New Students & Beginners
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Yoga Classes

Recommend taking 4 - 12 classes a month to start and build up gradually to unlimited classes. Focus primarily on the breathing techniques for the first month and practice in-between classes as often as possible. Respect your body’s limitations! Modify any difficult postures. GO AT YOUR OWN PACE! Rest when needed. Go gently into a stretch - NEVER force a stretch. Women: if pregnant or on first 3 days of monthly cycle, ask your teacher about Long Deep Breathing and helpful posture modifications. If you must for any reason skip several exercises, if you maintain the breathing, mantra and focus, you will benefit from the entire group energy anyway. EXTRA PADDING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! An extra mat or blanket is perfect and keeps the body warm during relaxation. A medium/large size pillow makes an excellent prop. We have a limited supply of extra mats, blankets and pillows in case you forget. Attire: loose, comfortable clothing, casual, nothing fancy. If you have long hair, it helps to put it up. Refrain from eating heavily before class. If you must eat, keep it light. Do bring water though; bottled water with a sports cap is primo. Attend class regularly. Progress is directly related to attendance. Bring a friend, the more, the merrier! CLASS DESCRIPTIONS Kundalini Yoga, a complete science, deals with the physical body, the triad of the body-mind-spirit and with the subtle energies of the body such as prana (life energy) and the chakras (energy centers in the spine). In each class the teacher instructs beginning and experienced students using mental focus, breathing techniques, mantras (sound vibration), postures (body positions), mudras (hand positions), meditation and relaxation to scientifically provide a more healthy, happy and whole way of life. (Gentle) Hatha Yoga Each class starts with basic movements beginners and experienced students alike can enjoy. Modified forms are taught with encouragement and growth towards expansion with emphasis on proper body alignment. Class format includes warm-up, asanas (postures), toning, relaxation and visualization techniques. Hatha/Amrit Yoga A dynamic meld of Hatha and Raja Yoga to bring about a state of greater integration of our mind/body/spirit towards wholeness. Pilates Complimentary with the purchase of ANY Class Card! Strengthen your core and shape your body. Classes consist of easy to follow Pilates exercise routines to strengthen and lengthen muscles of the chest, hips, thighs, gluteus, back and abdominals. Come for a quick 20 min. workout that's fitness fun! Yogi Bhajan explained the effects of the gong meditation this way: "The gong is very simple. It is the sound of Creativity itself. One who plays the gong plays the Universe. The gong is not an ordinary thing to play. Out of it came all music, all sounds, and all words. The sound of the gong is the nucleus of the Word. The gong is not a musical instrument, nor a drum. The gong is a beautiful reinforced vibration. It is like a multitude of strings, as if you played with a million strings. The gong is the only tool with which you can produce this combination of space vibration." The sound of the gong creates deep relaxation, freeing us from the flood of thoughts our mind releases, and stimulates the gladular system to a higher level of functioning. During the gong meditation emotional transformation is produced as it reduces tension, releases blocks and stimulates circulation. The result is a reorganization of the emotional energy and feelings that are tied into the body structure. The gong changes feelings that are blocked by cutting the thoughts that sustain and recreate the feelings. The gong meditation clears the nerve endings and regenerates the parasympathetic system which is ruled by sound. The parasympathetic system sends "relax" messages to all the organs. It regulates the rebuilding functions of the body and it is vital for handling stress since it coordinates the recovery period from stress. To regenerate the parasympathetic system, nothing is more powerful than the gong. All the student needs to do is let the entire body relax and let the sound of the gong penetrate the body and guide the mind. DISCLAIMER:The practice of yoga has benefited millions of people both physically and mentally. It is not intended to replace good, sound medical advice. The therapuetuc benefits attributed come from centuries-old yogic tradition. Please consult a physician or mental health professional should the need for one be indicated. Proceed to Registration>