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James River Yoga

YOGA – INTERMEDIATE

In this alignment based yoga class, students learn a system of alignment from the feet up and each class incorporates asana (the physical postures), as well as yogic breathing. Poses in each class are specifically chosen to be appropriate for the class level.  Nancy emphasizes core strength and pelvic and hip stability as a way to support the low back, maintain balance, and enhance postural alignment in the poses, and her goal is to foster a lifelong and sustainable practice that will support both emotional and physical health.


Students build strength through a mindful, focused, and carefully sequenced practice that emphasizes proper foundation in every pose. Each class has a different focus and theme; we may work on backbends, twists, forward bends, balancing poses, hip openers, inversions (handstands, etc.), flow sequences…  The goal is not to adapt to a set routine, but to keep the body challenged and the mind alert.


In more flowing “vinyasa” sequences, students learn to maintain proper alignment both in the pose, and moving from one pose to the next.  We also practice holding poses for longer periods in order to move more deeply into all aspects of a pose.

YOGA FOR BEGINNERS

This one hour class is designed for beginners – those who are new to yoga and those who have not exercised in a while.  Students focus on proper alignment and breathing.  Neither “gentle” nor “power” yoga, students develop strength and flexibility gradually in a supportive setting with lots of individual attention. In more flowing “vinyasa” sequences, you will learn to maintain proper alignment both in the pose, and moving from one pose to the next, the transitions between poses being an important – an often neglected aspect of vinyasa practice.

EXTRA GENTLE YOGA

This class provides a gentle practice that emphasizes strength and flexibility throughout the body in a safe and sustainable way.  We focus on alignment, breath, and movement, and explore modifications that can be made for your body and needs – including extensive use of props.  We work on balance in every class – an important skill for our everyday lives! Students will leave class with tools to sustain a yoga practice for many years to come.  This class is appropriate for beginners, but all levels are welcome.

YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS

Come join us for an all-levels dynamic-gentle class, a chance to breathe and move, release the tensions of the day and prepare for new endeavors.  This class will be a complete body workout, with emphasis on the breath and safe alignment. In more flowing “vinyasa” sequences, you will learn to maintain proper alignment both in the pose and moving from one pose to the next, the transitions between poses being an important – and often neglected aspect – of vinyasa practice. Alignment, breath, movement, as well as longer holds in the poses make an all levels class suitable for everyone.

YIN/THERAPY BALLS

Yin Yoga offers a slower paced practice where poses are held for a longer period of time, allowing for increased circulation and improved flexibility. Our Yin practice is complemented by the use of the Yoga Therapy Balls for self-massage.  This is a relaxed practice that is designed to de-stress and recharge your body and mind. This class is a perfect complement to a more active yoga and/or exercise routine, and is appropriate for all levels.

STOTT PILATES MAT

Intermediate level. This class helps you develop strength and stability and can be modified to meet your specific needs. The focus is on the principles of breathing, concentration and coordination in a friendly, supportive environment. While experience in mat STOTT Pilates is not required, the Intermediate Class is geared to those who know the basic Pilates principles.  Pilates has a powerful and positive impact on persons of all ages and fitness levels.

iREST/MEDITATION

iRest® Yoga Nidra is a simple, somatic meditation practice of welcoming ourselves just as we are.  We begin with a gentle movement and breath practice and transition to a comfortable lying down or sitting position for a guided meditation.  No yoga or meditation experience is needed.  You already have and are everything you need to benefit from this ancient practice.  iRest helps us remember what is already true – our unchanging Wholeness, Peace, & Spaciousness, no matter our circumstances.  Open to all levels.

KAIUT YOGA

KAIUT YOGA, also known as ‘longevity yoga’ was developed by Francisco Kaiut and has been thriving in Brazil, Europe and parts of the USA for several decades. It’s a cousin to ‘yin yoga’ but the emphasis is on the joints which was found to have a greater impact on not just the joints, connective tissue and muscle, but on the whole nervous system. It’s a blend of classic yoga and a variety of concepts from other therapeutic practices aimed at the unique requirements of the modern human. Spontaneous meditative states can occur when the joints are stimulated safely, providing a reconnection between brain and body. This in turn taps into our natural intelligence which has the capability to heal chronic pain, reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia, and bring the body back to homeostasis.  Open to all levels.

AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT WITH THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD

Please contact John Franklin directly (drjohnefranklin@gmail.com) for details about the class and price.  Awareness through Movement® lessons, as part of the Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education, are custom designed for a person or a group to help them discover how to move freely and without pain; improve  flexibility, coordination and balance; and lessen stress, tension, and fatigue. Integrating thinking, feeling, sensing, and moving, these lessons can help improve your performance in sports and in other areas, like creativity and problem solving. The lessons are taught in a gentle, non-threatening way, to provide the optimum learning experience for each participant. Awareness through Movement® lessons offer a way for each person to learn at their own pace, discovering by their own standard that improvement is possible at any age.  Questions?  Contact John Franklin directly at drjohnefranklin@gmail.com. Questions?  contact John Franklin directly at the email above.

TAI CHI

Please contact Matt Miller directly (laowai1965@gmail.com) for details about the class and price.  Tai chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai chi is sometimes described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body.  Many practitioners of tai chi use this technique to enhance physical and mental health, as well as to improve posture, balance, flexibility, and strength. In addition, tai chi is said to boost mood, alleviate pain, strengthen the immune system, and improve heart health. For more information call (434) 851-8533 or visit www.eastwestacupuncture.net/taichi.htm.

VINYASA TO YIN FLOW

Vinyasa is a dynamic form of yoga where the poses are linked together with the breath in a flowing sequence while Yin yoga is a calming and restorative practice where poses are held for a longer period of time. Vinyasa to Yin Flow marries the two styles of yoga to rejuvenate the body and calm the mind. Beginning by working with the breath and moving the body will prepare students to settle into the longer, more meditative yin poses during the later part of the class. This class is appropriate for all levels.

Class Descriptions

PLEASE NOTE: DROP IN’S ARE WELCOME TO ANY YOGA OR PILATES CLASS FOR $15.

Our teachers are here to serve you – individual teacher emails are on the schedule page.

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