It is worth remembering that there is only one yoga and can only be one yoga. True aspirants are of different natures and resort to various doctrines and practices to progress along the path. But one who completes the process of yoga understands its different paths and sees that the systematic practice of various disciplines leads to the same place. In the end, all yogas lead to one great Yoga. — Swami Kripalu (1913–1981)
 

If after reading the descriptions, you want to learn more about a class,
read the biography of the teacher or call the center -- 203-287-2277.

Beginning Yoga
For those who are just starting out as well as for those who wish to review proper alignment and form in standing poses and some seated and supine poses. The principles of Sun Salutations will be covered but with little or no Vinyasa between Asana. Beginner inversions and preparation poses will be taught, as well as their contraindications and modifications. Beginner Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditations will also be taught.

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BigFaceLove Yoga©
Need a lift? BigFaceLove Yoga© is a mindful blend of form and flow designed to deepen your yoga practice as it uplifts the spirit and soothes the mind. A safe and open environment is created where laughter and acceptance is encouraged, and students feel comfortable exploring new postures. Combining asana practice, pranayama (breathing) and meditation, each class is uniquely structured to meet the needs of the students. Skillful instruction and thoughtful assists gently guide each student towards reaching the next level in their personal practice. Deeply held postures, performed with joy and levity, lighten the heart, free the body and uplift the spirit. BigFaceLove Yoga© will help you transcend your limitations and ascend to a higher state of being.

Flow&Form
A breath-synchronized yoga class that uses gentle movement to warm the body, reminders of the basics of alignment to protect the student from injury and combines asanas to create a smooth flowing practice. This class emphasizes increasing mobility, strength, and range of motion while maintaining a focus placed on alignment and depth. The breath is used to create a flow between asanas.

Full Figure Gentle Flow ViniYoga
Out of shape? Plus size? Want to be in a yoga class with those who are in the same boat? This fun, challenging, and inspiring class is designed especially for YOU! Open to both women and men of the plus-size persuasion, this class is best suited to those able to move up/down from a sitting or kneeling position on the floor. Using adaptations suited to your current body type, we will enhance flexibility, strength and balance and increase body and breath awareness. As with any physical activity, wear loose, comfortable clothing and please have your doctor’s permission to exercise. There is no weight requirement - just be aware that these classes are meant for those who are plus size or close to it. Learn more about Viniyoga.

Hatha-Tantra Yoga
Start your day out right with a good stretch and a calm mind. Hatha Yoga – yoga that brings union "of the pairs of opposites" – focuses on being present while using one's breath to guide movement in a manner that will purify, balance, and prepare the body, mind, and soul for expanded awareness.

Hot Yoga Flow
This practice is done in a warm room that allows the muscles to warm up quickly. The heat helps the body remove toxins through perspiration and also allows one to go deeper into asana. The temperature in the room will be in the 80s.

Kundalini Yoga
One of the most ancient styles of yoga, Kundalini yoga, as taught by Yoga Bhajan®, weaves together posture (asana), rhythmic movement, breath (pranayama), chanting (mantra) and meditation. This energizing, relaxing and contemplative practice promotes physical, emotional and spiritual energetic healing in our daily lives and opens us to joy. Learn more about  Kundalini yoga.

ParaYoga®
"Para" means supreme, ancient, highest, the culmination of all effort. ParaYoga® offers students of all levels access to the entire range and sacred power of Yoga. Ancient texts of the Hatha Yoga tradition describe Yoga as a journey that culminates in sublime success and happiness. These teachings describe how through perfection of body, breath, mind, and spirit we access it. The texts are very clear. Yoga includes all of the following: Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, Mudra, Visualization, Meditation, Chanting, Kriya, Mantra, Kundalini, along with a vast array of other practices. Through Para Yoga® not only are the techniques "other than Asana" accessible, they link one to the very heart and true power of Yoga's potential. Experience leads to understanding. Learn more about Para Yoga®.

Prenatal Yoga
Pregnancy changes the body quickly in a short period of time. This class will help the mother-to-be to surrender to those changes and embrace the miracle of life at every phase. Gentle and relaxing asana will be used to help open the pelvic floor and prepare you for a beautiful birthing experience. Enjoy the powerful bond of support as you move through this special time with other prenatal women.

Restorative Yoga
This class focuses on relaxing the body in restful postures. Blankets, bolsters and other props will be used. A healing experience for those recovering from illness or injury, or anyone looking to recharge and re-new your lifestyle.

Rusty Hinges (Gentle Yoga) class
This class is for those who are new to or have been away from yoga for awhile, or for those who have gone through an injury and are looking to ease their way back into practice. As our bodies age, the same habitual patterns and behaviors no longer serve us well. Through this class we will re-train our bodies and our minds to gently challenge our limitations and cultivate new ways of living in our magnificent bodies more fully and respectfully -- a journey of healing and self discovery.

Senior / Gentle Yoga
For seniors and those looking for a gentle and gently challenging class that helps strength, balance, and flexibility. Chairs and other props may be used to make it an enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a complementary practice to the more active yoga practices that invigorate and heat the body. Yin yoga is receptive, cooling, and calming to our system.  During the practice we hold seated poses for a few minutes at a time, creating an opportunity to move into a mindfully aware and meditative state. Yin yoga has many benefits, physically, energetically, and psychologically.  As we hold the poses we gently move into the deep layers of connective tissue within our joints.  Affecting these tissues we evoke flexibility while simultaneously eliciting fluidity and flow among the energies (chi/qi/prana) that move within us all. These energies circulate throughout each of us among energetic pathways (meridians/nadis), and are connected to different seasons, emotions, elements, and organs within our bodies. Our focus during these classes will be on the “spring meridians,” which when balanced, directly effect the emotion of anger.  Going inward, we will learn to let go into our poses versus striving and struggling to move deeper.  The effect of such a practice is a developed sense of compassion, self-awareness and acceptance.

Yoga for Your Core
A dynamic class that combines yoga asanas, sun salutations and inversions with mat exercises inspired by Joseph Pilates designed to strengthen your core. 

Yoga for 50+
Midlife is often a time of reassessment, self-reflection and course change.  Priorities shift as we re-examine our personal and professional goals in the light of what is truly important to us.  Along with the desire to remain physically fit and active, there arises an equally potent urge to find a deeper, more fulfilling purpose in our lives.  Through physical poses, mindful breathing techniques and simple yet effective relaxation exercises "Yoga for 50+" offers a systematic introduction to the ancient tradition of yoga which supports and celebrates aging as an enriching experience.  
 

Yoga for Kids
Yoga is a fun way to help children develop both physically - increasing strength, body awareness, self control, flexibility and coordination and mentally - developing concentration, attention, self-expression, self-esteem, self-regulation and creativity.  Children today are under a lot of stress from homework, pressure to compete, and over-scheduling.  Yoga’s stress management tools help them to achieve a peaceful and relaxed state, improving their ability to focus, increasing their readiness for learning.  

Yoga for Weight Loss
Begin yoga in a setting with those of similar size and shape who share the same goals. Learn basic form, flow and build strength while learning poses that fit your body type. Gain trust and find enjoyment in moving your body, while reducing stress and cortisol levels. This challenging and energizing, breath-based class will increase your metabolism! Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water.

Yoga Nidra
Ancient yogic texts detailed various approaches to systematic relaxation as an essential practice for maintaining health and vitality. These ancient practices were called Yoga Nidra. The word Nidra means "sleep." The term Yoga Nidra is best summed up as "yogic sleep," which in practical terms refers to the deepest state of rest possible (complete effortlessness), combined with awareness. The practice will be guided by a recording of Rod Stryker.

Yoga Tune Up®
A head-to-toe health and fitness system, Yoga Tune Up® combines Yoga, Calisthenics, Corrective Exercise and Body Therapy in a way that heals damaged muscle tissue, increases overall strength, and bolsters the immune system. Its restorative techniques create balance and flexibility in the body, while relieving painful injuries, improving coordination, and reducing stress. Yoga Tune Up® brings a practical yoga philosophy into the nuts and bolts of healthy movement, challenging the body from every conceivable angle until breakthroughs occur – literally changing the nature of the tissues in the area being addressed.