YOGA CLASSES
YOGA BASICS-
Most yoga classes begin with breathing techniques, called pranayama, which induces the relaxation response and reunites the body and the mind in the present moment. Throughout your practice keep your breath smooth and even in and out through your nose. If your breath becomes erratic, take a break and rest.
Yoga poses are called asanas. During your practice it is important to remember that yoga is not a competitive sport and your practice should not cause pain. In yoga the mantra is no pain, no pain. Never move into pain or strain and honor your body at all times. Rest when you need to and come out of the pose when you need to, not when your instructor tells you to! It is always your practice.
Yoga classes end with the most important asansa: savasana, or final relaxation. This quiet meditative state is more healing to the brain and nervous system than sleep! Rest on your back with your eyes closed and enjoy the peace of your practice.
For optimal benefits, plan on attending at least 1 class or more a week. Find what works for you- some people practice 5-7 days a week and others practice 1-2.
Attending A Yoga Class -
Do not wear any perfumes or scented lotions on the day you are practicing.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in and relax. Why rush to a yoga class?! Wait quietly outside the studio, especially if a class is in session- remember voices carry into the studio.
Remove shoes as you enter the studio, and place them on the shelf along with any other belongings. Yoga is practiced with bare feet for safety and stability. Socks are discouraged. Please NO SHOES beyond the entry! DO NOT walk across the studio floor with shoes on!
Leave your worries and your cell phone behind. If you bring your phone to the club, please put your phone in Airplane Mode and leave it on the shelf or in a locker. Chico Sports Club is not responsible for lost items.
Let your instructor know you are new and share any physical injuries, issues, or concerns prior to class.
Collect the props your teacher requires. For example: blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters, and sand bags.
Quietly unroll your mat and sit or lie in a comfortable position prior to the commencement of class. Avoid the back of the studio, especially if you are new! If you are a beginner, the instructor can assist you best when you are closer to the front of the class.
Remember yoga is a practice,indeed a lifelong practice. Each day on the mat is different. Progress comes with practice, not overnight!
If you are not sure where to start or have questions, please contact Lisa Marie Gorman at 530-345-9427.
YOGA CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Aqua Yoga
Increase your range of motion and relaxation using the benefits of warm water in our therapy pool. Aqua Yoga combines stretch, relaxation, and deep breathing with buoyancy and water resistance. This class is great for anyone wanting to expand their exercise routine and for people with joint problems, injuries, arthritis, soreness, or any other issues. Start your day with a soothing, yet invigorating workout.
Level: All
Ashtanga
Ashtanga Yoga is a 5,000-year-old set sequence of postures designed to bring incredible, strength, flexibility, and endurance to the body and a sense of stillness to the mind. This strong intro class will teach the fundamentals of ashtanga yoga, sun salutations, ujjayi breath, energy locks, and vinyasas to prepare the student for the full primary series of ashtanga yoga. Ashtanga’s intensity can also invoke positive life transformations off the mat, helping you to live fully, with a deep sense of Self, in your daily life.
Level: All
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga is the perfect way to learn time-effective asana (postures) to do from a desk, car, or any other time you’re sitting. You will experience incredible relaxation in part because of the heavy emphasis on breathing techniques and relaxation. As the name implies, students practice primarily sitting in a chair with options to stand or come to the mat.
Level: Beginner
Gentle Yoga
Class involves breath and movement, easier and modified postures, body awareness, gentle stretching, strengthening, and relaxation. Whether you have specific physical or emotional challenges, prefer a more leisurely and gentle practice, or just want the opportunity to slow down and relax, your mind and body will benefit from a session of Gentle Yoga.
Level: All
Iyengar
Iyengar’s method, a form of hatha yoga, is known for precise attention to alignment and detail. It is taught that there is a correct way to do each pose and that every student will one day be able to attain perfect poses through consistent practice. Once this balance is created in the body, it will be reflected in the mind. One of Iyengar’s major innovations is the use of props which assist the student in attaining ideal alignment, even if the body is not yet open enough.
Level: All
Level 1
This is a moderately paced class where students will build awareness, strength, skill, and focus. It is helpful to have completed a series of Yoga Foundation classes or Ashtanga 101, but this is not required in order to attend the class. Modifications are given to make the practice accessible to the Level 1 student.
Level 2
Students should have a basic awareness of yoga postures and their own bodies and limitations and be willing to modify accordingly. Various hand balances, arm balances, and postures requiring more strength are explored. Postures often are held for longer periods of time in order to increase strength and concentration. Yoga experience encouraged.
Level 3
Postures are explored from various vantage points – holding for longer periods of time, from the requirement of greater flexibility and strength, and from the standpoint of developing more poise and ease in the face of greater difficulty, the heart of yoga practice. Must have previous yoga experience.
Meditation
Guided meditation is designed with both beginning and experienced meditators in mind. It offers the opportunity to open the source wisdom and energy we are born of, helping people awaken, heal, thrive, and experience joy and understanding.
Level: All
Restorative Yoga
A form of yoga that seeks to achieve physical, mental, and emotional relaxation through the aid of props. While some restorative yoga poses are beneficial to the entire body, others target specific parts of the body, such as the heart or the lungs. The use of props makes it easier for you to maintain balance while you are stimulating and relaxing your body.
Level: All
Stretch & Recover
This class is dedicated specifically towards stretching out tight muscles and increasing joint range of motion. Participants of all levels will benefit from this one hour session, especially students who do regular weight training.
Level: All
Vinyasa
Vinyasa (also called Flow) classes maintain awareness and focus on the breath while moving through a series of postures. The sequence of postures may vary from class to class, but always follow an intelligent progression that moves from basic to complex. This style of yoga builds heat, flexibility, and strength, while maintaining focus on good alignment and sound structure. Postures may be held for longer periods of time, and will flow together to unite the body to the breath and mind.