CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

FUNDAMENTALS

These classes are for beginners and everyone who is interested in reviewing the essential elements of a yoga practice. These classes focus on the shapes of the postures, principles of alignment, utilizing the breath, lines of energy, and the language of the practice. These classes do not have a flow-based component with the exception of traditional sun salutations. Recommended props: block(s), strap. 

ALL-LEVELS ALIGNMENT
This offering is a slow-paced flow with a focus on the foundations of postures. The class has a combination of mobility, strength, and alignment drills that enhance any level of practitioner interested in developing more awareness in breath and movement. We support the practice with the use of props depending on the areas we concentrate on each time.

YOGA BASICS
This is the best class for those new to yoga. In a comfortable environment, this class will introduce the fundamentals of a yoga practice, including breath, proper alignment, and mindfulness practices. This class is useful for those trying to work around injuries. Many long time students take Basics classes regularly because the pace of the class offers time for students to develop self awareness and refine their practice.

FOUNDATIONS OF YOGA
This class provides a physically-accessible movement experience while drawing upon foundational principles that have formed our understanding of the practice of yoga over the last 2000 years. Each week we’ll focus on a specific, time-tested principle so we can, over time, build a sustainable and well-rounded practice from the inside out. Expect references to early texts, pranayama, mindful movement, making what we learn on the mat relevant to our daily lives, small meditations, and some chanting. This class is open to open-minded beginners, seasoned practitioners, and everyone in between.

TAPAS
Tapas means the discipline of steady practice. Each season of the year has a special series of postures dedicated to it. The postures that are chosen for each season address traditional Indian medicine or the wisdom of Ayurveda, as well as the Chinese meridians that run along the body, so that you can be empowered to care for your health. Students who practice the four different Tapas series throughout the year have reported greater internal stability, a stronger immune system, better circulation and higher energy levels. At Breathe Together Yoga, this series is practiced in a heated room, but it is not necessary to receive its benefits.

FLOW-BASED YOGA

Flow-based classes tie breath to movement between individual postures. Focus will be on strengthening, lengthening, and stretching through a creative series of postures in constant motion. In order to thrive in a flow based class, your body should be healthy and free of injury and you should have a strong understanding of the individual postures. Recommended props: block(s), strap.

BHAKTI FLOW
Bhakti means devotion. Bhakti Flow is an invocation to the divine, whatever form that divine may be for you. Perhaps, you are one with nature or a certain image lives in your heart. This flow will help to unite you to that love that lives deep down inside of you. Bhakti Flow is yoga of the heart. This class is for everyone and consists of a short inspirational talk, pranayama, a few simple asanas including twists, backbends, and forward folds, slow sun salutations, and a meditation towards the end. As you synchronize the movement of the body with the breath, you will discover the latent power that lies inside of you.

CANDLELIGHT FLOW & MEDITATION
Flow yoga is a series of postures that flow seamlessly, one into the next. Designed as a moving meditation, each Candlelight Flow class is unique. We’ll explore the ease of strength, tensile flexibility, balancing within precarious scenarios and being present both in movement and in stillness.

EMPOWER SOLA PILATES
This is a heated, all-levels class dedicated to developing physical, mental, and emotional strength, while contributing to a sense of well-being. Traditional Pilates and yoga asanas are used to target specific muscle groups in order to create balance, healing, and awareness in the body and mind. This class will leave you feeling energized and allow you to navigate through life with confidence, steadiness, and ease.

FLOW
Flow Yoga is the entry level class for all dynamic flow based classes at Breathe. This class is recommended for those whose bodies are free from injury and who have a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of alignment within individual poses before embarking upon connecting one posture to another through breath and movement. Through sun salutations and working our way toward approachable apex postures, emphasis will be placed on ways of establishing steadiness, ease, moving energy, and efficient use of the breath. Moving from one posture to another, often to music, this class is designed to relieve stress and connect yoga students with the authentic self in a way that brings more ease and vitality to every day.

GENTLE FLOW
Gentle Flow combines a series of postures, where with a gentler, lighter paced flow, students will be able to move with a sense of ease from one posture to another, coordinated with the breath. This softer pace will allow you to be more present with each posture. Designed to create space to explore your practice, to find the play between strength, stretch and flexibility, stability and ease, and to gain greater understanding of alignment and balance in the body.

GENTLE MORNING FLOW
It is known that a short practice synchronizing the body, breath, and movement is an excellent way to transition from sleep to wakefulness, for an optimal start to the day. In this class, we will move through a gentle flow, utilizing breathwork throughout to invigorate the body and mind. As we access the front, sides, and back body, we invite flexibility and fluidity in our body, with the intention to carry that with us through the day. We will end with a short meditation and mindful presence.

HANUMAN CHALISA FLOW
Come move, flow, and chant in this asana and chanting class that is for EVERY body. You will guided through a gentle, alignment-based yoga practice that will support your body and connect to the mind through the breath. A Hanuman Chalisa playlist will be the backdrop for this nourishing and immersive experience. We will end with a full, 10-minute Savasana, deep relaxation, followed by 20 minutes learning the Hanuman Chalisa pronunciation, translation, and home practice cultivation. No experience necessary!

MANDALA FLOW
Mandala means circle or essence, while the term, “flow” has been recognized across cultures as a state known as the “action of inaction” or “doing without doing.” A flow state is characterized as complete absorption, referred to as eighth limb in yoga, or Samadhi. Mandala Flow offers an embodied inquiry into stability within fluidity, because life is inherently in motion (and especially in this part of the world). This creative, progressive breath-based moving meditation explores the wise use of vital energy, experiments in balance and being present. Benefits of sustained practice include strength, balance and flexibility, but most essentially, a greater capacity to meet each moment with grace and intelligence.

MANDALA VINYASA
Vinyasa means to place in a special way while mandala means “circle,” or “essence.” Like origami, or the Japanese art of folding, the body moves progressively, breath by breath, towards one or more apex postures, much like a conscious walk up an unexplored mountain path. We will utilize historically early yoga-asana, contemporary expressions of movement, and seasonal practice to build our flow experience. Counter postures unfold the body for short seated practice. Yes, there likely could be some chanting. This class is for those with an understanding of internal alignment and flow and a love for a breath-centered adventure.

POWER FLOW
Power Flow is a powerful (pun intended) and dynamic yoga flow aimed to light your inner and outer fire. Warm up the body with carefully sequenced poses to prepare the body for more challenging postures throughout the class, interspersed with high energy and core activating movements. Be prepared to gain strength and flexibility balanced with loving and inspiring messages for your heart and soul.

POWER VINYASA
This is a vigorous vinyasa flow class set to contemporary music. Open, cleanse, and energize through a series of postures systematically designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. We utilize controlled breathing, bandhas, and focused gaze to bring forth calm and stable states of concentration as we challenge ourselves within and between postures. Options to modify provided for all levels of practice.

VINYASA
Vinyasa yoga is a series of postures, one flowing seamlessly into the next, uniting body, mind, and breath. Designed as a moving meditation, every Vinyasa class is unique, creating the opportunity to become stronger, more flexible, and balanced, while practicing being present to the moment. If you are new to Vinyasa Yoga, trying a Flow class first is helpful, but not required. Some classes may be heated. Please check the schedule.

VINYASA & MEDITATION
“Vinyasa & Meditation” emphasizes embodied mindfulness. Using the tools of somatics, sun salutations, traditional yoga postures, and functional movements, students are encouraged to connect to strength, freedom, and fluidity in the body. While this class is dynamic, options for increasing and decreasing intensity are given throughout the class, and the use of props is encouraged. Expect a well-rounded practice with moments of grounding, as well as moments of adventure. We close each practice with seated meditation to cultivate inner stillness and spaciousness.

WARM FLOW

Warm Flow is a Vinyasa-style class that will allow you to move and sweat while reconnecting with your heart, mind, and body. Don’t miss this upbeat feel-good music class in a heated studio (90 degrees) while flowing, balancing, sculpting, detoxifying, and building strength. The lightly-heated room will loosen your muscles, promote deeper stretches, and enhance your flexibility. This class is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. 

Note: Saturday AM class will end with a sound bath savasana filled with singing bowls, drums, and chimes.
Recommended Props: two blocks and a strap; hand weights are optional for Saturday
Prop Alternatives: block – books or shoe box; strap – tie, or belt; weight – soup cans
Online users: A link to a Spotify playlist will be put in the Zoom chat 5 minutes before class starts.

YOGA WITH WEIGHTS

A slow, strength-building class using yoga poses, functional movement, and short flowing sequences to build muscle, bone strength, balance, and agility. Using 1-2 lb. weights, resistance bands, blocks, bolsters, and therapy balls, we will strengthen and lengthen the entire body. Get stronger, explore flexibility, discover mind-body endurance, stamina, and courage. An hour of movement will be followed by (15) min of therapy ball roll outs, relieving tightness in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, upper & lower back, legs & feet. Arrive tired ~ leave inspired!

ASHTANGA

MYSORE
The traditional method for practicing the Ashtanga Vinyasa method, Mysore is a self-led form of practice. To the new comer, the practice may feel disjointed and chaotic, but after a period of assimilation, a meditative flow guides one’s practice. In a Mysore class, you develop a close relationship with your teacher, your breath, and your bodymind. You will be given postures one at a time, and be asked to ‘learn’ the series before moving on to more complex poses. The aim is to build a progressive, safe, and sustainable practice that facilitates continuous awakening from patterns and habits. If you are new to vinyasa-based yoga, expect a vigorous, dynamic practice. On new and full moon days, there will be NO Ashtanga practice at Breathe Together. Please check the live schedule before attending.

FULL LED PRIMARY – ALL LEVELS
A dynamic, flowing vinyasa practice, the Ashtanga Primary Series is the foundation for many modern flow, power, and vinyasa style classes. The series is a set sequence that starts with sun salutations and standing postures to build internal heat and strength, and moves on to an increasingly deeper set of forward folds and hip openers that are linked together through active vinyasa. The finishing postures of backbends and inversions serve to integrate this intense, purifying practice. Strong attention is given to the connection of breath and movement. On new and full moon days, there will be NO Ashtanga practice at Breathe Together. Please check the live schedule before attending.

INTRO TO ASHTANGA
This Led class is an accessible and a step-by-step approach to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga – the foundation for many modern flow, power, and vinyasa style classes. A dynamic, flowing vinyasa practice, the Ashtanga Primary Series is a set sequence that starts with sun salutations, progresses to standing postures, and finishes with accessible backbends and inversions. Throughout the sequence, we pay close attention to the connection of breath and movement. If you’re curious about Ashtanga yoga, this is the place to be!

AERIAL YOGA

AERIAL BASICS
There are probably as many definitions of aerial yoga as there are people who practice it. In an aerial yoga practice, the hammock plays a number of roles – support for gentle backbends, forward folds, and inversions, wrapping the limbs to provide tactile feedback, and perhaps most lovely of all, taking the body’s weight to provide traction that helps us open the joints and lengthen the spine. We can ground deeply into its instability to find a deeper centering and stillness, or we can gently sway with it to loosen tight places and increase lubrication in the joints. This class will offer something to students of all levels, offering options in the poses that allow each individual to tailor the practice to suit their needs. We will focus on developing strength in the arms, legs, and core; integrating breath and movement; and finding and challenging our balance. Mats are required for aerial yoga.

AERIAL YOGA
This aerial yoga class will move forward from material covered in Aerial Basics. All are welcome, but students who attend are encouraged to have a working knowledge of basic Aerial inversions. This class will use the hammocks to build core strength, balance, and focus, and also to have fun! Mats are required for aerial yoga.

CANDLELIGHT AERIAL YIN
The goal of an aerial yin class is no different than that of a mat yin class. We use extended holds and meditative breath to move energy through the body and facilitate deep relaxation and mindfulness. A relaxed and nourishing practice designed to cultivate deep meditative calm. This class will feature simple breathwork, gentle aerial asana in the low hammocks, and an extended bodyscan/savasana. In aerial yin, the hammock plays a number of roles to support the practice. Most straightforwardly, the hammock can be used as a support for gentle backbends, forward folds, and inversions. It can also wrap the limbs to provide tactile feedback that supports proprioception. We can ground deeply into its instability to find a deeper centering and stillness, or we can gently sway with it to loosen tight places and increase lubrication in the joints. Yin Yoga is a practice that benefits from a generous use of props, and the aerial hammocks may be the ultimate yoga prop. Mats are required for aerial yoga.

GENTLE AERIAL
Aerial Yoga is a transformative practice that elevates mat yoga both figuratively and literally, using a waist-high aerial silk hammock as a powerful prop to gently stretch, relax, and release. Students of all levels and abilities will find increased mobility and accessibility using the hammock in traditional yoga asanas (poses) while incorporating pranayama (breathwork) and brief meditation for a truly holistic wellness experience. Reconnect to your inner child, find a sense of playfulness, and learn to surrender in this 60-minute class that truly keeps the yoga in Aerial Yoga. No prior experience is necessary, and all are welcome.

SELF-CARE

These classes are designed to alleviate physical and emotional stress, and intelligently address how we work with injuries and/or chronic physical conditions. Life requires self-care. These classes are for all levels of practice. Please inform your teacher of any injury, pain, or chronic conditions prior to class. Recommended props: blanket(s), block(s), strap, bolster.

CHAIR YOGA
This is a great class for students with mobility issues due to aging and body constitution, or those recovering from recent surgeries. All welcome – including those with mobility challenges, those recovering from surgery, pregnant moms in any stage of pregnancy, and moms in post-birth recovery! We will focus on strength, flexibility, balance, and breath. This gentle form of yoga is practiced in a chair. Some standing poses will be practiced (chairs can be used for support).

CHILL
Chill is your one hour to practice yin and restorative yoga interwoven with soothing breathwork practices (pranayama). Decrease stress and tension and relax your nervous system with this super mellow movement class. Listen to beautiful sounds and be inspired by inspirational readings and tidbits of wisdom pertaining to health and well-being. Be nourished with hands on healing and therapeutic healing touch. No experience necessary but a willingness to let go and open your heart to self-love and the magic of life!

GENTLE & RESTORATIVE YOGA
This gentle and restorative class will help you de-stress, unwind, let go of daily distractions, and be more at peace when you leave. There will be some stretching, light movement, and breathwork to help relieve tension or tightness in the body. This will help prepare the participant for holding a meditative state for extended periods in sitting or supine poses (laying on floor). Light ambient music will help deepen the experience. Props are encouraged to help the body release (ie, mat, blocks, blankets, strap, etc). This class is great for beginners as well as seasoned practitioners.

GENTLE CANDLELIGHT YOGA, MEDITATION, AND SOUND BATH
Join us to relax, release, and reground your mind, body, heart, and soul. This class is a combination of meditation, gentle, and restorative movements, and finishes with a sound bath filled with Crystal Tones bowls, ocean drums, gongs from around the world, whimsical chimes, and of course some chocolate before you go. All levels and all body types are welcome. Props: Bolster, strap, blanket, sand bag, bands, and blocks.

GENTLE FLOW WITH BALL THERAPY
Sweet and gentle morning yoga with easeful moving meditation practices. Release tension in mind and body and improve overall mobility. This class is always different, targeting alternating areas of the body and is filled with love, inspiration, and creativity. Soothing music, flowing movement, thoughtful readings, lotions and potions, and essential oils will be offered in class. Yoga tune-up balls will be used for the last (15) minutes in yin/restorative postures to finish with head, neck, shoulder, and low back release and overall deep relaxation. All levels of practice are welcome.

GENTLE YOGA & NEUROGENIC TREMORING
Join Joanne for this gentle yoga class to bring awareness and grounding into your practice followed by neurogenic tremoring (inspired by the TREs). We will explore grounding postures to stretch the tissues to prepare for the movement of energy. We’ll finish the practice with the tremoring to release deep held tension and stress, as well as bringing the nervous system back into rhythm. You will be guided through a body scan meditation during final rest. This is an all levels class and is suitable for just about anyone.

GENTLY RESTORE
This class is designed to open the body with gentle, slow, and traditional yoga postures and movements. It’s a combination of postures coordinated with the breath, performed at a gentle pace which allows time to be present in each pose. After some gentle movement, the class will transition to a restorative practice with longer holds, deeper stretches, and relaxation techniques. This is an all-level class and is suitable for just about anyone.

MEDITATION AND AWARENESS PRACTICE
This free class provides simple and effective breath and meditation practices to release mental, emotional, and physical tension. Each week we will address a different form of meditation, all of which will support and cultivate our capacity to be healthy, calm, aware, and fully present. ***Free Class.

PRENATAL YOGA
This class will reduce your fears and replace them with a wealth of support, confidence in your changing body and camaraderie with other pregnant women. Start as soon as your healthcare provider gives the thumbs up! You will learn a multitude of techniques to reduce fatigue, nausea, ligament pain, including specific breathing techniques to use during labor and delivery. The prenatal yoga postures are adapted to everyone’s level of experience and stage of pregnancy. Included is a discussion of resources which include doula support, prenatal massage, prenatal nutrition, and prenatal acupuncture. You are invited to stay after class to ask your instructor questions. If you have questions before you register, you are encouraged to contact your teacher. This class is for pregnant women only.

RESTORATIVE YOGA
Restorative Yoga is an excellent pathway to quiet the mind and calm the body. With the use of props such as blocks, bolsters, and blankets, restorative postures release tension and encourage surrender into a deeper sense of relaxation and stillness. Restorative yoga classes are perfect for all levels of experience, and stages of flexibility.

SATYA
SATYA (Sensory Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement), created by Tias Little, guides participants away from “doing” movement and toward “being” movement. The SATYA movements are done on the floor in a slow, soft, and flowing fashion without force, and rather with the intention to explore an inner landscape of feeling and sensation in the body. Experience non-weight bearing exercises that involve sliding, gliding, and circular movements to balance the body’s structure, reduce tension and fatigue, and boost immunity.

SELF MASSAGE
Join us and learn how to safely and effectively use a series of self-massage tools to release tight muscles, reduce pain, improve movement, and/or enhance your ability to relax and unwind. Classes will be structured to respond to a variety of scenarios in which self massage could be helpful; i.e. too much time at a desk, trying to ready the body for a certain activity or yoga posture, traveling on an airplane, digestive health, deep relaxation, etc. This class is open to all levels of practitioner. If practicing from home, please review the recommended class materials to ensure you can participate fully in the experience.

THERAPEUTIC YOGA
Therapeutic Yoga is a carefully designed collection of restorative yoga, gentle yoga, breathwork, guided meditation, and hands-on healing techniques, perfect for working with injury, illness, stress, and/or anxiety, integrated with essential oils that help nourish and relax the body.

YIN YOGA
A meditative, healing practice using passive, long-held floor poses. Yin yoga bypasses the muscles and allows you to nourish and strengthen the deeper tissues. Connective tissues, fascia, joints, ligaments, and bones receive gentle, low load stress. The poses are held between 2-5 minutes and the muscles stay passive in order to pass the stress on to the deeper tissues. Each Yin pose is an opportunity to go inward and find an appropriate balance of effort and ease. It is a wonderful complement to an active (Yang) practice and a much needed tool for anyone who needs to unwind a tight body, mind, or heart. Yin is suitable for all levels, including beginners.

YOGA FOR CANCER & CHRONIC CONDITIONS
This class incorporates breathwork, guided meditation, gentle movements, and supported resting postures to improve circulation and reduce stress. The class provides a way to support total quality of life for those living with cancer, chronic pain, compromised immune systems, and chronic stress from illness or injury. Additionally, it emphasizes the unique needs of those who have had cancer or are in treatment now. This class is also open to caregivers, professionals (medical, complementary therapists) who work with cancer and chronic conditions, as well as yoga teachers who want to work with people with cancer. No prior yoga experience is needed. Please inform your teacher of any specific needs. ***Free Class.

ENERGETIC ARTS

Often referred to as meditation in motion, Energetic Arts incorporate tai chi and qigong, an entirely distinct modality that compliments a traditional yoga practice. Easy on the joints, these practices are designed to harmonize the internal organs and energetic systems.

DAOIST YOGA
Daoist yoga is the exercise branch of the broad, but very practical, system of Chinese self-care called yangsheng, literally “nourishing life.” The postures and exercises of Daoist Yoga focus on improving your natural integration by utilizing principles such as yin and yang, the five phases, and animal mimicry. In Daoist Yoga, you gently contract, stretch, and massage the muscles and channels of the limbs and torso, reliably creating a state of ease and flow. The secular practices of Daoist Yoga have been popular for so many thousands of years that they form an essential part of the foundation of qigong and Chinese gongfu, including “external” systems rooted in Shaolin, as well as “internal” systems such as taiji. Echoes of these seemingly magically effective practices can also be seen in religious rituals, meditative alchemy, and modern psychotherapy. The goal of each practice session is to help you bring about a state of natural balance through rediscovering and enhancing the networks of well-being that sit below the surface quietly waiting for your attention.

QIGONG
Learn how to maintain and increase your own vitality, relaxation, and sense of flow with this simple but profound class. Each class will integrate gentle movements and postures that stretch and strengthen your entire body. In qigong we not only target the physical body but also our “qi- energy” to bring a unique sense of well-being to the body, mind, and emotions. Each morning you will have a chance to learn simple and effective qigong sequences that energize, cleanse, and harmonize your body’s internal organs and energetic systems. Qigong offers a very gentle, yet potent method of bringing health to the joints, organs, glands, and nervous system. Because qigong has developed in the secular context for centuries, it is well adapted for the average person, easy to practice, and has countless health benefits.

WUJI QIGONG
This class focuses on the simple and easy-to-learn exercises and movement patterns of Wuji Qigong. Through these movements stress begins to melt away, your joints start to feel a bit more open, and those everyday movements start to feel less restricted leaving you feeling much better than when you arrived to class. The exercises of Wuji Qigong can be done from a standing or seated position (chairs are provided). There are an endless number of variations so that all students will have a chance to experience the gentle power of Wuji Qigong regardless of ability. Everyone is welcome and these exercises are suitable for all abilities and all ages.

YOGA FUSION
Yoga Fusion addresses the elements of our human being; the mental, emotional, energetic, and physical being. Practices will be used from both Taoist and Indian yoga traditions, and will include Hatha Yoga poses and breathing, qigong, Taiji Quan postures, self-massage, yoga philosophy, and meditation. The practice will take a holistic approach that involves building awareness of the various levels of our being (mental, emotional, bio-energetic, and physical). The goal is to build an actual skill set that will allow us to become self-empowered in managing our own holistic health. We will be actively working to transform our relationship to our body and our minds. Please be aware that the class format will be more workshop oriented and less of a workout format. The class will usually begin with a 10-minute lecture or discussion to introduce the principles that will be covered during the class. The class will end in seated meditation.