Crofton Yoga-Class Description

All Level Yoga- This class is for all levels of ability. Modifications and variations will be introduced so that all participants can receive the benefits of this one hour class.

Beginner's Yoga- This 5-week introductory class will introduce students to the history of yoga, give them a basic foundation of asana (posture) practice, pranayam (breathwork) and meditation. This class is aimed toward the individual not sure if they want to commit to an entire session of yoga. Students from this class can move right into the Level 1 class.

Dynamic Flow (mixed levels)- A dynamic and fluid yoga asana class. The class offers a guided experience of creative and physically challenging flowing poses and sequences linked to the breath. It is a vigorous practice with an emphasis on openings, strengthening, and awakening the flow of prana. Open to students who have a firm foundation of the basic yoga postures. Classes introduce the student to a wider variety of poses, including intermediate variations of backbends, balancing postures, and arm balances. More advanced pranayama, yogic philosophy, and meditation will also be included. Students are encouraged to honor the wisdom of the body and to work according to its limits and strengths.

Gentle & Restorative Yoga-Hatha yoga taught for individuals with range of motion or mobility limitations or individual looking for a slower start to their yoga practice. This class is also suitable for the student looking for greater relaxation and stress reduction.

Gentle Stretch Yoga- A gentle introduction to Hatha yoga. This class will focus on proper body alignment and breathing techniques. Participants will gain greater body awareness, reduce stress and tension, and find an enhanced sense of well-being. Suitable for those wanting a slower and more gentle Level 1 class.

Hot Vinyasa- Hot Yoga is practiced in a moderately hot studio, heated to approximately 85-92 degrees. This is an invitation for all yogis to explore various asana (posture) sequences including vinyasa and classical pose all in a heated room. Inspire your practice while developing flexibility, strength, stamina, concentration and balance. Please bring your own mat, towel and a water bottle. Not suitable for students brand new to yoga.

Kids Yoga (3–5, 5–8)- This 45-minute class, tailored to the 3-5 and 5-8 year old will introduce children to the life changing practice of yoga. Children will perform a variety of yoga postures to help with strength, balance, focus and developing both sides of their brain. Children will also benefit from the relaxation period at the end of each class, learning how to calm and relax themselves.

Kundalini Yoga- uses movement, sound current, breath and meditation to relax and heal your mind and body, allowing the spirit to flow freely. In each class the teacher instructs beginning and experienced students using mental focus, breathing techniques, mantras, postures, mudras, meditation and relaxation. There is a great variety of techniques and each class is likely to be different. Students do not need extraordinary strength or flexibility to benefit from Kundalini Yoga. This powerful and effective form of Yoga is not primarily a physical workout; it is not just sitting quietly in meditation. It is a potent combination of work on the nervous system, the glandular system and the immune system. Just one class creates a powerful lasting effect

Level 1 Yoga- An introduction to Hatha yoga. This class will focus on proper body alignment and breathing techniques. Participants will gain greater body awareness, reduce stress and tension, and find an enhanced sense of well-being.

Level 1 – 2 Yoga- A moderately paced class, suitable for the advanced beginner. The emphasis is on flowing sequences, and using the breath to increase the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Instruction, adjustments, and refinements are woven through each class to increase understanding of the asanas (postures).

Level 2 Yoga- This class is for those wishing to broaden their yoga practice with a more in depth look at the classic hatha yoga repertoire. Students will be taught more advanced postures, additional pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation concepts. The fundamentals of the vinyasa style, as well as a linking of the postures with the breath, will be explored. While accessibility for various abilities continues to be emphasized, participants should have a solid understanding of basic yoga postures.

Mommy & Me- This 45-minute class, tailored to the 3-5 year old will introduce children to the life changing practice of yoga. Mom and Child will perform a variety of yoga postures to help with strength, balance, focus and developing both sides of their brain. The partners will work together on postures and breath techniques introducing children to the life changing practice of yoga.

Parent and Baby- This class is for Moms, Dads and other caretakers to experience the benefits of yoga with their little one! This is a practice to enhance your sense of well-being, connect with your body, regain your strength and flexibility and connect with your baby or toddler. Babies must be at least 6-weeks old up to crawling.

Pilates Mat- Pilates is a balanced workout that will shape and strengthen core muscle groups into a functional whole. The result is a longer, leaner, stronger body. Pilates is a complimentary discipline that enhances diverse athletic and recreational interests.

Pilates/Yoga Fusion- By integrating the precise alignment and the core strengthening moves from Pilates with increased flexibility and the mind/body engagement from yoga, you get a unique practice that fuses two of the most popular choices in health today. The result is a longer, leaner, stronger body. Participants will gain greater body awareness, strength, and increased range of motion.

Prenatal Yoga- A practice to embrace this wonderful time in a woman's life. Yoga postures and breathing exercises will be practiced to enhance a woman's comfort during pregnancy and birth.

Sunrise Yoga- This morning yoga class for all levels will bring balance, strength and focus to your morning routine and get the day started right.

Tai Chi- for Arthritis is based on Sun Style Tai Chi. This style was chosen because of its healing component, its unique Qigong (an exercise which improves relaxation and vital energy), and its ability to improve mobility and balance. The program contains a carefully constructed set of warming-up and cooling-down exercises, Qigong breathing exercises, a Basic Core six movements, an Advanced Extension six movements, (and adaptations of the movements for older adults). Sun Style Tai Chi is a more gentle form in that when doing steps that involve balance each step is followed with an agile step where both feet are in contact with the floor. (Sun is pronounced Soon).

Tween Yoga- This class is designed for children ages 9-12. Through posture, breath-work, meditation and games, students will learn to incorporate the principles of yoga, (balance, focus, flexibility and strength), into their school and home life. Specific attention is given to learning body awareness and working through muscle tightness.

Yoga on the Ball- Combine the discipline of Hatha yoga with Resist-A-Ball training. Yoga and the ball share an emphasis on stability training, core strength and all-over body conditioning. The focus will be on using the ball as a prop to deepen your yoga practice, with the added benefit of supported spinal traction and balance challenges. Hatha Yoga with the Resist-A-Ball can teach the body how to be stable in extreme ranges of motion. This class will help you reach and roll into new and appropriate positions for YOUR level.

Zumba- Zumba is a dance-fitness program that blends international and popular music with basic Latin-inspired dance steps to create a "fitness-party." Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the world's largest - and most successful - dance-fitness program with more than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries.