Hot Foundation
Suitable for all levels, this class is great for beginners.
The room is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (42 C) allowing muscles, ligaments and tendons to be warmed and stretched in a specific sequence.
Internal organs and glands are gently massaged and the heated room ensures that participants will sweat helping them to flush toxins out of their system. In this cardiovascular hot yoga class, fresh, oxygenated blood is brought into to every part of the body cleansing and rejuvenating the entire system.
In addition to the many physical benefits there are others as well. Increased concentration, willpower and mental clarity are just some changes that are commonly reported. In recent years medical doctors and psychiatrists have adopted yoga as a credible solution to various human ailments. Above the obvious physical benefits of hot yoga one can expect to gain a degree of mind serenity with regular practice. Having faith in oneself, improving self-control, determination, increased concentration, and building patience are some of the mental rewards that can be gained from doing yoga.
Hatha Yoga in a warm room focuses on a deep, safe and effective journey into yoga. Hatha Yoga postures are scientifically designed to give a comprehensive workout to the entire body.
Come prepared. We advise that you:
-Arrive 15 minutes before class
-Refrain from eating anything heavy 2 - 3 hours before class
-Bring a towel and some drinking water
-Wear comfortable clothing, preferably shorts and a sports top
-Mats are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one
Ashtanga Yoga
Practiced a normal temperature. The foundation of this ancient system, discovered by the late Sri T. Krishnamacharya and his disciple K. Pattabhi Jois in the 1930's, involves a series of set postures practiced in sequence (vinyasa) known as the Primary Series.
Astanga yoga is a challenging form of hatha yoga. Each pose is linked to the next through a series of connecting movements called vinyasa, allowing the body to create heat and leading to more flexibility. Smooth, deep breathing (ujjayi), gaze (dristi) and locks (bandhas) are synchronized with the movements. This powerful and vigorous practice purifies and realigns the body, cultivating a feeling of inner peace, and leading to a natural state of meditation.
Our class introduces the basic concepts of the sun salutations and we always aim to include all the poses in the Primary Series. Extra time and attention are devoted to the breathing techniques and to establishing correct alignment within each posture. This class is designed to give the practitioner a firm and solid foundation in the practice.
Hot Vinyasa Flow
A traditional vinyasa flow class which builds stamina and strength. Vinyasa means moving with the breath through a series of poses including Upward Dog and Downward Dog, also called sun salutations. Clear instruction accommodates all levels within the class. After moving through a series of vinyasas the class will go into standing postures, before following the thread of the breath into seated poses. A perfect accompaniment to your Hot Yoga practice!
Kundalini Yoga
For empowerment, vitality, endurance, concentration and personal growth. Kundalini Yoga combines posture, movement, stretches, breath, meditation and mantra to carry us to a deeper awareness of the Authentic Inner Self. Through various sets of Yoga postures, the chakras (energy centres) are awakened and balanced.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga was developed by Paulie Zink as a method for deepening one’s flexibility. Postures are held much longer than in a regular yoga class, allowing the practitioner to get way deeper, stretching the fascia in passive poses. Targeting the connective tissue over time will lead to much greater flexibility. Staying in a pose for up to ten minutes or longer can be very challenging both mentally and physically.
This is a hands-on restorative class in a warm environment (but not as hot as usual!)
Insight Meditation
Sunday nights are a free 45 minute session with no guidance, just a quiet sit. Wednesday nights are by donation, one hour session, led by Jeanne, our resident Insight Meditation teacher. This experienced group of Saskatoon meditators welcome everyone to share the insight meditation experience with them. Check out their website for more info - http://www.saskatooninsight.com
Tibetan Heart Yoga
Tibetan Heart Yoga is a system of asana and meditation designed by masters in the Gelukpa Tibetan Buddhist tradition of the Dalai Lamas; a lineage created by the Indian yogi Naropa who lived about 1000 CE. Tibetan Heart Yoga brings powerful wisdom from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition into daily asana and meditation practices that fit with our modern lives. As it unites the old and the new, it also unites the inner and outer. It works on the inside with our thoughts and emotions and the outside with our pranayama (breathing), asana (posture), and actions in the world. The THY system shows us how to take yoga off the mat and into our world where we can use it for radical transformation.
Sivananda
Sivananda Yoga is a traditional, exact and easy-to-learn system that aims at naturally achieving the union of body and spirit through creating a healthy body and mind that leads to spiritual evolvement. Sivananda Yoga philosophy can be summarized in 5 points - proper exercise: Asanas, proper breathing: Pranayama, proper relaxation: Savasana, proper diet, positive thinking and meditation. A typical class starts with Sun Salutations, and then moves through the 12 basic postures, finishing with a deep relaxation.
Prenatal Yoga
Yoga is a safe, simple and natural method of preparing for the miracle of childbirth. This class is not practiced in the heat. We combine stretching with strengthening and breathing exercises to teach women the essential skill of being able to breathe correctly throughout birth and in times of stress. Linking the postures with breath, bringing awareness to the mind, body and spirit and helping you connect with your baby. For women in their second trimester onwards - please consult your doctor.
Family Yoga
Family yoga is a karma class on Sundays from 10:00-10:45 am, for children (ages 3-7) with a parent/guardian. $5 minimum donation per family, with all proceeds going to a local children's organization each month. Classes will incorporate books, games, and yoga cards and will be very interactive. The focus will be on having fun while learning yoga poses.
Still not sure?
For more information on the different styles of yoga, why not check out youtube for videos of classes. or click on the videos below.