Class Descriptions

Ask about our 200 Hr. TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM!

GENTLE HATHA YOGA

This class is focused on a relaxed pace and a simpler approach to the postures, breathing, restoratives and guided relaxation. Relax your mind, increase energy, and reduce stress. For beginners, people with fibromyalgia, joint or back problems, experienced students who want a slower paced, less strenuous class or those with post traumatic stress disorder. We often use light weights in this class.

BEGINNER HATHA YOGA

Beginner classes present the essential themes of Hatha yoga and familiarize the student with the fundamental asanas (postures), including simple forward bends, twists, and introductory shoulder stand, as well as basic breathing and relaxation techniques. Through careful attention to correct form, gradual introduction of new poses, and repetition of learned postures with variations, you will gain the foundation necessary for a solid home practice and for more advanced study. In the process you will increase flexibility and strengthen, tone, and revitalize your body.

In addition to the physical aspects, students will explore the underlying philosophy of yoga, which seeks to unify body mind and spirit. The beginner class is the starting point on your journey towards physical well being and greater self realization, and is ideal for both students new to yoga and those who want to reacquaint themselves with the basics.

ALL LEVELS & MODERATE HATHA YOGA

Students consolidate their knowledge of the essentials and begin to explore variations of more advanced poses. This upbeat class will work with a full range of postures, pranayama (breath work), core sequencing, posture flows and modifications to accommodate everyone.

VIGOROUS POWER YOGA

A vigorous practice combining breath and focus as you move continuously through a fixed sequence of postures. While mastering these linked postures, this traditional form builds and maintains internal heat as it enhances self awareness, concentration, strength, and vitality. Come ready to sweat, renew and revitalize your body, mind and spirit! This class uses rock music!

VIGOROUS HATHA YOGA

For the experienced student vigorous offers deepening on all postures: standing, inversions, back bends, forward bends, twists, balancing and restoratives. This class challenges body and mind, builds core power, ignites internal heat, and offers the opportunity for deep healing and release. Move beyond emotional and physical barriers and deepen your practice. Suitable for seasoned students who maintain a regular personal practice that includes inversions and backbends.

SPECIALIZED CLASSES:

ALL LEVELS HEATED HATHA

This 75 minute class is taught in a heated room between 90 and 100 degrees. The heating effect is meant to relax and soothe the muscles in order to prevent injury and go deeper into a posture. The heat aids in releasing toxins, waste buildup, and stress in the body, while leaving you with radiant, healthy skin. This class entails breathing techniques, stress reduction exercises, warm-ups, prolonged postures and short flows. The benefits include opening up blocked energy, stress relief, longer, leaner muscles, toxin release, glowing skin, improved clarity/concentration, digestion and sleep.

Please bring your own yoga mat, bottled water and hand towel to class. In order to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water during the day and after class. It is not advisable to eat two hours before class. Not recommended for people with a heart condition, frequent dizziness, expectant mothers, and first time beginners.

HOT POWER YOGA

Hot Power Yoga weaves together three amazing attributes of wellness: strength, sweat and spirituality. Hot Power yoga offers the moderate to advanced yogis with challenging postures that increase core strength, improve posture, tone the body and enhance focus. The class is instructed in a hot room 90º - 100ºF to foster detoxification, as well as, develop greater overall flexibility. The Hot Power Yoga practice combines the influences of K. Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga), Bikram Choudhury (Bikram) and B.K.S. Iyengar (Iyengar). This vinyasa-based practice helps to release tension and anxiety while uniting the mind, body and spirit.

Sunday, March 11th and 18th, 2012 Denne will be offering HOT POWER YOGA from 4:00-5:15pm - DONATION $5.00 All proceeds will be donated to the 2012 Yoga Reaches Out- Yogathon benefiting Children's Hospital Boston and the Africa Yoga Project. Cash or check only. Please make checks payable to: Yoga Reaches Out.

CORE STRENGTH YOGA

Everything we do physically and mentally is supported by the strength and well-being of our mind, body and spirit. The CORE is our engine to life. It gives us breath, movement and function. CORE YOGA focuses on deepening the transverse abdominus muscle, the thoracic cavity (heart, lungs, and rib cage) and the diaphragm. We will balance traditional fitness notions of abdominal strength while developing deep and steady breathing throughout the movements. Practice will include meditation, spinal twists, abdominal curls, sun salutations, warrior flows, seated, standing and balancing poses. FIND THE SECRET TO YOUR CORE!

SUNDAY MORNING VINYASA

Vinyasa Yoga - a flowing sequence of yoga postures coordinated with each breath. This energetic form of yoga links individual postures together and with sunsalutations, resulting in constant movement that takes the student out of their heads and into their bodies. The union of breath and movement in this practice creates a blissful yoga experience!

SLOW FLOW - all levels

Slow flow yoga is a practice built from the foundation of the sun salutation where one posture flows sequentially into the next. Sequences that promote strength, flexibility and balance are interspersed with brief periods of recovery to accommodate beginners and those who prefer a flow style with a slightly less vigorous pace. Builds stamina, strength, flexibility, and a mindful awareness of the breath-body connection.

INTRO TO HEATED YOGA

A basic hatha class aimed at improving flexibility and strength, elevating body awareness as well as promoting better posture. This class is ideal for students looking to add the benefits of heat to their practice, or students new to a heated yoga class. Students are encouraged to make their practice their own and their intention personal. The class is taught in a room heated to approximately 95 degrees. Asana practiced will be beginner with some moderate. All levels are welcome.

KETTLEBELLS

Kettlebells are weights with handles that allow for a more dynamic and intense workout than traditional dumbbells. A kettlebell workout promotes toning and strength as well as cardio conditioning and flexibility. Kettlebell training is more effective than a traditional weight workout and yields better results in less time. In a research study it was shown that using a kettlebell burns up to 70% more calories than a traditional workout.

In this class we’ll learn the safe and effective way to work out with kettlebells. We’ll learn a variety of exercises that will re-shape and strengthen your entire body. Be ready to sweat, work hard and have fun. You won’t believe the way you feel and SOON you won’t believe the way you look! A limited number of kettlebells will be available. If you have your own, please bring it. Some hand weights will also be available although they are not as effective.

KRIPALU YOGA

What to expect in a Kripalu yoga class? Expect to open your heart to yourself and the world around you. A Kripalu yoga class begins with centering and meditation. We then gently warm the body with stretches and postures designed to prepare the muscles for a deeper level of opening. The asanas in a Kripalu class flow together, linked by the steady sensation of breath. A Kripalu class ends with deep relaxation, and seated meditation. Expect to leave a Kripalu yoga class feeling wonderfully connected to yourself and your true being.

MODERATE VINYASA YOGA

Come join us as we move our bodies through space. Moderate Vinyasa Yoga incorporates the beautiful flow of vinyasa with postures that empower and ground the body. Modifications are provided throughout the class to allow you to experience the most effective yoga practice for you that day.

MILDLY HEATED LEVEL 1 YOGA

This class incorporates the benefits of Iyengar Style Yoga in a mildly heated room. The temperature is maintained at 88 – 92 degrees, similar to a summer day. As the muscles warm, movement and flexibility are encouraged.

OPEN MEDITATION

A weekly, free, drop in class for beginner and experienced students. This class will begin with 15 minutes of stretching, preparing you for a half hour seated meditation. Learn to hold space for each other as you create a safe, comfortable place for one another to practice and explore meditation. Experience the inevitable monkey mind and work through it focusing on the breath and the use of mantras. This will be a somewhat informal class, Sawrah will be there merely to hold the space as a guide for anyone who desires to start or continue a meditation practice in a safe quiet environment. Feel free to bring a journal, water, your own cushion, or blanket to make yourself comfortable. Facilitated by Sawrah Amini, RYT 200hr.

PRE-NATAL YOGA

Expecting mothers can prepare their bodies and minds for childbirth by integrating yoga and meditation into their lives. Pre-Natal Yoga is a natural solution for common pregnancy related ailments. No experience necessary. Appropriate at any point during your pregnancy.

RESTORATIVE YOGA

Restorative Yoga is designed to relieve the effects of chronic stress by using props to provide a completely supportive environment for total relaxation. The spine is moved in all directions to enhance health and well-being. Sequences are designed to alternately stimulate and soothe internal organs. Energy is balanced, relieving overstimulation or depletion. A long, deep relaxation promotes bliss and harmony.

YIN YOGA

Yin Yoga practice consists of a series of floor poses held for a minimum of 3-5 minutes that stretch and condition the body’s connective tissues and joints. Yin brings a sense of balance to both the body and the mind. This class is appropriate for both beginner and experienced yoga practitioners. The benefits of a regular yin practice include improved health, greater strength and stamina, improved practice of yang (hatha and power) yoga, improved meditation and deep relaxation, regulated energy levels and flow (chi/prana), lowered stress levels, increased feelings of calm and slowed signs of aging.

YOGA BASICS

YOGA BASICS is designed to provide the beginning student with a thoughtful, balanced knowledge and understanding of yoga. Classes build a foundation from week one to four and include an overview of yoga philosophy, meditation, breathing techniques, and basic postures for developiing a personal practice. Classes begin and end with a short meditation to allow the mind and body to quiet and come into the present moment. A Certificate of Completion is presented to each student at the end of the fourth class.

YOGA FOR RUNNERS AND WALKERS

Distance walkers and runners have many common concerns related to flexibility, postural alignment, joint mobility and posture. This yoga class will help develop your practice with the focus on these special areas, allowing you the ability to go the distance! Come enjoy the community of others with your special interest, experiencing a yoga class designed to meet your unique needs.

YOGA FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY CANCER

Provides a safe space in which to create a healing and joyful mindset.Designed to meet the needs of people newly diagnosed, in treatment, or after treatment. A longer time frame allows for checking in and sharing. Gentle stretching, breathing techniques and guided visualizations to minimize anxiety or fear, and a long, healing relaxation are included. All abilities will be accommodated, with modifications suggested to tailor the class to individual needs.

YOGA WARRIORS INTERNATIONAL™

Yoga Warriors is a beginner yoga class for active duty military and veterans. This class is designed to introduce the basics of yoga and will include positive affirmations, yoga postures, breathing and relaxation techniques. This class emphasizes emotional healing and will focus on a relaxed pace in a safe and nurturing environment. Yoga is a simple, effective technique that delivers inner peace, vibrant health and relaxation.

Benefits of a Yoga Warriors Practice:

Develop a flexible mind set, one that can rise to meet day-to-day challenges and quickly return to a calm, relaxed state.
Manage emotions in day-to-day life using positive stress management techniques.
Become more present in the moment by drawing awareness to the breath and bodily sensation.
Improve energy level to support meeting one's daily needs and goals.
Improve self-acceptance and self-esteem by using affirmations to reduce and reverse negative thinking patterns

For more information visit www.YogaWarriors.com

CHILDREN/TEEN YOGA CLASSES:

TWEENS AND TEENS (ages 9-15)

This class offers TWEENS AND TEENS an opportunity to safely explore who they are and the roles they might play in the world. Incorporating discussion, Yoga poses (or asanas), relaxation and meditation, Tween Teens provides an opportunity for open conversation and quiet introspection. It leads teens through an inner journey as they discover the essence of themselves, and provides the self-assuredness and confidence they need as the venture out into the world.

Central Mass Yoga & Wellness