Emmaus Yoga Classes

All Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes will provide instruction in how to modify the postures so you can flow smoothly with the class. In our opinion, flexibility is not necessary to progress to the next class level. We are all 'practicing' together and yoga is a wonderful way to get to know yourself and your neighbors while feeling more at home in your own body.  At Emmaus Yoga the levels of our classes refer to students who have been practicing longer and are more familiar with the postures and modifications.  We are more concerned with students learning how to modify the poses for their own body and creating a flow with the other students in the class.  Ashtanga yoga has a particular sequence of postures that is to be followed. We can suggest books, videos and posture sheets so you can practice at home and commit the posture sequence to memory.

The number 1, 2, and 3 are listed after each class on our schedule.  The numbers indicate the level of the class.  

Level 1 classes are a great place to start if you are new to yoga or haven't practiced in a while.

Level 2 classes are for students more familiar with general yoga asanas (poses) and how they can be connected with breath. Inversions and arm balances are introduced.  

Level 3 classes are for students who have a regular practice and familiarity with the breath/asana connection.  We incorporate more difficult asanas including more advanced backbends, inversions, and arm balances.

Yin Yoga 1 - Yin is surrender. It balances the yang of active yoga and lifestyles. Yin focuses on the connective tissues of the hip joints, the pelvis, and the lower spine. Often times these areas are not reached through Vinyasa or Ashtanga practices, making this class the perfect compliment to these styles. In Yin, we will practice fewer poses and hold them at length, up to five minutes. That may sound scary! But never fear, the poses we hold are seated, more restorative poses, that allow us to soften. This is the essence of Yin. Think about all the heat we build in Vinyasa or Ashtanga classes, or the effort we exert all day at our jobs, in our homes, or in the gym. This class is the balance. Learn the practice of patience and trust. Open up your body, open up your mind.   

Yin/Yang 1- Experience a full balance in body and mind. In this class we will move freely and calmly through a gentle flow, combining breath and movement, stretching and waking up the body gently. This is Yang. Once the body is warmed we will segue our practice into the deep, opening aspect of Yin, where we will hold restorative poses at length. Yin/Yang intertwines our effort and our surrender, creating harmony inside and out. You will feel completely ready to conquer the day after this class!!

Ashtanga Basics 1 - See "6 Week Basics Session description"

Gentle Yoga 1 - In this class gentle instruction will be given on the fundamental practices of yoga. Through easy breathing exercises and postures students will practice calming the thoughts, which leads to a peaceful state of mind. Start your journey in this class if you have not practiced yoga before or have been away from it for a while. 

Morning Flow 1/2 - Mornings can be a little creaky, a little tweaky. The body might not be ready to jump in “there”. Let’s move slowly and rhythmically through a flowing practice that will touch on easy pranayama (Breathing),and a softer Vinyasa flow, that is accessible to everyone. Breathe and move. Find space within your body to build the practice of your dreams.

Introduction to the Iyengar Tradition 1 - This class is based on the Iyengar Tradition. The Iyengar yoga tradition uses various props, such as blankets, blocks, belts, and chairs to aid in the learning of asanas, or postures. The props also allow for the individual needs of students to be met in each asana, so that every student can receive the benefit of the asanas. Classes that follow the Iyengar tradition are sequenced in a fashion that allows the student to develop strength, flexibility, concentration, and correct body alignment. This class is an opportunity to experience yoga in the Iyengar tradition. We will focus on standing postures with the use of various props, which will allow us to focus deeply on the correct alignment of our asanas.

Kripalu 1 - Kripalu Yoga is meditation in motion which lends itself to making the class comfortable no matter what level your practice. Beginners will find this class nurturing and more advanced students will be challenged as well. In this class you will be guided through asanas, pranayama, mudras and deep relaxation. The focus of the class evolves organically based on the needs and desires of the participants. In addition to the physical practice, you will be invited to explore how yamas and niyamas can be incorporated into your class practice as well as into your lives. There is an emphasis on sankalpa (intention) and bhavana (visualization) to support your practice and your personal development.  

Ashtanga 1 - Whether you want to reduce stress, gain peace of mind, or just feel good about yourself and your body, this class is a great place to start. The focus is on connecting movement, breath, mindfulness and relaxation as you learn the movements of the Sun Saluations. We will introduce a few standing and seated postures from the Primary Series, then finish with some simple breathing exercises and relaxation. Some basic knowledge of yoga postures is helpful, but not necessary, as we will use props to help your practice flow as you increase flexibility and strength. 

Ashtanga 2 - This class will progress in the series by adding a shortened version of the seated postures and a few more closing poses. Students should be familiar with the postures from Ashtanga 1.

Ashtanga 3 - Full primary series complete with full shoulder stand series and headstand. Students should be familiar with the postures from Ashtanga 2.

Mysore –This style of class, named after the city in India where Ashtanga yoga originated, is opened to all levels of practitioner.  The advantage of Mysore style is that it accommodates all students regardless of your level of experience with yoga. You will receive lots of assists, both verbal and hands on, while you experience the benefits of differentiated instruction in a group atmosphere. Learn from the teacher, your peers and from your own experience of breath linked with movement. While a led class teaches you the sequence of postures and proper breaths, a Mysore class allows you to internalize the practice and get the help you need on an individual level to progress on your path at your own pace and ability.  Come in, start your practice and if you get off track, Erica will be there to steer you back, safe and sound!

Vinyasa 1,2,and 3 - These classes combine poses from Ashtanga with new poses from other yoga disciplines. This is a challenging, fun and exploratory class. Choose the appropriate class for your level of experience.

Runner's Yoga 1- Runners can experience pain and discomfort from the jarring impact the body suffers when the feet “hit the road”. Often this pain stems from imbalances in the body caused from running. Our Yoga for Runner’s class will show you ways to integrate classic yoga poses into your routine, either pre-run or after. We will demonstrate methods to increase strength and flexibility, develop better body awareness and conscious breathing. This class is open to all levels, even non-runners.

Stoked 2 - To be "stoked" is to be completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something. Get stoked by facing challenges or by revving up the engine within to accomplish that which you desire. Those who are stoked all of the time know this: Being stoked is the epitome of all being. When one is stoked, there is no limit to what one can do. Active students with some yoga experience, come and get stoked in this flowing, moving class!

Seasonal Sessions:

Refer to our "Schedule" page session dates.

Yoga for Skiers and Boarders 1 - Why can’t we all just get along? Skiing and snow boarding takes considerable strength and flexibility in the legs, hips and ankles. Get your body ready before you hit the slopes this winter with this lively sequence and steer clear of injury and soreness. We will also practice breathing techniques to reduce anxiety and stress, whether you are on the mountain or in your car. 

6 Week Basics Session w /Erica: We will cover all information that is presented in our Ashtanga 1 class, but in a slower more beginner -friendly way.

6 Week Basics Session w/ Britt:  Learn the mechanics and alignment of asanas (poses) and how to properly link each movement to each breath. Each week we will develop a deeper understanding of our breath and how to use it to place our body into safe and manageable positions. We will use props and modifications whenever needed. By the 6th week we will have grown these poses into a simple sequence that you can take with you!

The Yoga of Creativity for Kids, Ages 5 - 10 -  This session is a wonderful way for your child to unwind after a busy day at school. The class will start off with yoga postures, a combination of movement, music and breathing exercises. The yoga will help them tap into their creative abilities so they can let their energy flow into an inspired piece of art. These tools will help build confidence, self-awareness and help them deal with the difficulties we face in our childhood years.

Ashtanga yoga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois ‘99% practice, 1% theory’.