body.
work your body with asana.
Yoga Asana (the yoga postures) are the perfect way to stretch, strengthen, and align your physical body. Often, this is why people come to yoga in the first place, to gain flexibility, increase stamina, improve balance, and get exercise.
Rather than one-size-fits-all, bodymindheartyoga’s asana classes are broken into different levels, so that you are comfortable learning and practicing at a pace and level that works for you.
Introduction to Ashaya Yoga- this 8 class series is designed for people with little to no yoga experience, but are ready to learn. It is expected that students in this class series attend ALL 8 classes for maximum benefit and understanding. Students must be able to get up and down from the floor unassisted, and have no major injuries. This class teaches the foundations of basic standing, seated, and reclined poses, beginning back bends, and puts together all of the components of the Sun Salutation (a basic vinyasa). This class is only offered as an 8 class session, with starting dates several times throughout the year. Breath work, chanting, meditation, basic yoga philosophy and deep relaxation are also taught in this series.
Level 1 Ashaya Yoga- this ongoing class meets twice a week and is recommended for new yoga students and/or students who want a basic practice. Each class is taught with a heart-centered theme that ties in to either the 5 Elements or other aspects of yoga philosophy. Classes begin with centering and warm ups, continue with Sun Salutations and standing poses, and then progress in a sequence to a “peak” pose in each class, followed by cool down, relaxing breath, and Savasana. More variations are offered in this class than in the Introduction course, and typically we focus on a different category of poses each month.
Level 2 Ashaya Yoga- this is an Intermediate level class for students who have a minimum of 6 months of yoga experience, and who want to practice more challenging variations. This class regularly includes inversions such as headstand, shoulder stand, hand stand, and all the preps that go into doing them. More challenging back bends, forward bends, and arm balances are also practiced in this class.
Gentle Ashaya Yoga- this class offers a slower, more easeful sequence than the Level 1 (or Intro) classes. Designed to be friendly to your knees and wrists, this class does NOT include Sun Salutations, poses in a kneeling position, or downward dogs. Gentler movement and stretching, supported standing poses, range of motion, and restorative poses are the focus of this class. Props such as chairs, pillows, straps, and blankets are great to make this class a rejuvenative experience.
feed your body with plants….
A vegan or vegetarian diet follows the yogic principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) and may help to save the planet (and your health!) While it is not necessary to be a vegetarian to practice yoga, Cheryl encourages you to try more plant-based meals, and in her role as a Living Ayurveda Coach offers seasonal detox retreats that you can do right in your own home. Click below for some delicious recipes and resources, and consider joining the next detox…