All Entries in the "Yoga Styles" Category

Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, Vinyasa, Ashtanga…

Yoga style descriptions:(for all EquiVita yoga programming)

Hatha Yoga
While the term Hatha refers to all yoga poses/postures, typically the style of
yoga referred to as Hatha in the US is a slower pace, methodical practice in
which alignment is key and exploration of the pose is emphasized. Students are
encouraged to penetrate into a deeper understanding of their individual body and
the dynamics of the pose and it’s benefits.

Vinyasa Yoga
(Also referred to as Flow Yoga; may be practiced in a more intense variation
called Power Yoga)
Typically a more vigorous style of yoga, in this class yoga poses are combined
in a flowing sequence that moves at the pace of the student’s breath, inhaling
and exhaling, into and out of poses, with occasional holding of postures. These
flowing classes will help build strength, endurance, flexibility and body
awareness while improving mind-body balance through coordination of breath and
movement.

Slow Flow
Slow Flow is a vinyasa-styled yoga class that moves at a more deliberate pace than EquiVita’s regular vinyasa yoga class. Taking a more measured approach to the flow of this type of practice, students in this class will move into and out of poses over the course of several breaths, deepening into stretches and longer holds of poses. This style of yoga will help to improve flexibility, endurance, body awareness and strength while improving mind-body balance through coordination of breath and movement.

Ashtanga Yoga
A flowing style of yoga ashtanga is similar to vinyasa with the exception that
an ashtanga practice typically follows a preset sequence of yoga postures. These
sequences were designed by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Beginners to ashtanga
will follow a modified Primary Series class; those with more experience will
work into the Primary Series with fewer modifications. If your experienced group
of ashtanga-focused students is interested they can schedule a session of yoga
in the Second Series and begin to play with deepening into more backbend poses.

Restorative Yoga
Students engaging in this style of yoga will begin by using techniques to shed
the stress and doing-ness of the day, finding their way into a more balanced
state of mind that is conducive to relaxation and stillness. This style of yoga
uses the support of bolsters, blankets, and other props in non-weight-bearing
poses. The use of props allows students to ease into a gentle opening throughout
the body (rather than a more intense stretch that may occur when fewer props are
used.) Breathing techniques, guided imagery and directed awareness are some of
the practices that may accompany this form of yoga.

Yin Yoga
Poses in this style of yoga are generally non-weight bearing, passive and are
held for longer durations, giving the body a chance to deeply stretch connective
tissue and fascia. The seated and supine pose poses may be lightly supported by
blocks in a manner that allows for a deep stretch and release. Poses may be held
for as long as five minutes as students are guided to work with the breath and
let go of resistance.

Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga (as taught by Yogi Bhajan) is a set of techniques that
strengthens the nervous system, balances the glandular system, and develops
peace of mind. Each class includes yoga breathing techniques (pranayama), yoga
postures, deep relaxation and meditation designed to support you being you at
your best. The practice of yoga is an opportunity to uplift yourself, to elevate
your consciousness, and to take what you learn on your mat out into the world.
It’s yoga for everyone; you work at your own pace and develop awareness of what
is going on in your body and mind.

Pre-natal or Post-natal Yoga
Yoga designed to help support the changes and challenges that come with
pregnancy, birth and beyond. Learn yoga practices and poses that will support
your physical and emotional needs throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery and
birth. Share your practice with others in a community of experience. Learn how
to adapt your yoga practice and develop new practice tools to help you breath,
move and relax.

If you would like more information about any of our yoga classes or styles of instruction, please contact

Mary Binion at 614.298.8781

or via email:
amilligan@equivita.com

or via text:

614.805.8252