yoga in sacramento with bill counter:
class descriptions
Classical hatha yoga, astanga and power yoga classes for all levels.
class descriptions
Classical hatha yoga, astanga and power yoga classes for all levels.
| If you're unsure which class is right for you, please call Bill at (916) 441-4914 or Shanti Yoga at (916) 564-9642 If you're new to yoga in Sacramento, check out our tips for beginners at GottaDoYoga.com All of our classes are offered on a drop-in basis... just show up. Newcomers are welcome at any class. We have mats you can use but we'd suggest acquiring your own if you become a regular yogi. Come with bare feet, clothes that don't restrict movement, a somewhat empty stomach and a desire for a good time! Namaste! |
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Hatha Yoga >> levels I-II
Taught by Bill Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 pm
These fun sessions are designed to build strength, improve flexibility
and cultivate meditative focus. The classes take an Iyengar -
influenced approach to work on correct form in a broad assortment of
classical hatha yoga poses. The practice is rounded out with
introductions to breath work (pranayama) and relaxation techniques
from the yoga tradition.
Ideal for beginners or those wanting a moderately paced class.
Although we're exploring different poses each class, we always offer
lots of basic instruction and modifications for those new to the
practice.
If you're a more experienced student, you'll appreciate the wide
variety of poses we work on and the coaching toward more
challenging variations. Newcomers are welcome at any class.
For more information: hatha details
Ashtanga >> vinyasa remix
Taught by Bill Tuesdays at 7:15 pm
An energetic mixed level flow-style class (also known as "power
yoga") for beginning and continuing students interested in exploring
more deeply to cultivate greater awareness, endurance and strength.
You'll explore a challenging mix of poses (different each time) from
Ashtanga first through sixth series for a balanced workout that will get
the kinks out and leave you feeling refreshed.
The poses are coordinated with the breath and linked with a sun
salutation-like sequence (vinyasa) to build strength, endurance and
mental focus. If you're new to ashtanga style practice we offer
modifications, use of props and lots of chances to rest and observe.
We work on all the fun stuff -- arm balances, inversions, challenging
backbends and more. Some of what we do comes from ashtanga first
and second series but this class also gives us a chance to explore
more esoteric poses from the third, fourth and fifth series work as well.
For fit beginners through advanced. All levels are welcome but come
-expecting a serious workout.
For more information: vinyasa/power yoga FAQs
Ashtanga >> first series
Taught by Bill Thursdays at 7:15 pm
[ except the 2nd Thursday of the month ]
Ashtanga Yoga is the original flow practice that all other vinyasa and
power yoga variants derive from.
In a first series ashtanga class we guide you through the 70 poses of
the traditional practice, also known as the ashtanga primary
series.It's fast paced (traditionally 5 breaths per pose), fun and very
challenging for all levels.
As in a vinyasa class, the emphasis is on movement coordinated with
the breath (vinyasa), specific visual or mental focus (drishti) and the
use of energetic locks (bandha) to build internal heat, awaken core
energies and move toward a natural state of meditation. Here by
working on a specific series of poses, we can internalize the practice
and make it more meditative over time.
There are many poses in the series whose full expression requires
years of effort for most practitioners. Yet it's also a practice that is
accessible to newcomers who can approach the series gently by
working with modifications and preparatory versions of the more
challenging poses.
This is the first of six traditional series of the ashtanga system as
taught by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Come and explore with us --
all levels are welcome. You don't need to know the series but some
previous vinyasa style practice is helpful.
For more information: ashtangaFAQs first series details
Ashtanga >> second series
Taught by Bill the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:15 pm
Not necessarily harder than a first series class, this series (also
known as the ashtanga intermediate series) features a different
selection of poses than first series -- including more backbends and
inversions.
The class starts just like a first series class with the salutations and
standing pose sequence and ends with the traditional finishing poses.
Just different adventures in the middle.
Many ashtanga students put off the second series practice, thinking
they're not "good enough" yet. But most of the second series poses
are not dependent on first series practice skills. The only way to learn
them is to start doing the second series practice. And we guide you
through the whole adventure -- it's a led class.
All levels welcome. It's a friendly class. Don't be afraid.
For more information: second series details
Yoga for Beginners
Even easier than our level 1 classes. But not just for beginners
--come join us if you're looking for a gentle yoga class with lots of
personal attention. Offered as a drop-in class a number of times
throughout the week. Shanti also offers Introduction to Yoga, a 6
week Saturday series. Call 564-9642 for information on starting dates.
Restorative Yoga
This soothing yoga practice focuses on alignment and relaxation.
Props like blocks, blankets, and straps will be used to help increase
strength and flexibility by working with supported versions of standard
poses. Learn how to modify various asanas for longer holds to enjoy
the healing and meditative effects of yoga.
Gentle Yoga
A class for those wanting a more relaxed environment to explore
poses to address specific needs. Here we offer modifications to
standard poses with the use of props to allow a more comfortable
practice at a gentler, slower pace. An easier practice than our Level I
classes, it's accessible to all.
Yoga for a Healthy Back
This class focuses on stretching, strengthening and relieving tension
from the back. We actively target key areas affecting the spine
including hips, abdominal muscles and shoulders as well as explore
periods of relaxation. The class stresses the importance of proper
alignment which helps minimize back pain. Even if you don't have
back problems, come join us if you're looking for a gentle,
well-rounded class.
Hatha Yoga >> level I
These classes teach basic practices including breathwork, beginning
yoga poses and relaxation and meditation techniques. If you're new to
yoga this is a good place to start.
Hatha Yoga >> levels I - II
See the description at the top of the column. Bill teaches these
welcoming mixed-level classes Mondays and Wednesdays. See our
schedule page for other teachers and times.
Hatha Yoga >> level II
Faster pace and more challenging poses than the Level I or 1-II
classes. Enhance and deepen your practice.
Hatha Yoga >> levels II - III
Here we're working on deeper versions of poses introduced in our
more moderate classes but also exploring lots of internal work with
pranayama, mudras and bandhas (energetic locks) to deepen your
practice and lead toward a more yogic lifestyle.
Hatha Flow
Starts relatively new practitioners to build skills toward flowing
sequences (vinyasas) focusing on combining breath with movement.
Vinyasa >> level I
More Ashtanga based than the hatha flow classes. We work
vigorously at sun salutations, standing poses, and a wide variety of
floor work. The poses are linked into a flow (vinyasa) with an ongoing
focus on the breath. Fit beginners are welcome.
Vinyasa >> levels I - II
More challenging vinyasa style work building on poses learned in the
Hatha Flow and Vinyasa I classes. Some vinyasa experience is
desirable.
Yin/Yang Yoga
This class emphasizes long-held passive stretching to enhance
flexibility of lower back, sacrum, hips, shoulders combined with
strengthening postures (mostly from standing positions); the use of
acupressure points deepens the meditative and therapeutic effect of
this practice.
Yoga Nidra
Nidra means "sleep" in Sanskrit but it's actually meditation that we're
after in this practice. The class starts off with pranayama
(breathwork) and a gentle asana practice to stretch, unwind and
prepare the body for relaxation. The final 30 minutes of the class is a
guided relaxation with the instructor gently directing your awareness
around to different points of the body to facilitate dropping into a
deep meditative state to relieve stress and promote a feeling of total
contentment.
Kid's Yoga
This class is a playful celebration of yoga for kids age 8 and up. Kids
can stretch like cats, balance like birds and learn fun new ways to get
upsiode down. We teach relaxation and visualization exercises useful
throughout life. Start anytime either on a drop-in basis or pre-register
for a block of 4 classes. More information about the kid's yoga
classes is on www.circletimeyoga.com.
Prenatal Yoga An ongoing class for those at any stage of
pregnancy. Prior yoga experience not required. Keep doing your
yoga into the 9th month! Come explore breathwork and modified
versions of many standard poses. Drop-ins welcome.
If you're looking for information on styles of yoga in Sacramento that
we don't offer, check out Gotta Do Yoga's yoga styles page.
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copyright 2008 bill counter
copyright 2008 bill counter
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