Travel Yoga

Reap the benefits of yoga while you travel! Enjoy a well-rounded yoga practice appropriate for long periods of sitting on planes and trains. Learn how to adjust to new surroundings, prevent jet lag, and pack to upgrade your yoga practice without weighing down your suitcase. Appropriate for all levels. No mat necessary!

Building a Meditation Practice: An Introductory Workshop

Follow the ancient path of Insight Meditation to relaxation, tranquility and wisdom. Learn how to bring mindfulness and concentration to the present moment. We will use 2,600 year-old techniques to develop mindfulness of body, thoughts and emotions, and all aspects of life. Bring a notebook and a commitment to meditate for some period daily. There will be simple exercises in class and to do at home, with ample opportunity for questions and group discussion. Bring your own zafu and mat or use equipment provided.

Introduction to Yoga Basics

A six-week introduction to the basic poses and concepts of Iyengar-style Hatha yoga. Recommended for newcomers, but not for those with special therapeutic needs. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is highly recommended.

Going Deeper: Friday evening extended practice intensives

On these nights, the Friday evening class will become an extended practice that will allow us to explore the various aspects of hatha yoga more deeply. These longer practice sessions will combine active, intermediate level asana with the quieter aspects of yoga practice, including restoratives (supported, passive postures that promote deep relaxation), pranayama (breathing practices) and meditation. Join Sandy on these Friday evenings to begin your weekend with a balanced, peaceful practice that focuses on becoming more present and mindful on and off the mat.

Introduction to Hatha Flow Yoga

Hatha Flow Yoga is a dynamic sequencing of postures (asanas) flowing from one to another integrating breath, movement and mindfulness. Longer held standing, seated, balance and inversion postures are explored to invoke the transformational qualities of a yoga practice. Recommended for those with a basic understanding of postures, and not for those with special therapeutic needs. This class will continue as an intermediate level on-going class starting 9/13/09.

Core Matters: Use Pilates to Empower Your Yoga

Harness the power of Pilates mat training to feel more balanced, increase core strength and flexibility, and enhance focus and concentration. We will weave Pilates core tenets into a basic yoga practice — feel the mind, body, spirit connection! A minimum of four months yoga experience is recommended but all levels of ability are welcome.

Holiday Deep Relaxation "Mini Retreat"

Carve out time from your stressful life with these six consecutive "mini retreats". Connect to what is essential and meaningful in your life through alternating periods of restorative and nourishing Yoga Nidra practices (deep states of relaxation), pranayama and guided meditation. Clear your busy mind, release deep seated muscular tension and return home to your heart, breath and body. All levels welcome.

Thanksgiving Yoga

In Native American traditions, special holidays are honored with a cleansing sweat lodge ceremony and prayers of gratitude. We will begin our practice building up inner heat and flexibility with slow flowing sun salutations where breath and movement are synchronized. This is followed by longer held standing, seated and balance poses with a focus on twists. This nourishing practice has a cleansing effect on the body, cultivates a steadiness of mind allowing you to connect with gratitude to what has heart and meaning in your life.

Annual New Year's Day Practice

Start the new year with an active affirmation for health and well being by joining us at the Alameda Yoga Station for our traditional first practice of the year. This workshop is geared toward experienced students, and will offer an all-around practice including both an energizing workout and lots of relaxation. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is recommended.