Class Descriptions

Anusara

Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga combines elegant alignment principles with a life-affirming Tantric philosophy, making it one of the fastest-growing yoga styles in the world. Anusara Yoga is a creative, heart-centered practice that provides both a physical challenge and an inspiration to awaken you to the potential of your spiritual purpose. For more information, please visit www.anusara.com.

Ashtanga

Students will explore pranayama and the integration of movement and breath in a flowing series of postures inspired by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. It is a dynamic and vigorous (faster pace) form of yoga that builds heat in the body. This set series of postures maximizes strength, concentration and flexibility. With focused breath and awareness, ashtanga flow purifies the body on a cellular level, quiets the mind and brings about a deep sense of vibrant stillness.

At-Risk Populations

Participants are referred from outreach programs. Instructors target elements that are prevalent in at-risk students, including mental health, self-esteem, acceptance, creativity and emotional safety. The team of instructors has been working with at-risk populations for numerous years in various contexts. The yoga program will include pranayama, meditation, gentle restoratives and asana. The program is aimed at triggering the parasympathetic nervous system, balancing the digestive and endocrine systems and most importantly, cultivating a sense of play and acceptance.

Cancer Rehabilitation Yoga

Cancer Rehabilitation classes include meditation, breathing exercises (pranayama), physical postures (asana), and deep relaxation. Several classes will include dialogue from various health care practitioners throughout the year. The practice will involve a series of gentle poses supported by props, with an emphasis on opening the body. Props are used to cultivate a supportive environment. Many of the poses are parts of movement sequences designed for specific muscle groups and parts of the body to assist in alleviating various symptoms, including pain, nausea, fatigue and psychological distress. The class emphasizes conscious breathing and mental inventory of body, energy, thoughts and emotions. Instructors are experienced at offering in-class modifications for participants of varying conditions.They will assess individual needs and limitations and facilitate practice based on that assessment.

Hatha Flow

Through the holding of poses, proper alignment and mindful actions of the body can be found. Hatha Yoga brings balance, strength and a sense of well-being to the practitioner. Hatha Flow links the postures practiced in a regular Hatha class together in a "flow", creating a more dynamic class. Hatha flow classes can further strength, stamina and flexibility as more advanced postures are integrated. Inversions, back-bending and basic arm balances can be introduced.

Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga, founded by B.K.S. Iyengar. It is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga (Asthanga yoga) and emphasizes the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration. It is unique for its use of props such as straps, blocks and cushions to assist in doing the postures with correct alignment. Louie Ettling is excited to introduce the foundational precision and safety of Iyengar yoga to people not familiar with this method and will work appropriately with the multi-level students attending any given class. For more information about Iyengar yoga in Canada and Vancouver: iyengaryogavancouver.com, iyengaryogacanada.com, www.theyogaspace.ca

One Love Yoga

Come and practice a challenging, uplifting vinyasa class to the sounds of Reggae and Dub with Reno. Yogi and Rasta Reno Muenz has been dedicated to collecting conscious Reggae music since he was 12 years old, and considers this music to be an essential part of his spiritual practice. Go beyond what you think you are capable of and connect to the amazing power of breath which connects us all. A must for all music lovers, One Love Yoga with Reno is bound to refresh and inspire with uplifting music, conscious messages and of course lots of sweaty goodness. Show up to honor your Self for doing the work that brings peace, serenity and most of all Liberation. Jah Bless...One Love Everytime.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is a quiet, gentle practice utilizing yoga props (bolsters, blankets, straps and blocks) to fully support the body as we hold seated and reclining poses for longer periods. Our focus is on soothing the body and quieting the mind in order to recharge the energy. To compliment and deepen your practice, please join us for a restorative yoga practice which incorporates the incredibly healing alignment principles and uplifting philosophy of Anusara Yoga. Know that you can relax and release tension as you align yourself to the greater spirit.

Vinyasa Flow

Vinyasa Flow classes are dynamic, fluid and mindful linking of breath with movement. These classes build strength, flexibility and concentration and cleanse the body. Vinyasa Flow classes do not follow a set sequence of postures. Each class is unique and will vary from teacher to teacher. You can always expect a cardiovascular and strength building practice combined with breath work.

Yin

Yin yoga classes target tendons, ligaments and fascia within the body. Each posture during a Yin yoga class is held for long periods of time to encourage the slow and safe opening of connective tissues, leaving the yogi with an overall feeling of lightness, spaciousness and peace. A Yin yoga class is the perfect antidote to stress and a great counter balance to more active styles of yoga.

Yoga Dance

Yoga Dance is a journey into the timeless current of natural movement. This innovative practice is a discovery of free-form, breath-driven movement to release one's creative life-force and manifest liberation. A safe space is cultivated as we move and freely express ourselves. Classes start with an intention and the music paints a path toward a summit. Through slow and small movements, yoga postures are introduced and the journey ends in savasana. Classes are candle-lit and slightly heated. Come move, play, dance and express your creativity. All levels and ages are welcome. No dance or yoga experience necessary.