Styles of Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is sequenced for poses to flow from one to another, one breath at a time, creating meditation in movement that is boosts strength and cardiovascular health in addition to flexibility. Sequences can focus on specific postures and skills, safely and effectively prepping the practitioner for more challenging postures. With more movement than hatha or yin style yoga, expect to sweat a bit more. At the Yoga Shala, classes are heated from 80-85 degrees. All other vinyasa classes I teach are at room temperature. 

Yin yoga

Yin yoga is slow, relaxing, and meditative. Postures are held passively, with minimal muscle tension, for long durations to gently release muscle tension as well as fascia connective tissue. Props like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and the wall are commonly used so practitioners can find just the right shape of the posture for their unique body and needs. The slow pace, props, and pose modifications make yin yoga accessible to people newer to yoga or with less physical mobility or stamina. However, the long holds (around 2 minutes, depending on the pose) can be mentally and physically challenging for some.

Hatha yoga

Hatha is a general term for yoga. Basically, all yoga is hatha yoga. As distinct from vinyasa or yin style yoga, hatha yoga is commonly used to describe classes that are not as fast paced and sweaty as vinyasa, and not as slow and passive as yin yoga. Classes either focus on a particular group of poses, building up to apex poses, or target a little bit of everything so that the whole body is energized. Being slower than a typical vinyasa class makes it more accessible to beginners not as familiar with 

acro yoga

Acrobatics and partner yoga blend together in this playful practice. A "base" supports a "flyer" off the ground in a variety of postures and movements. Spotters help ensure safety for both base and flyer. While acro yoga clearly requires some strength, many postures and moves are more accessible than most might think. Proper alignment and technique go a long way. The practice requires clear communication, teamwork, patience, flexibility, and balance. It is incredibly fun and empowering, and can also include elements of dance, performance, partner stretching, and therapeutic thai massage

thai yoga massage

Thai yoga massage is a blend of yoga and massage. While in various postures, most often lying passively on the floor, receivers of thai massage are both stretched and massaged for dynamic, effective bodywork. The different positions and movements allow for a massage you just can't get from traditional massage. Thai massage can focus on body as a whole, similar to Swedish massage, or can be used to target specific areas of the body.