Classes
I am a certified Ashtanga yoga teacher and I tend to primarily teach Vinyasa / Flow and Ashtanga yoga classes with the occasional restorative yoga class. Private Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga lessons are offered to you in your Calgary home.
Class levels vary as each private yoga lesson is tailored for you. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced yoga practitioner, each private yoga lesson will be designed for what is going on in your body, mind and life in general. Your current skill level and your future goals with yoga serve as a basis for the structure of the classes. (At the bottom of the page you can read further about yoga for beginners.)
I tell my students to take what they want and need from the yoga practice – so whether it is a sense of peace, strength, balance, stillness of the mind, flexibility, deeper insights of self and/or improved coordination that you are looking for - it is your choice. The yoga practice will over time develop into your own style to fit these needs.
Below are a few words about the yoga class types and levels offered so you can get an idea of the differences. If this does not give you enough information and you are curious to know more feel free to contact me.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga, as all styles of yoga, has its roots in Hatha yoga. This style of yoga has a focus on synchronizing the breath with movement. Mind and body become closely linked as you use dynamic movement to flow through this progressive series of poses (this can be thought of as a moving meditation). The practice generates internal heat which in turn leads to purifying sweat to detoxify the body. Among the results is a calm mind, creating a strong body with a sense of lightness and better circulation.
Each class has three parts to it; standing (incl. warming up with sun salutations), seated and closing postures. Ashtanga yoga is considered to be one of the more physically challenging styles. Note though that your practice will be as challenging as you want it to be. We always practice at a pace and level that suits your circumstances and energy level that day.
Vinyasa / Flow Yoga
In a Vinyasa (flow) class a lot of the same positions are used as in the Ashtanga classes however in a Vinyasa class the sequence and the mix of yoga poses will look a bit different as no class is the same. Many of the techniques used in the Ashtanga practice are also used in these Vinyasa yoga classes.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative classes focus on re-energizing and opening the body in a gentle way and slower pace which also allows for the mind to settle and rest.
Beginner Class Yoga
Beginner yoga is taught in a slightly slower pace than other classes so that focus and time can be put on finding and fine tuning poses and the flow. We explore the yoga poses and their variations to ensure they work for your body. Supporting tools and techniques are covered in more depth in order to discover how you can create a safe and healthy practice. As time goes and the students find him/herself more comfortable the pace can be picked up and more challenging poses included.
Intermediate / Advanced Class Yoga
If you are already practicing yoga at some level and have a good understanding of how to utilize the breath, bandhas and the flow of the yoga practice more challenging poses may be incorporated such as inversions, headstands, handstands etc.
All you need is a mat, some comfy cloths and you are ready to begin your journey and I would be honored to be a part of it!