~ Hatha Yoga ~
At Santosha, we use the term Hatha Yoga to describe classes in which traditional or classical Hatha poses or asana’s and breathing exercises (pranayama) are taught in each class.
The emphasis is on working deeper into the position through principals of alignment, breathe and awareness. Poses are sequenced by the teacher to open the body in a progressive and safe way.
~ Hot Yoga ~
Hot Yoga is a detoxifying practice in an intentionally heated room. Expect to perspire! Hot yoga is an ideal practice for flushing the body of toxins, increasing flexibility and building core strength. Hot Yoga is a sequence of asanas, which allows for the practioner to observe their progress over time in a systematic way. All postures can be modified to suit the individual. This series is a cardiovascular workout that strengthens, tones, and stretches the muscles while calming the mind and reducing stress. Regular practice helps improve concentration, balance, endurance, and alleviates fatigue. Some teachers also add a flow of body movement in between poses.
Bring a water bottle and towel to hot yoga classes – we can provide one for you for a small fee.
~ Power Yoga ~
Power yoga is a general term used to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. Most power yoga is closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice.
However, unlike Ashtanga, power yoga does not follow a set series of poses. Therefore, any power yoga class can vary widely from the next. What they have in common is an emphasis on strength, flexibility and balance.
~ Vinyasa Flow ~
In a Hatha class, traditional asanas and breathing exercises are practiced in a gentle flow. The emphasis here is on working deeper into the pose at your own pace through the principals of alignment, breath and awareness. Poses are sequenced to open the body in a safe and progressive way.
During this practice you will experience an array of postures, that blend into each other, creating a flow of body movement and breath to help focus your mind and to feel grace and power. Expect a vigorous, yet healthy pace. Vinyasa flow roots come from Ashtanga yoga.
~ Yin Yoga ~
Yin Yoga is a quiet meditative practice in which seated poses are held for 2-5 minutes to allow the student to move deeply into the postion with awareness and long smooth breath. The Yin approach is very grounding and stimulates the flow of “Chi” through the meridians of the body. Yin yoga is an excellent practice for deeper meditation and transformation.
~ Kundalini ~
Sometimes called the yoga of awareness, Kundalini combines asanas, pranayama, mantras and mudras to stimulate the body’s chakra system. This shifts you to a new level of consciousness, happiness and gratitude. This class is by donation, suggested donation $10, with proceeds going to The Well Women’s shelter. (Not included in class packages).
~ Introduction to Hatha and Meditation ~
The emphasis is on working deeper into the asana to your own ability through principals of alignment, breathe and awareness. Poses are sequenced by the teacher to open the body in a progressive and safe way. The anasas and conscious breathing also allows us to move away from the mental chatter and distractions, which in turn prepares the mind and body to move deeper into our meditation. The meditation techniques used during the class are tools for your own daily practice and are easily learned and implemented on a day to day life, especially when we come to see and experience the never ending benefits of meditation. Our teacher, Crystale, is also a Reiki practitioner, studying the original Reiki taught by the first Reiki Grandmaster in North America Brana and she is introducing her teachings during the meditation. Reiki is ancient healing technique that connects to the emotional body of the client. A Reiki practitioner is a medium who transfers Universal Cosmic Energy by the laying of the hands, promoting deep healing, relaxation and stress reduction. She has found that Yoga, Meditation and Reiki compliment one another and help balance all four bodies: the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. We welcome you to a night of enchantment and love, which will leave you feeling recharged and renewed.
