Class Descriptions

What is Vinyasa Yoga? Vinyasa means "to place in a special way". The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” We will guide you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This style of yoga is sometimes called Vinyasa Flow, or just Flow because of the smooth way that the poses run together. There is more movement in this style of yoga, often referred to as Power Yoga, than in traditional Hatha yoga. Vinyasa yoga in a studio setting often includes meditation and breath work. Meditation and breath work actually enhance the power of the practice and are necessary to fully connect to the true meaning of vinyasa "to place in a special way". Vinyasa yoga builds endurance, flexibility, mobility and range of motion as well as teaches us how our brain communicates with our body, emotions and Self. Sun Salutations are the foundation of a Vinyasa practice to build heat, rhythm, awaken our energy and to connect with natural energy of all things. Vinyasa yoga is not for everyone. Sunbird Yoga offers Basic, Beginner and Vinyasa classes for a wide range of students and includes Core Yoga and Gentle Yoga students interested in other yoga classes.

Basic Yoga ~ Vinyasa Style Designed for students new to yoga but great for all students! (non-heated) · Introduction to fundamental yoga postures emphasizing alignment and placement of the body for a safe, effective and fun yoga practice. · Introduction to meditation and breathing · Introduction to Sun Salutions and the practice of vinyasa yoga. · Introduction to yoga in a studio environment and the joy of a yoga practice. · No experience necessary and it feels great!

Beginner Vinyasa Designed for students with some experience including basic movements of Sun Salutations. Take your practice further! (Mild heat) · Introduction to intermediate yoga postures with modifications emphasizing alignment and placement of the body for a safe, effective and challenging yoga practice.. · Introduction mantra, pranayama and mudras · Introduction to Sun Salution B and complex sequences including arm balances and inversions taught with modifications. · Beyond a basic class, a beginner vinyasa will help bridge the gap between where you begin and where you go from there. This class prepares and encourages you to try hot vinyasa classes. · If you are not sure, try the Basic Vinyasa first!

Vinyasa Designed for students with knowledge of Sun Salutations A & B. Take your practice beyond! (heated, hot) · Invigorating! Intermediate yoga flow emphasizing alignment and placement of the body for a safe, effective and challenging yoga practice. · Incorporation of mantra, pranayama and mudras · Inclusion of inversions, arm balances and complex movements and sequences. · Beyond Beginner Vinyasa, this practice encourages creativity in your yoga practice. Fine tuning your motion and breath and creating a yoga practice that emphasizes your strength, your beauty and your commitment. · If you are not sure, try the Beginner Vinyasa first! · Vinyasa flow classes find their foundations in Sun Salutations that are repeated throughout the length of the class, intermingled within standing, balancing and stretching postures. We practices a variety of breathing methods, meditation and the philosophical foundations of yoga. Vinyasa classes are recommended for experienced students (6+months of Vinyasa/Power Yoga), familiar with Sun Salutations and a heated environment.

Gentle Designed for students new to yoga and those looking for a therapeutic approach to yoga. (non-heated) · This class is a wonderful introduction to the therapeutic benefits of yoga, for the body and mind. · A gentle practice to ease tired muscles, enhance the mind/body connection, relieve stress, rejuvenate and restore · For all levels of practice from new to advanced students looking for a gentle and therapeutic yoga class.

Core Yoga This is an all levels, non-vinyasa yoga practice. We still connect to the breath with major focus on the abs! (non-heated) · Breathing and awareness are creatively fused with strengthening the core (back, belly & abdominals) to create length and tone for better posture, balance and physique. · The session will end with a mellow winding-down, including stretching and recovery. · For new and experienced students, we will cover modifications as well as more intense options. · Through this method you discover your core strength and confidence.

Master Class Designed for Beginner to Intermediate yogi (Mild-Hot) · Our Master Class offers beginner practitioners work in specific beginner/intermediate yoga poses in each class.  · The structure of the practice will support a peak pose to allow an understanding of the dynamics of the posture and the challenges that may arise on a mental plane. · Beginner Master classes are designed for students familiar with beginner yoga postures.   · In these classes you will use your knowledge of postures and breathing to practice exciting and challenging sequences and variations.   Yoga asks us to honor our true nature and build strong and meaningful relationships with ourselves and others. We all have great strength and flexibility and yoga helps us to recognize and acknowledge this. We recommend you have a 2 months or more of solid yoga practice on your mat.

Community Yoga $5 Designed as an all levels yoga practice. (non-heated) These are great classes and 60 minutes long – taught by our experienced and dedicated teachers. Community Yoga classes are offered in appreciation for those in our community who help make Sunbird Yoga Studio possible and to provide a practice that is available for all in the community. Students participating in Community Classes are not required to hold a class pass or attend regularly priced classes, it's appreciated, but not required. Beginner (1-2mo+) students to advanced students. Temperature 75-80 degrees New to yoga? Please begin with Basic Yoga ~ Vinyasa Style.