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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 FOR BEGINNERS

An hour class designed for 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, 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 FOR ALL LEVELS

Come join us for an all-levels, dynamic class designed to merge breath with movement, release tension and deepen your yoga practice. Also alignment based, this class incorporates core strengthening and breathwork (pranayama) while in both static poses and during “vinyasa” sequences. In some classes, students are instructed on the safe execution of, or preparation for, inversions. Some instructors offer a contemplative element and emphasize interoception. Alignment, breathwork, movement and adaptations for 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.

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.

RESTORATIVE YOGA

Restorative yoga is a slower, potentially passive approach, aimed at reducing muscle tension, creating space in the body and reducing stress. As with other types of yoga, restorative yoga builds strength--you might even work up a sweat-- while incorporating a deeper mental and physical relaxation component.


In constrast to vinyasa practices, during a typical session of restorative yoga, poses are often held for longer periods of time in tension-relieving stretches. Concurrently, paying close attention to the breath while maintaining each pose. Students breathe deeply into each movement, decompress areas of tension, focus on thoughts and feelings in the pose to cultivate the brain, breath and body connection.


Restorative yoga is a slower, potentially passive approach, aimed at reducing muscle tension, creating space in the body and reducing stress. As with other types of yoga, restorative yoga builds strength--you might even work up a sweat-- while incorporating a deeper mental and physical relaxation component.

 

Occasionally balls, straps or bands are also utilized to help deepen specific stretches. This yoga class is a valuable practice for ANYONE seeking to add more rest and relaxation to their daily routine.


YOGA - PRIVATE BY APPT

Please contact Natasha directly (Nspiredyogi@gmail.com) for details. Individualized yoga guidance to deepen your home practice: instruction for you (+ 1 - if you prefer to bring a family member or friend). Recommended for Beginners with no experience to those almost Intermediate. Reserve your spot by contacting Natasha directly at Nspiredyogi@gmail.com. Cancelations are kindly requested 24 hrs in advance (10:45 a.m. Friday). Class will be tailored to your level of experience and desired area of focus determined via email/phone prior to Saturday. Please arrive for your appt. no later than 10:40 a.m. Price per person is $15. 

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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