movement & massage
Choosing a Class
When you are ready to start a Yoga practice, there are few things to consider ensuring you are signing up for the class that best suits your reasons for wanting to practice Yoga. Each of us come to the practice for a unique reason and we want to get you to the right class to fulfill your needs.
Style of Yoga: First you need to decide what style of Yoga (or Tradition) sounds appealing to you. Another word for Style is Tradition. Each offer a variety of benefits, so we suggest you read more on our Class Descriptions page. We want you to choose the Yoga that best addresses YOU!. If you're unsure on which Yoga class to take, please contact us so we can help you decide!
Level of Yoga: Whether you are new to Yoga or you have been practicing for a number of years, we have a class that's right for you. Our dedicated and experienced instructors have the confidence and patience to make sure you get the most out of your Yoga experience. View more about the various levels of Yoga below.
Specialized Classes: At the Center for Yoga, we realize that everyone is different and that you may feel more comfortable practicing Yoga with people like yourself. We have several classes tailored to suit you. Those classes are unique and wonderful!
Instructor: All of our instructors have many years of experience teaching Yoga to people from a myriad of different backgrounds. If you are new to Yoga, choose a class that best suits your schedule first. All our instructors will give you the best possible Yoga experience. Visit our instructors page here.
Rates: Rates vary depending on the type and level of class you are taking and whether you are dropping into a class, paying for a class in advance, or buying a punchcard. Please refer to the class schedule at the Yoga center you are visiting or see other information about our rates here.
Class Levels
Levels are intended to help students find the class best suited to their overall current physical and mental state. Levels help define the non-therapy type classes that are general in nature addressing the whole practice of Yoga through the Asana (posture) practice. Students often spend years in the Level 1 and 2 classes because the practice of Yoga is more about deepening your understanding and practicing with confidence rather than accomplishing more. Mobility and stability and understanding the practice grows gradually, but unmistakably, with consistent practice.
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LEVEL 1For students new Yoga, new to Iyengar style Yoga or returning to Yoga after a hiatus. Level I introduces and consolidates the basic principles of alignment in the standing poses, seated poses, and the movements of the spine for beginning back-bends, forward bends, and twists. Students’ progress steadily and confidently towards the next level while learning the fundamentals of posture, alignment and breath. Most stay in Level I for many sessions or a lifetime. For students new to Iyengar style yoga, or returning to yoga after a hiatus this is a great place to begin. This level is recommended and appropriate for those with chronic back, neck, knee, or hip ailments or limitations that require support.
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LEVEL 1/2For students who prefer the gradual transition to Level II. Ideal for those with previous Yoga experience who are new to our studio or have been practicing in a different tradition and would like to become acquainted with our styles and methods at the Center for Yoga.
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LEVEL 2For students who have studied or practiced Iyengar yoga for six months or more, this level builds upon the concepts introduced in level 1. The basic poses are refined with an emphasis on breath and movement. A student begins to develop a relationship with the postures, understanding their benefits in practice and grow in their stamina and strength by remaining in the postures for slightly longer times. At this level, students also begin to practice poses such as Setu Bandha (bridge pose) and supported Sarvangasana (shoulder stand). Additionally, students prepare for Sirsasana (headstand) by building strength and awareness of the core and upper body anatomy. Concepts on home practice and the philosophy of Yoga are introduced.
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LEVEL 2/3Students in this class are firmly established in their practice of yoga and are ready to move beyond the basics. The emphasis of this class goes beyond gross physical actions of basic asana and pranayama. It teaches more complex asana and introduces pranayamas, the subtle action in basic poses, higher levels of concentration and coordination of mental and physical states as part of a complete Yoga practice.
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LEVEL 3For serious students and teachers. For students with prior Iyengar training who are strong in their practice and are confident in their inversions and back-bends. Formal pranayama and philosophy is taught as is meditation and chanting. Considered an intermediate level, this is for students who have a minimum of 2 or more years of Iyengar yoga, or are able to practice sirsasana and sarvangasana independently (unless there are contraindications.) A good indicator of readiness is the ability to maintain Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog) for up to five minutes. This level also asks students to maintain standing poses for 1 minute or more, seated poses for 3-5 minutes, and to work on intermediate backbends such as Urdhva dhanurasana.
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LEVEL 4For advanced students with 5 or more years of Iyengar yoga experience, this level is for students interested in challenging their limitations. Being able to sustain sirsasana for 5 minutes or more is a good benchmark for this level, as well as being able to attempt variations of legs and arms in inversions. More advanced backbends such as eka pada rajakapotasana and forward bends such as kurmasana, as well as longer holds of twists and some arm balances are all practiced at this level.