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212.254.8520 - 434 Avenue of the Americas, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10011 |
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Open Yoga FAQ |
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Open Yoga Class Gentle yoga classes designed for those seeking a light exercise class to escape the stresses of daily life. Classes are created to accommodate all levels and many variations on the poses are offered for beginners and those who have had some yoga before – no previous yoga experience is required. The classes offer students a deeper understanding of their own unique body strengths and weaknesses while emphasizing use of the breath and safe practice through proper alignment. Students develop strength, flexibility and focus. Techniques to properly restore the body and mind are also taught.
Yoga Frequently Asked Questions Whether this is your first or your fiftieth yoga class, some questions you may have…
- What is yoga?
Many people think that practicing yoga means just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. This is done through the performance of poses or postures (or in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language where yoga originates, asanas), each of which has specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose.
- What style of yoga will we learn?
You will be learning vinyasa-style hatha yoga. This means that you will learn poses (asanas) and use breathing techniques (pranayama) to link the poses together into sequences. We will also explore some poses individually to understand alignment details. To do these poses, we will use props (blocks, straps, blankets). Props are used to both deepen a pose and make it safer for the student. You will also learn some restorative yoga poses that will teach you how to rest the body properly. We will do vigorous poses and calming poses. You will sweat and you will relax.
- What will class be like?
Depending on if the class is an hour or an hour and a half, in the morning or the afternoon, classes can vary slightly in composition and energy (i.e. afternoon classes will be more restorative after your long day of dancing). In general, we will start with a short warm-up and some breath work. We will then move on to sun salutations to build heat while taking the time to understand the alignment of the poses and investigate how each of our bodies need to work to achieve balance in them. After sun salutations, we will work on a mix of standing balances, arm balances, inversions, backbending, and forward bending. We will end with calming poses and a final rest pose (savasana).
Yoga is supposed to be fun so come ready to learn and try new things! Feel free to ask me questions if you are not sure about a pose or instruction. You are not expected to know yoga poses and sequencing right away so allow yourself the time to learn and you will put the pieces together quickly. Pace yourself and practice smart!
4. What are the benefits of yoga?
- Simultaneous increase in strength and flexibility
- Sharper mind and ability to focus
- Increase in energy
- Overall sense of well-being
- Greater understanding of how to properly relax the mind and body
- What if I have an injury or illness?
If you develop an injury or illness, let me know before class. I can help you find alternative poses or other variations using the props so you can enjoy class! Regardless of injury, you can usually do yoga and it will be beneficial to move a bit while you heal.
- What if I want to work with you privately in addition to the group classes?
I can arrange private yoga therapy sessions specially designed for you. My rates are reasonable and we can arrange a multi-session discount or schedule a couple of students in one session to make it less expensive per student. You can contact me via email/phone or ask me after class to discuss further.
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