classes at yoga yard

Yoga Yard offers a variety of classes and programs that help students learn yoga according to their experience, level, condition and needs. Our classes focus on breath, movement and awareness as ways to improve energy, mental and emotional focus, and physical health. From basic postures to more advanced practices, yoga can be a way to continually harmonize these components. At Yoga Yard, we invite students to begin an exploration of their bodies and breath to bring about greater peace and physical well-being.

Class Levels and Descriptions:

Level 1: This class is appropriate for students new to yoga, or anyone who wants to re-visit the fundamentals. Emphasis is given to learning proper alignment in the basic postures, using props to help better meet all students’ needs. Breath focus is integrated throughout the class, helping to center and quiet the mind.

Level 1-2: This class explores beginner and some intermediate level asanas (poses), introducing gentle sequences at a moderate pace. Modifications are given to meet the needs of all students. All levels welcome – beginners included.

Level 2: This intermediate-level class introduces a more vigorous vinyasa flow, emphasizing sequences based on building greater awareness, strength, flexibility and grace. Some advanced asanas are introduced. Recommended for students with an ongoing practice.

Level 2-3: This dynamic vinyasa class explores intermediate and advanced asanas, using creative sequencing and an energetic pace to introduce deeper moving meditations. As we continue to develop strength, mobility, stamina and breath awareness we cultivate internal alignment by infusing the practice with greater mindfulness. This is a challenging class, recommended for students with an ongoing practice.

Kids Yoga: The fun and creative yoga sequences in this series of classes will allow kids time to discover and develop creativity, self confidence, self respect and respect for others in a supportive environment with safety and structure in mind. In these age-appropriate classes, children and teenagers will experience and learn to appreciate and enjoy mindful movement, stillness and outlet their own creatively. Yoga has incredible benefits not only for adults but also children which can help to develop strength, flexibility, balance, concentration, co-ordination and body awareness.

Lunchtime classes: This one-hour class is designed to refresh and rejuvenate, leaving the body at ease and the mind focused and clear. Emphasis is given to increasing mobility and strength, releasing tension from the shoulders, neck and back, and encouraging greater circulation and energy flow throughout the body. All levels welcome. Special lunchtime class passes available.

Meditation and Chanting : This 35 minute, enlivening practice is designed to help bring greater clarity and stillness of mind through sounds and silence. The led practice begins with a 10 minute seated breath focused, led meditation, and is followed by 10 minutes of simple chants. The last part of the class ends with a seated or lying meditation and closing chants. This class is free to all students, and open to all levels. Please arrive on time if attending this class.

Relax & Restore: This is a good class for anyone seeking to alleviate tension and stress, and rediscover greater relaxation, vitality and ease. As formerly held areas of resistance begin to soften and disappear, the body is able to more easily nourish and restore itself – allowing us to feel calm, rejuvenated and joyful. Breathing exercises and props are used in this class, order to help deepen the benefits of poses. All levels welcome.

Pre-Natal Yoga: This class focuses on yoga poses, breathing techniques and relaxation exercises designed to support the body during pregnancy and prepare the body for childbirth. Special attention is given to help alleviate back pain, maintain healthy muscle tone and circulation, and develop greater focus and calmness of mind. No previous yoga experience required. All stages of pregnancy welcome. For more information please click here.

Post-Natal Yoga (Mommy and Baby): Designed to meet the common needs of postpartum mothers, this class offers a safe and playful environment for new mothers and b abies. Special attention is given to re-establishing core strength and toning the pelvic floor, while releasing tension around the shoulders, neck and low back. Babies’ participation is integrated throughout the class. No previous yoga experience required. Babies age 4 weeks through crawling are welcome. For more information please click here.

Intro to Yoga: This is a special two-day course designed to introduce yoga for new students, or for those who would like to brush-up on the basics. We teach the building blocks for many of the basic postures and breathing techniques in vinyasa yoga, and introduce ideas about yoga as a philosophy and practice. Information materials provided. Pre-registration required. For more information please click here.

What you'll need: You'll need to bring comfortable clothing and a towel. We have yoga mats and props available for use in classes. We also have women's and men's and women's changing rooms and showers, but ask that students bring their own towels and toiletries.

It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. Therefore, we recommend that you refrain from eating for 2-3 hours before class.