These class descriptions are provided to help you select a yoga class that’s right for you. Use the descriptions, along with the class level to make your decision. If you’re not sure where to begin, please call or e-mail us at Carolyne@northvilleyogacenter.com or gary@northvilleyogacenter.com

We’ll be glad to assist you. We look forward to seeing you in class. Namaste

Begin your day with yoga. Awaken the body and focus the mind. Breath focus and awareness begin the session, followed by gentle stretches leading to Sun Salutes, which ease us into practice; working deeper lengthening and loosening the connective tissue, finally sequencing to asanas that strengthen and improve posture and increase flexibility. Balancing effort with ease, the practice emerges and continues as we move into the day. (Appropriate for people with varying levels of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)

A restorative and healing yoga class that includes standing poses and floor stretches. Poses are performed slowly. The slow and soft approach leads to meditation and deep relaxation. A mindful and gentle practice fosters awareness and focuses on helping participants increase range of motion, improve posture and balance, restore flexibility and increase breath capacity. Modifications of poses are offered and the use of props is encouraged. (No prior yoga experience necessary.)

Yoga asanas (postures) are practiced with awareness of the breath, an emphasis on proper alignment and strengthening the body. These asanas are the foundation of most other types of yoga. Poses build one upon the next in a sequence, gently lengthening muscles and connective tissue throughout the body. Breath focus, balance exercises and relaxation techniques are emphasized in each session. When practiced consistently, Hatha yields a more supple body, looser joints, a sense of calmness and clarity and, ultimately, a more thoughtful life. (Appropriate for people with varying levels of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)

A consistent practice is the key to maintaining a healthy back. This class is designed for those with a healthy back; the focus is on the shoulder girdle, spine, hips, and abdomen. The practice systematically builds to loosen, lengthen and strengthen the muscles we rely on for our support. Benefits include increased flexibility, a suppler spine and an enhanced sense of ease in our bodies and movement. A practice that invigorates the spine, releases tension, and creates an energized and relaxed state of mind and body. (Appropriate for people with varying levels of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)

A practice that introduces the principles of Vinyasa as it prepares and strengthens the practitioner for a Vinyasa session. (See details of Vinyasa below. Appropriate for people with varying levels of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)

Strengthen the body and mind, while practicing yoga with your baby, and meeting other moms and babies. Mom and baby yoga brings focus to your mind and releases tension while increasing strength and flexibility. This class is for moms and babies from 6 weeks old to active crawlers.

A sequence of Hatha asanas appropriate for pregnant yoginis. Most all of the usual Hatha postures are included, with an emphasis on relaxation, breath work and gentle stretching and strengthening of the muscles supporting the growing fetus and prepares the mother’s body for birth. (It is highly recommended that one consult with her doctor before beginning a yoga practice when pregnant.)

This class is designed in the spirit and philosophy of Restorative Yoga as defined by Judith Lasater. Her description follows:

"Restorative yoga is "active relaxation." By supporting the body with props, we alternately stimulate and relax the body to move toward balance. Some poses have overall benefit. Others target an individual area, such as the lungs or heart. All create specific physiological responses which are beneficial to health and can reduce the effects of stress-related disease." (Appropriate for people with varying levels of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)

A relaxing and comforting practice designed to encourage a peaceful night’s sleep. (Appropriate for people with varying levels of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)

Hatha asanas integrate with breath and movement. Between postures a series of movements are used as transitions. Vinyasa is sometimes described as Flow Yoga, suggesting the feeling of flowing from one posture to the next. It is a more vigorous practice and leaves one feeling energized, relaxed and focused. (Appropriate for people with a high degree of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)

Beginning with a slight warm up, poses are sequenced as in a Hatha class, but are held for longer periods, emphasizing the hips, pelvis and lower spine. The focus of Yin Yoga is on the deep connective tissue that maintains the muscle and skeletal systems. Because the poses are held longer, the practice yields a deeper release. An ideal practice for the evening as it promotes deep relaxation. It can serve to rejuvenate the body and promote a sense of well being. (Appropriate for people with varying levels of fitness, flexibility and yoga experience.)