Better Bodies Yoga : Classes

Class Descriptions

Advanced Power Flow: Level 3

Traditional yoga postures are combined with vigorous athletic fitness moves. This Hot Power Vinyasa Flow Class is our most challenging and intense yoga / workout. Class consists of a flowing series of complex yoga postures with NO MODIFICATIONS announced. An excellent cardiovascular, fat burning workout. Consistent attendance will strengthen and tone your body, and enhance flexibility. Determined intermediates willing to make personal modifications and who are in tune with their own internal body cues are welcome. Although the room is heated, body heat is built from within through pranayama. Come prepared to enjoy the detoxifying effects of a good sweat.

Monday: 08:15am - 09:30am Karen

All Levels Vinyasa Flow

The focus of these Hatha Yoga classes is developing body awareness through breathing techniques, meditations, and asanas (postures), with poses linked together in a flowing manner. Instructors introduce and give specific details for and modifications of poses to promote good body alignment. Concentration of the class will vary by session and teacher. This class is open to practitioners of all levels; however, students new to yoga are encouraged to attend the All Levels Yoga / New To Yoga Welcome classes.

Tuesday: 07:30pm - 08:45pm Amanda

All Levels Yoga

The focus of these Hatha Yoga classes is developing body awareness through breathing techniques, meditations, and asanas (postures). Instructors introduce and give specific details for and modifications of poses to promote good body alignment. Concentration of the class will vary by session and teacher. This class is open to practitioners of all levels; however, students new to yoga are encouraged to attend the All Levels Yoga / New To Yoga Welcome classes.

Monday: 05:15pm - 06:30pm Jimmie
Tuesday: 06:00pm - 07:15pm Kevin
Wednesday: 06:30pm - 07:45pm Amanda
Thursday: 09:30am - 10:45am Amanda
Friday: 09:45am - 11:00am Josie

All Levels Yoga: NTYW

Saturday: 09:00am - 10:15am Debbie

Basic Fundamentals Yoga: NTYW

Traditional yoga poses introduced. Class emphasizes proper breathing techniques, safe physical execution, proper body alignment, and personal modifications. Great for beginners and all students interested in refining postures. NTYW (New to the practice of yoga welcome)

Thursday: 06:00pm - 07:15pm Alma
Saturday: 12:00pm - 01:15pm Amanda
Sunday: 12:30pm - 01:45pm Karen

Beginner Yoga: NTYW

Tuesday: 09:30am - 10:45am Josie

Beginners Vinyasa Flow

This format is a basic Hatha Yoga flow and is a great start for the Level I student who is ready to work on perfecting form. The lineages of this class come from Iyengar, Asthanga, & Istha Yoga. Class emphasizes the basic core postures of the Sun Salutation, (Downdog, Plank, Chatarunga Dandasana, Updog, Warrior I, II, III) with a special focus on correct anatomical form to facilitate building a solid foundation in order to help prevent and correct imbalances within the body. Modifications given to all levels of practitioners and will safely enhance each student's ability to acclimate at their own rate to these more challenging poses and classes. Great for beginners and helpful to those who want to add more strenghtening poses to their practice.

Nothing Scheduled.

Core Yoga

Yoga combined with strengthening exercises focusing on the "core" muscles: abdominals, glutes, and back muscles. Yoga breath (ujjayi breath) will be incorporated to encourage maximum contraction of abs during each exercise. Consider this a mind-body exercise since there is a choreography to the engagement of the muscles before and during movement, which encourages concentration and focus. Excellent not only for increasing abdominal strength, but also for back health, improving posture, and lengthening and toning muscles.

Nothing Scheduled.

Extra Gentle Yoga: NTYW

This yoga class is for the individual who may have low to moderate physical limitations and/or lacks strength or flexibility. Props. mainly state of the art yoga chairs, straps and blocks are used to meet the needs of each student in each pose. This class offers a fun, safe, and effective approach to yoga. Students of all sizes, shapes, and varying degrees of wellness can enjoy the benefits of a regular yoga practice. Yoga will slow down the effects of aging and may even reverse muscular degeneration by increasing strength, flexibility, and muscle mass, improving energy, stamina, joint health, and attaining a larger range of motion with increased physiological functioning. Attending this class on a regular basis will transform negative thought patterns into positive ones, leading to healthier habits, feelings of vitality, and a renewed zest for life. Practitioners do not need to have any previous knowledge of yoga. NTYW (New to the practice of yoga welcome)

Monday: 06:45pm - 08:00pm Mary Ellen
Tuesday: 04:30pm - 05:45pm Kevin
Wednesday: 07:30pm - 08:45pm Mary Ellen
Friday: 11:15am - 12:30pm Julie Bleier

Gentle Rejuvenating: NTYW

Gentle enough for the newcomer yet a good stretch with functional stability for all levels, including athletes. The practitioner leaves with a feeling of renewal and openness. All ages and levels welcome from new student to advanced practitioner. NTYW (New to the practice of yoga welcome)

Wednesday: 11:00am - 12:15pm Jessica

Hot Energize & Detoxify Yoga: NTYW

This Kundalini / Hatha yoga class will help to detoxify the body and the mind, shed excess body fat, tone up, add lean muscle mass and gain extra energy; especially when combined with proper nutrition and consistency. All levels are welcome and modifications are demonstrated and given. Class format consists of several yoga styles especally Kundalini yoga, breathing techniques, and is heated to approximately 85*. Class is accessible to most levels, even new to yoga and can be modified until the body acclimates, becomes stronger and flexible enough to do the class in its entirety. This class is always the same, enabling the practitioner to become more familiar each time they attend. A yogitoe towel (sold in our retail area) is mandatory for this hot yoga class and water is encouraged before, during and after. *Contraindications* include persons with Multiple Sclerosis, are pregnant, and have untreated high or low blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Even those who are under a doctor’s care and do take medicine for these symptoms will need to exercise caution. Such persons as well as any others at teacher's discretion will be required to submit a doctor’s consent form before attending this or any of our hot yoga classes. (Form is available at our front desk and can be faxed to your doctor upon request) FYI: This class since it is quite different from our other classes and to help you to prepare and to understand what techniques are used and why, several explanations are listed. Class begins with a navel cleansing technique called *Nauli Kriya* and is done 3 times before students are instructed to center, ground, and breathe. The technique is not taught in class, if interested in joining in the practice please, go to www.yogalesson.com to familiarize yourself with the instructions in order to particiapte. Ujjayi Pranayama breathing is used during this class. Ujjayi means rising victoriously and when practiced regularly, the chest and torso remain open, alive, and invigorated, giving the practitioner a look of pride. This breathing technique helps to expand the lung capacity, release carbon dioxide from the lungs and make extra space for vital life giving oxygen to enter. This breath is good for the lower back and reduces the mass around the waist line. Ujjayi pranayama increases endurance and is meant to nurture a high level of bodily health and mental clarity, both of which are crucial steps on the path to self-knowledge and for a more wholesome and healthier life. *INSTRUCTIONS:* Sit in a comfortable seated position. Gently exhale all of the air from the lungs. Inhale gently allowing the air to pass into the body with ease and no resistance. Exhale make a sound with the mouth closed that sounds like "hhhhha". Make the sound the same throughout the exhalation. This will indicate the same amount of air leaves the lungs throughout the exhalation. An uneven sound usually indicates an unsteady nervous system. This will smooth out over time and during practice. Resistance created by the sound slows down the breathing rate and creates a back pressure that helps keep the airways open. Be careful not to use too much force. A sound that is too loud indicates too much internal conflict. Muscles are used in the exhalation and other muscles are used in restricting the exhalation and also to create the sound. Use the muscles lightly so that the conflict of energy within is soft and pressure does not exit around the temples. Inhale and restrict the air flow to make the sound "sssss". Keep the sound constant and smooth and repeat throughout the entire practice unless directed otherwise. NTYW = New to the practice of yoga welcome

Nothing Scheduled.

Hot Slow Flow: NTYW

This gentler form of Hatha yoga vinyasa flow class emphasizes fluidity and movement of the body synchronized with the rhythm of the breath in an 85* degree heated room. Class consists of asanas (poses) linked together in a flowing manner to help cultivate a positive and calming effect on the immune and nervous systems. Reducing stress from an internal perspective ultimately and over time trains the body to block out negative energy that impacts our overall health, which causes physical and mental illnesses. The heat is helpful in finding more flexibility in the joints, tendons, muscles and connective tissues, which will enhance synovial fluid regeneration and provide the blood deprived spine, with a much needed supply of nourishment. The heat is also supportive in avoiding and healing injuries, balances the body between flexibility and strength and is helpful in purging the body’s accumulated tension and stress that has built up within the body over time. This class increases mindfulness, brings more focus into the present moment and provides a creative, self-expressive, and delightful addition to anyone’s yoga journey. All levels are welcome and modifications are given. A yogitoe towel (sold in our retail area) is mandatory for this hot yoga class and water is encouraged. Contraindications include persons with Multiple Sclerosis, are pregnant, and have untreated high or low blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Even those who are under a doctor’s care and do take medicine for these symptoms will need to exercise caution. Such persons as well as any others at teacher's discretion will be required to submit a doctor’s consent form before attending this or any of our hot yoga classes. (Form is available at our front desk and can be faxed to your doctor upon request) NTYW = New to the practice of yoga welcome.

Wednesday: 04:30pm - 05:45pm Mary Ellen

Hot Vinyasa Flow: All Levels

This Vinyasa Flow class is appropriate for advanced beginning and intermediate and up students, although, not advised for the new to yoga or new beginner. The flowing format of this Hatha Yoga class links asanas (yoga poses) together with one another in a heated room of 85°. Modifications for varying degrees of intensity are announced and demonstrated. Ideal for those who wish to gain strength, flexibility, and endurance along with the mind/body connection. Although the room is slightly heated, internal body heat is created from pranayama (nasal breathing). A yogitoe towel (sold in our retail area) is mandatory for this hot yoga class and water is encouraged. Contraindications include persons with Multiple Sclerosis, are pregnant, and have untreated high or low blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Even those who are under a doctor's care and do take medicine for these symptoms will need to exercise caution. Such persons as well as any others at teacher's discretion will be required to submit a doctor's consent form before attending this or any of our hot yoga classes. (Form is available at our front desk and can be faxed to your doctor upon request)

Friday: 08:15am - 09:15am Janet

Hot Yin Yoga: All Levels

Hot Yin Yoga consists of simple poses in a heated environment to facilitate deep tissue releasing. Poses are held for longer periods to help the body slowly melt into alignment with greater ease, thus allowing muscles to relax, and to put gentle corrective tension on deep connective tissue. Yin Yoga is mainly concerned with the ligaments, the tissue that holds bone to bone, encapsulates each joint, and contains the lubricating synovial fluid found wrapped around the spine, attached to the pelvis and the thigh bones. Fluidity of movement and the range of motion in the body is dependant upon healthy connective tissue. Connective tissue begins to lose its range of motion as we age and if not used. Moving slowly and deliberately through a series of poses that address all joints and major muscle groups and re-establishes natural body alignment that is often lost through modern day work and driving habits. While the room is heated, it is not a vigorous vinyasa flow. Therefore, the practice is accessible to people of all skill levels. Modifications will be available. A yogitoe towel (sold in our retail area) is mandatory for this hot yoga class and water is encouraged. Contraindications include persons with Multiple Sclerosis, are pregnant, and have untreated high or low blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Even those who are under a doctor's care and do take medicine for these symptoms will need to exercise caution. Such persons as well as any others at teacher's discretion will be required to submit a doctor's consent form before attending this or any of our hot yoga classes. (Form is available at our front desk and can be faxed to your doctor upon request)

Wednesday: 06:00pm - 07:15pm Kevin

Hot Yoga 26 poses: NTYW

Friday: 09:30am - 11:00am Mara

Intermediate Vinyasa Flow : Level 2

This intermediate level class is more challenging than the Beginner Vinyasa Flow class, using additional complex postures with longer holding periods, in a flowing format. Modifications are announced and demonstrated. Ideal for those who wish to advance their strength and endurance, working up a sweat, thus adding a cardiovascular and fat burning element to their practice. Mastering the Beginner Vinyasa Flow level class is recommended before attending this Intermediate level. A solid knowledge of the basic yoga poses is needed to maintain optimum safety. This is not an appropriate class for those who are not familiar with the basic poses or for those who still feel they are struggling in the beginner level Vinyasa Flow classes. Sweat is a by-product of this class.

Monday: 09:30am - 10:45am Amanda
Saturday: 10:30am - 11:45am Amanda

Intro To Yoga Basics Workshop Series: Open

These workshop/classes are for new and experienced practitioners. Sessions will begin with breathing exercises and warm-up. Each week will focus on a different pose to ensure correct alignment and form is being executed. See our NEWS & UPDATES section for pose of the week. These sessions will be the cost of a regular class.M odifications given for every level student.

Nothing Scheduled.

Light & Gentle Vinyasa: NTYW

This open level class is for the individual who wants the stress reduction and flexibility benefits that accompany a yoga practice. This class is comprised of a slow, gentle format that teaches basic yoga poses and modifications through the use of props. Proper breathing, stretching, and gentle strengthening movements are an important part of the class. Anyone who feels intimidated or overwhelmed about joining a yoga class will want to start their yoga journey here. This class is good for the newcomer, beginner, those students who have never exercised before and/or are sedentary, overweight, frail or for the practitioner who simply wants a gentle class. Consistent participation in this class reduces stress, develops increased flexibility and joint mobility, a renewed, energized, and invigorated sense of self, along with a more positive and calmer way to deal with the negative effects of stress. No previous yoga experience necessary to attend this class. You will want to wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement. Class is done barefoot. Come on a somewhat empty stomach. NTYW (New to the practice of Yoga welcome)

Thursday: 07:00pm - 08:00pm Amanda

Lunchtime Express Refuel: All Levels

Taking a break in the middle of your hectic day has never been easier or more fun. This Lunchtime Express Refuel class is appropriate for all levels of students from new to the practice of yoga on up. This middle of the day pick me up yoga class promises to enhance and elevate anyone's mundane and stressed out mood. Deep breathing to energize your body and to rest your mind, stretching to work out the kinks from sitting, typing, or driving too long, and moving to feel good and burn calories is what this class is about. Class ends with a bit of pampering from our signature final relaxation; a warm aromatherapy eye towel over your tired eyes, a gentle hip alignment, and a soothing neck rub before sending you back into the rat race to make it over the afternoon slump. Just the right amount of yoga, me time, de-stress time, and feel good time ~ serving up fuel for your mind, body, and spirit.

Wednesday: 11:30am - 12:30pm Wendy

Miniyogis (starting September 13)

Cooperative games, theme activities, storytelling, and music engage the natural energy and enthusiasm of the 5-11 year old child. Classes explore yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques while conveying lessons in self-expression, body-awareness, social skills, positive thinking, and environmental awareness. The time of this class is coordinated with the noon class on Saturdays in order for the parents to be able to attend yoga, while their child also takes yoga next door in our 696 location. Bring your miniyogis to the main building to check in, and we will take care of the rest! Miniyogis will be picked up by their parents after class ends in the main building. Cost is $8 for your miniyogi.

Saturday: 12:15pm - 01:15pm Kathleen

Power Flow : Levels 2 & Up

Intermediate / Advanced . This Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga, mixed-levels class combines traditional yoga postures with vigorous athletic fitness moves. Complex yoga postures are linked together in a flowing format with longer holding periods. A vigorous cardiovascular, fat burning workout. Increased strength and flexibility will be realized with consistent attendance. For intermediate and advanced practitioners with solid basic postures. Modifications are announced, NOT DEMONSTRATED. Not suitable for beginners. Although the room is slightly heated, internal body heat is generated through pranayama (nasal breathing). Come prepared to enjoy the detoxifying effects of a good sweat.

Wednesday: 09:30am - 10:45am Karen
Sunday: 09:30am - 11:00am Karen

Qi Gong: All Levels

Qi Gong exercises are sometimes referred to as Chinese yoga. Like Hatha Yoga, Qi Gong works with awareness, breath and posture. Both systems are derived from the teachings of the ancient rishis who lived in the Himalayan Mountains. In addition, the Chinese and Indian masters shared their wisdom and methods with each other for over 2,000 years, so the two systems are closely related. Both systems have been shown to provide many healing benefits. Nearly all of the Qi Gong exercises taught in this class are much less physically demanding than Hatha Yoga asanas. As a result, the class is accessible and profoundly beneficial to a wide variety of people. Students will quickly learn to recognize and tune into their subtle body energies. Then they will begin to refine these energies. The student will feel relaxed and lighter almost immediately. When practiced regularly, this process leads to radiant health, happiness, and a more positive outlook on life. More specifically, Qi Gong is highly efficient for many medical issues such as the management of mild depression, aging, high blood pressure, and arthritis, to name a few. This class is suitable for students ages 16 and up.

Sunday: 11:15am - 12:15pm Michael

Restorative Yoga (September 28 only)

Restorative yoga uses props and deep breathing to actively relax the body and the mind, reducing stress and restoring overall physical and mental balance. It can be practiced by anyone with no need of past yoga practice. This class is taught the last Sunday of every month from 4:00 - 5:15 PM by Alma Corla. Future dates: September 28, 2008 October 26, 2008 November 30, 2008 December 28, 2008

Nothing Scheduled.

Therapeutic Wall Yoga: NTYW

This class will be every Sunday except for the last Sunday of the month, which will be substituted with Restorative Yoga from 4:00 - 5:15 PM with Alma Corla

Sunday: 04:00pm - 05:15pm Janet

Vinyasa Flow : Levels 1 & 2

This Vinyasa Flow class is appropriate for beginning and intermediate students. The flowing format of this Hatha Yoga class links asanas (yoga poses) together with one another. Modifications for varying degrees of intensity are announced and demonstrated. Ideal for those who wish to gain strength, flexibility, and endurance along with the mind/body connection. Although the room is slightly heated, internal body heat is created from pranayama (nasal breathing).

Wednesday: 05:15pm - 06:20pm Mara
Thursday: 05:30pm - 06:45pm Jimmie

Wall Rope Fundamentals Class: Open, On-line Registration Recommended

You may reserve your spot online for the rope wall classes by following this link: Rope Wall Class Sign Up

Monday: 06:00pm - 07:15pm Karen

Wall Yoga: Learn to Flow Safely: NTYW

Nothing Scheduled.

Yoga Babies: New Parents & Non-Crawling Babies

Mommy & Me is specifically designed for new moms, dads and babies who are not yet crawling. Class playfully practices yoga with infant in a nurturing and fun way, thus giving special bonding time to you and your baby. This class addresses the mother's and father's post-delivery transition by combining the physical and emotional benefits of yoga while meeting the demands of your new infant. Parents will instantly feel refreshed by doing something wonderful for your soul, body, and baby. Each infant must be accompanied by a caretaker.

Nothing Scheduled.

Yoga For Cancer Patients & Support Persons: Free

Research has shown that cancer patients who participate in yoga classes have a better quality of life than those patients who do not practice yoga. Better Bodies Yoga is pleased to parter with Wings to offer a class to anyone touched by cancer. The class will focus on gentle stretching and deep breathing to promote relaxation and healing. As with all Wings programs, this class is offered without charge to cancer survivors, their family members, and their caregivers. No previous yoga experience required. Wings Cancer Foundation is celebrating a decade of providing hope, education, research, and support without charge to anyone touched by cancer. Please visit www.wingscancerfoundation.org for more details Please contact Jessica Fredrick at (901) 754-0926 before attending.

Saturday: 01:30pm - 02:45pm Jessica

Yoga w/ Weights: Open only to Prepped Students

Walk-ins welcome if attended a previous session, prep session and if space permits, which is limited. This Vinyasa Flow / Weight class combines traditional yoga postures with modern fitness moves, in addition to weight and strength training with dumbbells, bands, weighted balls, and yoga props throughout the class. You need to have a solid practice with knowledge of the basic yoga poses such as Downdog, Plank, Chatarunga, Updog, Side Plank, Warrior 1 and 2, Brigde pose, Plow and Shoulderstand as well as be able to execute or modify the chatarunga or 4 legged staff pose. You need to possess correct form in the postures before you attempt this class. Not for newcomers however, beginners to strength training may attempt this class using lighter dumbbells or anyone who has previously been in another session can attend as a drop in if space permits. To enter into these sessions, attendance to the weight prep class or a scheduled private lesson with Karen is required.

Nothing Scheduled.

YogaWorks Vinyasa 1/2

Tuesday: 08:30am - 09:45am Janet