Yoga originated in India as a way to train for the physical demands of meditation. It has many variations; each consists of thousands of poses that challenge both the body and the mind. Breathing is an important aspect of yoga, promoting movement and focus. Many of yoga’s passionate followers crave the centering effect they feel after a yoga class as much as the power and flexibility regular practice provides.
What to expect in a yoga class
Yoga is practiced on a mat, usually in large groups using props such as blocks and straps. It creates muscle tone and increases flexibility and balance.
We offer several types of yoga in our studio. With attendance ranging anywhere from 6-20 students, our classes are small enough to provide clients with personal attention.
We provide mats at no additional charge but encourage students to bring their own mats. Dress in comfortable and flexible clothing. Yoga and Pilates mat classes are conducted in bare feet or with Toe Sox. Towels and fresh spring water are provided and ask that students please be eco-conscious and bring a reusable water bottle.
At Spring, we believe that both yoga and Pilates are complementary and encourage students to explore classes in both modalities. For information about our Pilates Mat classes, please see our Pilates program page.
Yoga Styles
- Vinyasa Flow
- Hatha Flow
- Restorative
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa is a term that covers a broad range of yoga classes. The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” In other words, the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This technique is sometimes also called Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance.
This style allows for a lot of variety, but will almost certainly include Sun Salutations. Whether the class is fast or slow, includes chanting, or is very alignment-oriented will depend on the individual teacher. A “Vinyasa” describes a series of three poses that are done as part of a Sun Salutation sequence.
Instructors:
Atosa Babaoff
Sundays 5:00-6:30pm
Sara Levine
Mondays 9:30-10:45am
Taniya Sen
Saturdays 9:00-10:15am
Hatha Flow
Hatha yoga is the practice of the physical postures that many Westerners mistake for “yoga” in general. These ancient postures, when practiced consciously, allow the physical body to become the key that opens us to our inner world.
“Hatha Flow” provides a way to refine the postures while increasing understanding of the movement between them. Flow classes harmonize breath with movement, precision with ease, strength with flexibility and Iyengar alignment with the fluidity of Vinyasa. Postures transition seamlessly in an evolving, creative and classical form of Hatha yoga. Each class provides a guided sequence to follow while also inspiring individual discovery and kinesthetic understanding. The pace can be more slow and mindful or more vigorous and expressive or a synthesis of both.
Instructor:
Tina Foster
Wednesdays & Fridays 9:30-10:25am
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Restorative
Restorative yoga is a form of Iyengar yoga that heals through the slower, quieter method of “active relaxation.” Restorative yoga achieves the many of the same results as many forms of active yoga- relief from chronic stress, energy renewal, detoxification, promotion of a healthy spine, enhanced heart function, reduction of blood pressure and fluid retention.
So what’s the difference? In restorative yoga, poses are held for longer periods, usually anywhere from 5 -20 minutes, encouraging deeper rest while allowing the body’s self-healing capacity to reach a deeper effect. The use of props (such as bolsters, blankets and straps) help shape the body into the poses allowing deeper relaxation, comfort, support and opening.
A restorative practice is appropriate after rigorous activities to relieve strain as well as a relaxation tool in times of stress, weakness, trauma or injury. This “high quality rest” has been shown through research to provide a higher degree of refreshment than an equivalent amount of time napping. Restorative, or “Relax and Renew”, yoga was created by Judith Lasater, inspired by poses taught to her years ago by B.K.S. Iyengar.
Instructor:
Tina Foster
Fridays 5:00-6:30pm
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