flexibility and strength, improve balance and coordination, while reducing stress and anxiety levels.

This class is in collaboration with Comeback Yoga, another great non-profit, that brings free yoga to the military community.

For more information about this class, please reach out to info@comebackyoga.org. 

Gentle yoga classes are typically described as appropriate for those who want a softer, nurturing, slow-paced, well-supported and relaxing practice. The approach includes carefully designed  movements, controlled pressure, and well-measured stretches, including range of motion exercises. Postures may be approached in gradual steps, with plenty of time to focus on breathing and repetition so that the practice is simple to do and easy to remember.  Gentle yoga classes spend a time of the mat with fewer and easier transitions between standing and sitting postures.  This is a style for people who don’t have the flexibility, coordination and strength which is often associated with “yoga.”  Gentle Yoga class provides a safe, effective, compassionate, non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all. 

A restorative yoga sequence typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle stretches. Restorative yoga is a practice that is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching. If you take our restorative class, you may hardly move at all, doing just a few postures in the course of an hour. It is a completely different experience than most contemporary yoga. During the long holds of restorative yoga, however, your muscles are allowed to relax deeply. It’s a unique feeling because props, rather than your muscles, are used to support your body. Restorative classes are very mellow, making them a good complement to more active practices (as well as our busy lives) and an excellent antidote to stress. Stillness is a powerful practice. 

Vinyasa is a style of yoga characterized by stringing postures together so that you move from one to another, seamlessly, using breath. Vinyasa classes offer a variety of postures and no two classes are ever alike. The variable nature of Vinyasa Yoga helps to develop a more balanced body as well as prevent repetitive motion injuries that can happen if you are always doing the same thing every day Vinyasa practice generates heat and can add a cardiovascular component not always present in other forms of postural practice. Considered a “moving meditation,” Vinyasa is about harmony and balance, grace and fluidity.  We move and notice how we are moving and what moves us.

In Vinyasa, you will learn your body and how it moves by taking the time to explore the physical sensations as well as how you and your body respond to each of the poses in this gentle flow.  You will be guided to move slowly and mindfully into and out of each Asana, learning to move with your breath to find the beauty of the space in between the poses.

As a passive practice, Yin Yoga involves variations of seated and supine poses typically held for up to 5 minutes. Yin Yoga poses apply moderate tension to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility as well as  accessing deeper layers of fascia to promote free movement of muscle and tissue.   When participating in yin yoga, because there is no distraction of constant movement and muscle engagement, your connective tissue has the opportunity to stretch and you are able to go much deeper into a pose.  In addition, as poses are held for several minutes your body is able to move beyond the 30 seconds it takes for muscles to relax and stretching to occur.  Static stretching is excellent to increase range of motion. Therefore if you are tight due to repetitive movement from other sport activities or your day job keeps you in the same position 8 hours a day or your body has aged (because yes it will do that) – Yin yoga will help stretch it out and increase flexibility. 

Yin Yoga is also great for reducing stress in the body and mind. Holding poses without distraction for several minutes teaches us to relax. We begin to release tension that is deeply engrained in our muscles. As a more meditative approach to yoga, yin also promotes an awareness of inner stillness and connection to self.

Kundalini yoga is the yoga of awareness. The practice helps each student connect to their divine wisdom, which will help endurance, intelligence and intuition.  This class series focuses on breath-work, repetitive movements and meditation.  At the end of each class you will relax with a sound bath that will bring you back to a state of harmony and peace.  Improving your mental, emotional and physical well being. 

Come with an open mind and experience the present moment through chanting, breath-work and meditation. Yogis of all levels are welcome.