YOGA/LEVEL 1 classes are for newer students to learn correct alignment and breathing in fundamental yoga postures. They are ideal for those who have completed the Intro to Yoga class, anyone who is new to yoga, or anyone with minimal yoga experience.
YOGA/LEVEL 1&2 classes will pick up the pace a bit from Level 1 classes and work on preparations for intermediate poses including inversions such as shoulderstand and handstand.
YOGA/LEVEL 2 classes are designed to take students to the next level of practice. Further strength, stamina, and flexibility will be required as more advanced postures and sequences are introduced.
YOGA/LEVEL 2&3 classes require previous yoga experience and offer challenging sequences. Inversions, arm balances and full backbends are some of the more advanced postures that are practiced regularly in these classes.
YOGA/ALL LEVELS requires some yoga experience, but students who have been attending Level 1 classes for at least 6 weeks are welcome in Mixed Level. Learn surya namaskar (sun salutations) standing asanas (poses), balance, forward folding, back bending, and much more.
YOGA/FLOW classes are comprised of sets of "vinyasas" which are sequences of postures linked together and coordinated with the breath in a way to create a challening and flowing yoga practice. An understanding of the fundamental yoga postures is recommended, as these classes often move at a slightly faster pace, and focus on aligning the transitions as well as aligning the postures.
YOGA/CORE FLOW will teach you how to use your core muscles in every pose and take your practice to the next level, including arm balances and inversions. These classes link breath and movement, and while doing so utilize core muscles that might otherwise be forgotten or underused. Core strength is key for the overall stability of the body, and also for a healthy and safe yoga practice.
YOGA/ADVANCED PRACTICE is designed for intermediate to advanced students, and serves to deepen your practice as we work towards more intermediate and advanced postures and sequences. This class is also open to the public, and is ongoing and offered throughout the year.
YOGA/GENTLE is for those who would like to work at a slower pace, those recovering from illness or injury, or anyone who has not been physically active lately and would like to work more gently at first. The focus of this class is on gently building strength and flexibility, and using restorative postures and breath work for healing and relaxation.
YOGA/CANDLELIT RESTORATIVE is a class designed to relax and rejuvenate the body. These comfortable restorative postures are created by using blankets, blocks and other yoga props. Gentle breathing techniques are also utilized. Learn how to open your body, relax and relieve stress.
YOGA/STRETCH & RESTORE includes gentle floor and standing work and deep stretching as well as deep relaxation using restorative yoga. This class is especially beneficial for those suffering from anxiety, stress and insomnia, and is open to all levels. Each week, we focus on different areas of the body, such as the neck and shoulders, or hips and low back.
YOGA FOR BOOMERS is open to all, yet geared toward those age 45 and up. We will use yoga postures and props to reverse the effects of age, gravity and years of repetitive motion. We will cover a little of everything: breath, strength, stamina, flexibility and more. As we are the generation that redefined traditional values and so strongly influenced the world we know today, in this class we redefine what it is to live well!
PRENATAL YOGA a safe and supportive environment to practice yoga through all stages of pregnancy. You will focus on developing strength, flexibility, and proper breathing, and explore meditation techniques that create inner peace for birth and motherhood. Gentle, restorative asanas are also used for relaxation.
KUNDALINI YOGA is a dynamic blend of postures, breath, mantra and meditation. Ancient kriyas, or sets of exercises, have been passed down through centuries from yogi to yogi. Each kriya is designed to target specific issues allowing practitioners to focus on certain aspects of their physical, mental, or emotional state.
CHAKRA YOGA is a weekly journey through the "ladder of lights"; the powerful energy centers of your body known as the chakras. The chakras are located along the major branchings of your nervous system, beginning at the base of your spine, and moving upward to the crown of your head. Because of thier influence on the nervous system, the chakras effect the health of our whole being. Through Kundalini Yoga exercises and meditations designed to balance and tune the chakras, we will rejuvenate our entire nervous system, bringing health and optimal function to the outer (physical) body, and grace to the inner (subtle) body.
MEDITATION is a class that includes a Kundalini Yoga warm up, a specific 31 minute meditation, breathing exercises, and a relaxation period at the end. Meditation is a powerful skill for beginning to understand how our mind works. We learn to observe our thought patterns and how these thought messages shape who we are. We then we practice quieting the mind for greater peace, contentment, and to be able to hear the messages of our hearts.
BOLLYWOOD VINYASA (Level 2) incorporates familiar Vinyasa flow yoga with the bold and playful and vigorous elements of Bollywood dance, blending classical Indian dance, bhangra, and creatively sequenced yoga practices within an Ayurvedic theme throughout. Students must have healthy knees and blood pressure to participate.
TAI-CHI is often called a moving meditation and is a discipline that integrates mind, body, and spirit as you practice a series of slow moving martial arts exercises called "forms." Tai Chi increases overall strength, and promotes calm and harmony by improving the flow of energy in the body.
PILATES is an effective system of stretching and strengthening exercises developed over ninety years ago by Joseph Pilates. It tones the muscles, improves posture, and increases flexibility and balance. The secret is non-impact resistance, which eliminates stress on your joints, making Pilates safe, versatile and effective for all ages and fitness levels. The result is a body that is upright, balanced and agile, free of old tensions and more able to handle the physical and mental stresses we encounter in our daily lives.
BELLYDANCE In these classes you will learn exciting dances that utilize nearly every muscle and joint in the body, improving strength, posture, body control and awareness. Bellydance is an exhilarating way to exercise. Students who are new to bellydance, or new to Amala's classes, should register for the Beginner's class. Intermediate level registration is available with teacher approval.
INDIAN DANCE Practice classical Indian dance technique to open the flow of the energetic pathways in the body. Learn mudras, footwork, and deep torso bends. This creates a meditative framework for Bollywood dance choreography. Each class also contains a Bhangra sequence which is a dance style originating in Punjab, India and is an extremely aerobic workout. Each class finishes with a gentle yoga cool down and vedic or tantric mantra meditation. Students must have healthy knees and blood pressure to participate.
