This is a great class for beginning and intermediate students as well as those looking to further their understanding of the foundations and subtleties of yoga poses and breathing techniques. Yoga Basics focuses on alignment, adapting poses, working with breath and increasing flexibility, strength and balance. Assistance by way of props may be utilized to allow greater access, opening and awareness throughout the body, and to allow students of various levels to practice safely and comfortably. Self exploration occurs through discovery and release of physical tension, habitual patterns and psychological resistence. As individual practice continues, a student’s ability to relax and concentrate improves and self understanding is enhanced.

The ISHTA system is a style of yoga that is dynamic, approachable and safe for all ages and abilities. ISHTA yoga combines asana, pranayama and meditation for a comprehensive physical and spiritual practice. The word ISHTA has a two-fold definition. ISHTA is an acronym for the Integrated Science of Hatha – the physical practice of yoga that creates balance, Tantra – the yogic philosophy that recognizes the perfection in all beings and Ayurveda – the Indian science of healing. In addition Ishta is a Sanskrit word meaning “personalized” or “individualized”. This reflects the tradition’s aim of helping each student develop their own unique, holistic practice that meets his or her own personal needs. Recognizing the uniqueness of the individual soul, ISHTA is a style of yoga designed to empower the individual to discover more about their true self. ISHTA yoga embraces elements from a variety of styles and seeks to help its students discover the exact blend of postures, breathing, and meditation techniques necessary to bring out their fullest potential. Ishta classes will incorporate the gentle, flowing poses of Viniyoga, an adaptation of the more vigorous poses of Ashtanga yoga, the careful alignm ent and use of props of Iyengar yoga, as well as including various forms of advanced yogic breathing (pranayama), meditation and relaxation.