Beginner
This is a class designed for new students and for people who want to slow down. The basic poses are taught at a level appropriate for someone without previous yoga experience. This class is good for anyone who wants a less physically demanding class.
Better backs ( for every level)
This class is designed for the NEW STUDENT and the most advanced yoga student. This class incorporates the entire body in a restorative yet challenging series of postures that include spinal twists, back bends, hip and hamstring openers, abdominal and core strengtheners with extra emphasis on deep diaphragmatic breathing which lowers that stress hormone knows as "cortisol" . Lowering that hormone will help decrease stress and help you decrease your waist size. Postures are held longer in this class allowing you to go deeper and really get into opening everything up.
Gentle Yoga
This class will allow you to release tension and nurture the body, mind and spirit. Suitable for beginners, those with injuries or those seeking a gentler practice. This class promotes deep relaxation and is wonderful for everyone. Go ahead... try being gentle with yourself. Relax and Renew.
All Levels
This class is appropriate for people with an understanding of the basic yoga postures. It is recommended that people attend a beginner class or better backs class before attending an all levels class. If this is the only class that fits your schedule… come and give it a try… as long as you know how to breathe and focus and listen to your body you will not hurt yourself!
Hot power yoga
ADVANCED Students must have experience with beginner/ all levels and slow flow classes and understand how to do the postures correctly before doing this class.
Follow the yogi (Ashtanga)
Start your day the energised way as you are guided through the Ashtanga Yoga Series. This class is designed to help students develop their own personal practice. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. Come and practice WITH the teacher and watch how your days change as you get your practice done before you do anything else! ONLY FORTHOSE WHO WANT TO STRENGHTEN THEIR MINDS! Yes it does take a lot of strength to drag your butt out of bed that early. But you are worth it!
kundalini yoga ( For every level)
This class is based on kriyas, or specially formulated sets of exercises. This allows you to target specific benefits and work on exactly those aspects of yourself that need work at the current time. Practicing kundalini yoga keeps the body in shape and trains the mind to be strong and flexible in the face of stress and change. It increases oxygen capacity, boosts blood flow, balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, and reduces stress-induced toxins such as adrenaline and cortisol. The effect is a heightened self-awareness and vitality that allows you to harness mental and emotional energy. Individuals feel more in control of themselves, with enhanced peace of mind, concentration, and a deep inner calm and self-confidence. No matter what someone's age or physical capacity is, Kundalini yoga and meditation can have immediate benefits.
Power Yoga Flow
Based on the principles of ashtanga yoga, this flowing class emphasizes breath and movement to build internal heat. This class increases body temperature to increase the purification process of detoxifying the body and mind. You will definitely feel cleansed after this class. You will become more flexible and supple and stronger in mind and body.
Community Class
Come and support our Teachers in Training as they develop confidence and the skills neccessary to become well rounded teachers. These classes are open for all levels. At the Downtown Yoga Studio, we keep our costs low so you can practice yoga as often as possible. Sometimes people have trouble with finances and don't have extra cash flow to flow onto the mat. We are proud to make yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, race and class. Minimum $2 donation. All are welcome.
Meditation & More
This class is more than meditation (dhyana). There will be a little bit of
Yoga Poses (asana) and Breath work ( pranayama).
This class is a Kundalini based class. Meditation is more than just
closing your eyes. It is the doorway to inner peace and happiness.
"Happiness is your birthright.~Yogi Bhajan
Stretch, Breathe & Meditate, Help yourself release traumas & dramas.
Slow Flow
This class is a great way to open up and release tension stuck
in the body. This class starts off with sun salutations to get blood
flowing and increase circulation then slows down to quiet the mind and
slowly work on flexibility, reduce rigidity and increase mobility. If you
need to slow down and relax.
Prenatal Yoga
The prenatal yoga classes provide an opportunity to develop greater vitality and awareness of your body that is now home for two, as well as deepen your relationship with your baby. Gentle postures, breath work, vocal toning and meditation will be explored to cultivate flexibility, calm and confidence in preparation for labour and childbirth. It will enhance relaxation, comfort, and enjoyment to help manifest a calm birthing process, thus reducing pain and increasing the joy of giving birth. Practicing yoga will help prepare you for an active and natural birth. No previous yoga experience necessary.
These few reminders should make your yoga practice more enjoyable for you, your fellow students and your teachers.
Punctuality: Try to arrive early for class, so that you can get your mat set up, get relaxed, get focused. But, if you do arrive late, please respect the peace and quiet of your fellow yogis. Enter the studio as quietly as possible and place your mat silently onto the floor.
Shoes: Always remove your shoes before entering either the studio or the office. Place them under the bench, out of everyone's way. Although you may wear socks into the studio, please remove them before class so that you can maintain proper footing on your mat.
Hygiene: All we ask is that you make no scents at all! Get it? No scents!! Yoga is all about breathing, so any scent, whether it's perfume or body odour, is very distracting and unpleasant. Teachers and students should strive to maintain a clean, scent-free presence.
Chewing Gum: Your grade school teachers were right; you really shouldn't chew gum in class, especially yoga class!! Chewing gum greatly inhibits your breathing and your focus. Please dispose of your gum before entering the studio, placing it into a litter receptacle.
Making Choices: They say that "variety is the spice of life, so we have many types of classes and teachers at Downtown Yoga. Your own yoga practice is a very personal thing, so it may take a while for you to find just the right combination. Make your choices honestly, privately and with integrity. Talking to the teachers is helpful, but talking about them is not!
Cell Phones: Turn them off, before entering the studio. Enjoy a phone free, peaceful hour with us.
Savasana: Make every effort to remain for the entire class. Savasana is a very important part of every yoga class. But, if you must leave early, please let the teacher know ahead of time and take a brief savasana before you leave as quietly as possible!
Meal Time: You should try not to eat within two and a half hours before your class. Physically, having food in your stomach will affect your ability to get into the postures comfortably. And, physiologically, if your body is trying to digest food, it won't be able to fully benefit from your practice in that moment!