James River Yoga

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YOGA – INTERMEDIATE
Students learn to align poses from the feet up; each class incorporates asana (the physical postures) with yogic breathing. Poses are specifically chosen to be appropriate for the class level. Emphasis is placed on core strength, pelvic and hip stability, protection of the low back, maintaining balance and enhancing postural alignment. Nancy strives to help students foster a lifelong, sustainable practice supportive of both emotional and physical health.
Students build strength through a mindful, focused, and carefully sequenced practice, beginning with the proper foundation in every pose. Each class has a different focus and theme (i.e. backbends, twists, forward bends, balance poses, hip openers, inversions (handstands, etc.), flowing sequences…). The goal is not to adapt to a set routine, but rather to keep the body challenged and the mind alert.
YOGA - BEGINNERS
An hour class designed for those new to yoga and/or those who have not exercised in a while. Students focus on incorporating proper alignment with breathing. Neither “gentle” nor “power” yoga, this class helps students develop strength and flexibility gradually in a supportive setting with lots of individual attention. In more flowing “vinyasa” sequences, students are instructed on proper alignment both in the pose and while moving from one pose to the next. The transitions between poses are an important-- an often neglected, aspect of vinyasa practice.
EXTRA GENTLE YOGA
This class provides a gentle practice emphasizing body strength and flexibility in a safe and sustainable way. We focus on alignment, breath and movement while exploring modifications suitable to your body and utilizing props extensively as needed. Balance is addressed in every class – an important skill for our everyday lives! Students leave class with tools to sustain a yoga practice for many years to come. While appropriate for beginners all levels are welcome.
YOGA - ALL LEVELS
This is an all-levels, dynamic, alignment based class designed to merge breath with movement, release tension and deepen your yoga practice. Clear detailed instructions are provided for foundational poses, modifications and mindful breathing techniques. Whether stepping onto the mat for the very first time or looking to deepen an existing practice, this class offers a supportive, non-judgmental space to build strength, flexibility and inner calm at your own pace.
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.
KAIUT YOGA
Also known as ‘longevity yoga’, Kaiut was developed by Francisco Kaiut. It 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. It has been found to have a greater impact on the connective tissue, muscle and nervous system as a whole. It’s a blend of classic yoga and concepts from other therapeutic practices aimed toward meeting 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. In turn, this taps into our innate 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.
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.
VIN/YIN
Find your perfect balance of effort and ease in this unique fusion class. We begin with Vin (Vinyasa), a fluid practice that links breath with movement to build heat, increase strength, and release physical tension. Midway through, the energy shifts as we transition into Yin, a slower paced practice where passive poses are held for a longer period of time, allowing for increased circulation and improved flexibility. By targeting the deeper connective tissues and promoting deep relaxation, this class will leave you feeling both physically revitalized and mentally grounded. It’s the ultimate reset for mind and body, suitable for all levels.
Class Descriptions
PLEASE NOTE: DROP IN’S ARE WELCOME TO ANY YOGA OR PILATES CLASS FOR $20.
Our teachers are here to serve you – individual teacher emails are on the schedule page.