Registered Intro to Ashtanga
A pre-registered class for those who want a gradual and methodical introduction to the Ashtanga practice. Students are taken step-by-step through the practice, and after 6 weeks will be able to attend any Ashtanga I class with confidence. Breath awareness, foundation and alignment are emphasized, as well as how to modify the poses for each individual’s needs, so that everyone may safely challenge themselves within their own practice.
Contact the Shala for details on the next start date for this exciting program.
Ashtanga Fundamentals
Our fundamentals class is designed for students looking to develop the foundations of a safe and effective yoga practice. Utilizing poses from the beginning of the Ashtanga Yoga series, key fundamentals applicable to any yoga style will be taught. Prior yoga experience is not required to attend this class. It is suitable and effective as an introduction to the Ashtanga method, or as an opportunity to deepen the understanding of a more experienced student.
Ashtanga I:
An introduction to the primary, or 1st, series of Ashtanga Yoga. Coordination of breath and movement is emphasized, as well as the specific sequences of movements used to enter and exit each pose (vinyasa). Students learn how to safely progress through the forward bends of primary series, and the fundamentals of backbending and inversions are introduced. While prior yoga experience is helpful, this class is open to anyone.
Ashtanga II:
This class will flow much further through the primary series postures in Ashtanga yoga. Similar to Ashtanga I, the focus is on the flowing nature of the practice, but as the class moves into more challenging poses from the primary series, more detailed instruction and modifications may be offered. Building on the backbends and inversions taught in Ashtanga I, more in-depth exploration will be emphasized.
Ashtanga I/II:
A well-paced, flowing class to bridge the gap between the Ashtanga I and Ashtanga II classes.
Ashtanga III:
This class will flow much further through the primary series postures in Ashtanga yoga. Similar to Ashtanga I, the focus is on the flowing nature of the practice, but as the class moves into more challenging poses from the primary series, more detailed instruction and modifications may be offered. Building on the backbends and inversions taught in Ashtanga I, more in-depth exploration will be emphasized.
Ashtanga IV:
An introduction to the fundamentals of the second series of Ashtanga yoga. As the poses in this series can be challenging, a deeper level of alignment is taught to ensure safety and effectiveness in the practice. Students should check with the teacher before attending this class, as a solid understanding of the primary series backbends and headstand are pre-requisites.
Mysore Classes:
An opportunity to work one-on-one with our qualified teachers in the traditional method of instructing yoga. No previous yoga experience is required. If you are new to Ashtanga, or to yoga, the teacher works with you to develop a practice. Once your practice is established, the teacher then helps guide you towards goals and objectives that are determined together. More advanced students are given assistance to progress beyond what typically can be taught in group classes. The length of practice for a new student is approximately 45-60 minutes. As endurance improves, the length of practice increases. This way students are always challenged, without being overwhelmed by the class. Mysore is ideal for all students, including yoga teachers interested in learning advanced poses.
Dig Deep:
An intermediate-level practice designed to move deeply into specific areas of the body. Long holds and detailed instruction are used in this challenging, and body-opening class. Each class will focus on a specific body area; for example, hamstrings, hips, shoulders, S/I joints, ETC.
Asana Alignment:
In keeping with our mission to offer students the best teaching available, this specialty class looks at the specific alignment of various yoga poses (asana). Proper alignment not only makes your practice safer, but also helps deepen it’s effectiveness and ease.
Karma Class:
A Vinyasa-Flow class based on the principles of Ashtanga Yoga. Suitable for all levels. By charitable donation ($5 suggested, cash only).
Yoga for Runners:
Running puts many demands on the body. A targeted yoga practice of strength building and stretching is an ideal complement to running training. Seth Daley has been teaching his popular Yoga for Runners class for more then 6 years in Halifax. As a former RMT specializing in running related injuries, he is uniquely qualified to structure a class that will both challenge, and help runners improve their running time, endurance, and heal from injury. Open to students of all levels of experience.
Guided Meditation:
An introduction to the basics of meditation. Students are guided through a practice by the instructor. Suitable for all levels. *Free Class*
What is Primary Series?
Primary, or 1st series is the first of 6 sequences of poses in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. 'Primary' here in no way means easy. In fact for some it may take upwards of 10 years to achieve a level of proficiency in Primary series to move on and begin work on the next sequence. Primary series is comprised of ~70 poses, put together in a sequence that will heal and strengthen the body, removing toxins, and preparing the body for more advanced poses.
Second, or Intermediate Series is called Nadi Shodana, meaning nervous system purification. It cleanses and strengthens the nervous system and the subtle energy channels throughout the body. This series is only introduced when the primary series is strong. It follows the same progression (sun salutations, standing, sitting etc.) as the primary series, but introduces new poses and variations.
