Class Descriptions Yoga Traditional hatha yoga, the physical aspect of yoga study, includes postures (asanas) and breathwork (pranayama) to improve the body's flexibility, resiliency, strength and balance. Yoga can calm and clear the mind, reducing stress and increasing wellness. Based on poses practiced for thousands of years, yoga has a rich history as a healthy art. Yoga is more than just exercise, allowing us to connect to our best selves and offering us a chance to feel good in the body we inhabit. Cathy's yoga classes are light-hearted and compassionate, with the intention to make yoga accessible to everyone. Cathy teaches yoga inspired by the work of Vanda Scaravelli, who taught students to be firmly grounded and then release the spine and its energy through the breath. Mandy's classes are in the Iyengar yoga tradition, which emphasizes proper body alignment and attention to breath. Leti, certified in Kripalu yoga, focuses on experiencing asana safely, in a way that is appropriate and satisfying for the individual, while allowing students to follow the path of the pose to an inner journey if they wish. Choose a class appropriate for your body and interest. Wear comfortable clothing that you can move in easily — loose-fitting shorts or sweatpants, and a t-shirt, for example. Key to Yoga Classes: G = Gentle and basic poses; Beginner-friendly M = Multi-level; Modifications--more or less challening options--are offered for all levels P = Prenatal in 2nd or 3rd trimester, with doctor's OK V = Vigorous, more physically challenging asana. Classes explore deeper yoga practices such as inversions, pranayamas, and/or yoga philosophy and meditation TLC Yoga - Simple stretches and restorative poses (supported with bolsters, blankets and other props). Ideal Prenatal class!  TLC Yoga is an excellent class for those recovering from injury, illness, surgery, or jet-lag.  Beginner-friendly! Restorative yoga - Restorative yoga includes a variety of supported, nurturing positions based on traditional yoga poses  We use props--bolsters, blocks, and blankets--to fully support the body, allowing deep physical and mental release.  Given this support, the body can heal, renew, and move toward balance. Restorative yoga is often described as "active relaxation" and is suggested as a part of everyone's yoga practice at least once per month.                 Yoga Basics Class requires pre-registration and is THE place for those new to yoga, or for anyone just returning to a regular yoga practice. Classes are progressive, with each week building on the asana, postures, and pranayama, breathwork, of the week before. By completion of the series, students will have experience with backbends, forward bends, twists, balance poses and simple inversions, as well as several breathing patterns. Yoga Basics may be repeated, or you may attend other yoga classes of your choice after the series. Yoga Basics Workshop - Are you a raw beginner, just curious, struggling with health or life issues, or a seasoned practitioner wanting a review? The Yoga Basics Workshop offers a taste of the first five steps of the Eight Limbs of Yoga: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama and Pratyahara. Handouts will be available.  This introductory workshop is offered periodically. Check the "Schedule" & "What's New" pages for upcoming workshops. T'ai Chi - Often referred to as "a moving meditation," Tai chi is practiced around the world by millions of people every day. It emphasizes a range of weight-bearing movements designed to connect the body like a string of beads. T'ai chi can improve energy levels, leading to improved mental outlook, resilience to stress, and greater control over thought patterns. See Tai chi. Traditional Yang Style T'ai Chi Chi Chuan, as taught by master Yang Zhendou of China, is offered at Grapevine Yoga. Qi Gong, or energy work (qi is pronounced "chee"), involves simple exercises incorporating body movement, breathing and mental visualization to create energy and circulate it throughout the physical body. Used in traditional Chinese Medicine as a healing art, Qi Gong promotes relaxation and an improved sense of well-being. Qi Gong is included briefly in each T'ai chi class. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.                                                                                       Lao Tzu