Have you tried Yoga yet?

Experience for yourself a complete body and mind workout. Enjoy the incredible benefits gained through applied techniques for relaxation and breath awareness. You will find yoga has the power to calm the mind, increase concetration and enhance the ability to cope with tension.

As you unlock the stresses in your muscles, you also free your mind. You develop strength while simultaneously dissolving tensions, tightness and toxins, alleviating soreness and preventing stiffness. You will achieve a fit and supple body through the practice of various postures (asanas).

The hatha style of yoga flows from one posture into the next, carrying the energy with it to fuel the next pose. The poses work on all the body systems, toning the muscles, stimulating the circulation and improving overall health. Yoga is accessible to everyone, because the postures may be modified and tailored to each individual's needs. You'll learn how to focus and generate energy into different parts of your body, allowing the body to open on its own with minimal resistance. By keeping the physical systems open and energized, you become sensative to internal feedback. By becoming aware of these subtle sensations, you can align and remold the structure of your body, according to an inner sense of what it needs.

You may choose to start a yoga practice for relaxation or stress reduction, for greater flexibility, healing a sports-related injury or to complement a regular fitness routine.

Satisfy your curiosity, discover for yourself how yoga can enhance your life. It's more than an exercise, it's a way of life.

STYLES OF YOGA AT THE NAC

GENTLE YOGA--The ancient and graceful exercise of yoga will be practiced in this wellness class, with poses modified and adapted for all abilities.  The class combines yoga postures, breathing and relaxation techniques for strength, endurance, balance and flexibility.  First time participants are encouraged to attend the Intro to Yoga on Monday at 11:15 am.  Especially suited for seniors and beginners.

HATHA YOGA - A good place to start yoga.  Classes are slower paced and more emphasis is placed on doing each Asana correctly.  Yoga breathing is explained.  Your flexibility and knowledge of yoga will increase and your stress levels will decrease.

YOGA FOR ATHLETES--This class is designed to increase arm strength, core, back and yes, even legs but in a more balanced manner.  Focusing on the areas of the body that athletes need to improve their flexibility, lung capacity and strength while learning how to relax and be injury-free.  Beginners and weekend warriors welcome and encouraged to attend.

POWER YOGA- As practiced at the NAC, it consists of a series of yoga poses taken from the first
and second series of Ashtanga, Hatha and standing balance poses.  It is a Challenging yoga practice from which you will develop muscle tone, flexibility and mental awareness.  Power and Ashtanga are weight bearing and will build bone density. 

VINYASA YOGA -Vinyasa Yoga is the uniting of breath and movement into one vigorous, flowing, asana practice.  In this class, meditation, mantras and emphasis on alignment are interwoven to create a complete yoga experience.  Students are encouraged to take a few Hatha Classes first or have a basic understanding of yoga.

ASHTANGA YOGA -The first or Primary series is taught without variation.  The most physical form of yoga, participants moves through a series of flows, jumping from one posture to another to build strength, improve cardio fitness, flexibility and stamina.  This class is not for beginners or anyone who takes a leisurely approach to fitness.  For those who want a serious workout, Ashtanga is a challenging and vigorous form of yoga. 

STRESS REDUCTION   Relax, unwind and take your mind to another level.  This mind body connection class incorporates breathing techniques, visualization, meditation, postures, reiki and stretching.  Experience inner peace and find your calm no matter how hectic your lifestyle is. Suitable for all abilities.

TAI CHI – This form of exercise and relaxation brings the body into harmony, both mentally and physically.  Tai Chi involves a series of poses that are held for a few seconds that benefit one’s flexibility, posture and balance as well as reduces stress.  Suitable for all ages and abilities. 

FAMILY YOGA- Ages 6 and up with their special adult are encouraged to have fun together in a non-competitive environment.   Yoga will improve your childs attention span and the ability to focus.  They will be taught proper breathing and body awareness as well as ways to explore yoga poses in a creative manner, including partner poses. Classes end with a short meditation and massage.  Offered in 10-week sessions during the fall/winter schedules. Registration is required at the program desk.