“Yin is In”! Yin Yoga is a passive but powerful practice which targets tendons, ligaments and fascia within the body (eg. connective tissue). During a Yin Yoga class each posture is held between 3 and 5 minutes to encourage the slow and safe opening of connective tissues and joints, leaving the yogi with an overall feeling of lightness, spaciousness and peace. A Yin Yoga class is the perfect antidote to stress and an opportunity to learn meditation based on body sensation. This class is open to all levels of students. Yin yoga is also a great counter balance for more active yang styles of yoga such as Astanga. Great for strengthening and opening the lower back and hips!

Formerly Ashtenga Intro

Ashtanga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

This class, formerly known as Ashtanga Intro- is fantastic for beginners as well as all levels. It contains many key principles of the traditional Ashtanga yoga, while leaving from for further exploration of the many elements of the practice. You will develop flexibillity, strength and develop a greater level of awareness of the body.

Posture sequences are designed in flows to open specific areas of the body. Each month we focus on a new area rotating between front body, back body, side body and strength. Designed for all levels.,

SATTVA Yoga uses four guiding principles of the body, breath, mind and stillness, with Hatha Yoga as our foundation.

Body is the ultimate playing field of the experience of life. Our internal reality filters through the body to meet external reality. The practice of SATTVA Yoga teaches the body of the practitioner to develop an awareness necessary to seamlessly move between your internal and external realities. The SATTVA Yoga practice increases the vibration of body and mind, enabling the practitioner to access his or her higher potential.

Mind is concentrated and absorbed within the action of the still seat, thereby establishing the awareness to be focused upon one point, which is meditation. The practice of meditation in SATTVA Yoga is a profound way to understanding the mind and its tendencies.

Stillness is when the body becomes the breath, the breath becomes the thought and the space within the mind becomes stillness or true potential. When the mind is engaged within the action of the body and with the steady rhythm of the breath, the mind becomes still. This will allow the practitioner to experience being completely absorbed within the self.

Flow Yoga takes a fluid approach to postures, breath, and instruction. The class will vary from week to week and is suitable for anyone who desires to be there. We will work to cultivate sustainable alignment, undivided attention, and wise use of energy throughout the physical practice of yoga (asana). This class is designed to move, like water, through a series of postures while observing the breath, like wind, as it stirs the energy within.

Mysore classes teach new and experienced yoga practitioners in the traditional form that Ashtanga is taught in Mysore, India by our Guru Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois. Mysore is open to all levels, from absolute beginners to more experienced students. The class is not led and all instruction is given on an individual basis, working side by side but at your own pace.. Like a private lesson, in a group energy setting!!

Students are asked to arrive within the first half-hour of class to begin practice. All students are welcome. This is a traditional method of learning Ashtanga Yoga with lots of hands on adjustments and attention to the needs of individual students. A visual aid will be provided for new students. This is a very supportive and unique environment to learn Ashtanga Yoga, and students wishing to practice second series may do so in this class.

Traditionally Mysore has been for an Ashtanga practice. At Yoga Mala we strive to meet all our students needs and have opened up our Mysore class included a Sattva and Yin practice to accommodate our students preferred styles. Mysore is intended to be a daily practice, except for Saturdays, new and full moon days. The mysore room is now open for Yin and Sattva practices.

Ashtanga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

This class is great for beginners as well as suitable for all levels! It provides a balanced mix between physical exercise and a meditative flow. We explore the first half of the Primary series, focusing on alignment, tradition and inspiration. You will learn the keys some of main keys to Ashtanga including postures, breath, and mental focus. The Introductory class is designed to teach basic principles of Ashtanga Yoga at a slower pace. Emphasis on breath awareness and modifications to prepare students for Level I classes

Formerly Level 1

Ashtanga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

When you are ready for the full Ashtanga experience- this class is for you!!

This class takes the student deeper into the practice exposing the student to all the Asanas and Vinyasas in the sequence. The student will be exposed to all the seated and closing postures and will have the opportunity to discover the more advanced version of the postures. Prior yoga experience is recommended (either Ashtanga Elements or Half Primary)

Formerly Vinyasa

Sattva classes- taken to the next level!! Get lost in music, explore poses, open your hips and shoulders. Enjoy the creative challenge. Sattva Intermediate is an evolution of Sattva, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa yoga. Experience with Ashtanga is very helpful.

The asanas explored in Sattva Intermediate yoga focus on building strength within the body as well as and opening in the pelvis and hips.