Class Descriptions
Iyengar Yoga is a system of yoga that allows people to progress gradually while taking into account their weaknesses. Mr Iyengar has systemized hundreds of asana and pranayama techniques and has discovered the anatomical principles on which they are based. He has contributed greatly to the therapeutic field of yoga as well as yoga as an art. Yoga as meditation in action is the key note of his work. His system is intended to develop complete awareness of the body/mind and authenticity in presentation of each asana.
The Iyengar system is the only system that utilizes supported restorative poses to engage the body’s natural healing ability and effortless transformation. The Iyengar method of study is safe, orderly, and progressive and classes match the ability of the students rather than students needing to keep up with a set sequence. The Iyengar classes at Lighten Up! use props judiciously to educate the body and insure its safety. Props are not over used. All yoga classes at Lighten Up! include asana (physical postures), and pranayama (breath control) as well as relaxation. Please feel free to start any class at any time. We hope the following guidelines help you find the right class for you.
YOGA CLASSES
Beginning Back Care: A therapeutic class for people who suffer from back pain or other neuromuscular discomfort. Also for students who want or need a gentle approach to the yoga poses.
General Back Care: Designed to relieve stiffness in the hips, spine and shoulders. A level 1 class for new and continuing students.
Yoga for MS and Other Conditions: These classes are designed to meet the special needs of MS, Parkinsons, Fibromyalgia and Heart Disease.
Yoga for MS at Lighten Up– for everyone who can ascend a flight of stairs yet requires a gentle therapeutic sequence of poses. These sequences will stimulate organ functions and rest the nervous system.
Yoga for MS at Thom’s Rehab Hospital– for persons with canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, the yoga space is handicap-accessible. Similar gentle therapeutic sequences will be taught.Yoga and Meditation with Eric Larsen: This class will offer you a well rounded yoga experience combining both Hatha and Raja yoga. Class will include a short series of postures, pranayama (breath work), chanting and meditation. Yoga philosophy and Ayurvedic theory will be included. The focus will be on deepening our experience of silence, i.e. "the Temple of the Infinite".
Level 1: An introduction to asana (postures) and pranyama (breath regulation). Ideal for new students.
Level 1 & 2: A more challenging class for both new students and those new to the Iyengar approach. Build strength as well as flexibility. Includes a range of standing postures, twists, chest openers and simple inversions.
Multi Level Theme Class- Iyengar Level 2 and up: Recommended for people with an average of six months yoga experience. This class will follow a six week theme rotation including all catagories of poses. Progressions will be offered depending on student experience and ability.
Morning Yoga at 8am: An excellent way to get your prana (energy) flowing and get the day off to an good start. Your mind will feel clear all day!
TGIF Yoga! (Thank Goodness, it’s Friday!): Do you spend your week looking forward to Friday? Now, there’s a brand new reason to TGIF! Bring a friend, stretch away the week’s stress, and then go out on the town! Start off a relaxed and energized weekend with Friday Night YOGA!
Dynamic Flow 1 & 2: Coordinating the breath with a continuous flow of movement, a wide variety of yoga poses will be presented followed by a deep relaxation at the end of each class. Though vigorous, this class is appropriate for beginners and continuing students.
Intro to Astanga Yoga: Level 2 & up: The formal method of Astanga is a series of postures used in training the body, breath and mind to merge together harmoniously. This energetic form of hatha yoga purifies the mind and body leaving the nervous system in a deep meditative calm.
COMPLIMENTARY CLASSES
Tai Chi with Rick Cantrell: Tai Chi is a form of Chi Gung. It is an ancient Chinese Martial Art with the underlying Taoist belief that the spirit, mind and body are inseparable. It is characterized by slow, relaxed circular movements practiced with precise breath control. It truly is active meditation. Most who practice Tai Chi do so mainly for the benefits it gives as an exercise. Few learn it only for its martial aspects. Tai Chi is suitable for people of all ages, particularly those beyond the age of thirty. The very nature of the art stimulates blood circulation, loosens and limbers up joints and at the same time promotes mental relaxation.
Beginner Chi Kung with Gary Schwartz: You can readily learn these simple postures and breath practices for gathering and moving vital energy (Qi or Chi) to enhance health and vitality. Based on ancient Chinese principles for healing and longevity.
Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement with John Dzubay: Whether you are working at your computer, lifting a child or carrying groceries...it matters how you move! This powerful system of movement education is recognized worldwide for its ability to improve the way you move, think and feel. These sophisticated yet simple movement sequences stimulate the neural pathways which control your entire musculature. Benefits include: pain relief and injury recovery, increased attention span and body awareness, improved posture and breathing, greater flexibility, balance and coordination. Learn to move through life with ease, clarity and elegance.
Yoga appears to be a particularly good match for restoring vitality to people living with this condition. The Yoga for MS classes at Thoms Rehabilitation Hospital will begin September 19th from 4 - 5pm. The cost will be $70 for 10 weeks or 2 payments of $35. We have several 50% scholarships available, based on need, sponsored by Lighten Up! and the National MS Society. The class will be held in the relaxation room which is wheel chair accessible. Please drive around the back of the building and enter as if you were going to the pool. Look for signs, Eric will meet you there.
IMPORTANT: If you are wheel chair bound, we must ask you to bring an assistant with you who can help you during class. Your teacher will not be able to give a great deal of attention to any one person. Thank you!
YOGA FOR MS WILL RESUME WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 19TH
To register for classes plan to arrive 15 minutes befor your chosen class
Email: info@ lightenupyoga.com
fax: 828-254-3797 phone:828 254-7756
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