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A note
about our yoga classes
"All the yoga classes taught at The Yoga Center of
Eau Claire are Hatha Yoga, which is one of the many paths of yoga that
originated in ancient India. Hatha Yoga comprises the physical
practices of yoga, and most Hatha Yoga classes in this country include
asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practice), and beginning
meditation skills.
In the western world there are many 'schools' of
Hatha Yoga, for example Iyengar, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, Anusara, and
Kripalu. They differ in what they emphasize and how they relay the
material, but they are all Hatha Yoga. Many teachers may be
influenced in their teaching by several of the 'schools' of Hatha Yoga,
and they may advertise their classes by simply calling them Hatha Yoga
instead of mentioning a particular teacher. See the Yoga
Instructors page for more information about our teachers' specific
training."
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Multi-Level Yoga Classes
Most yoga classes at the Yoga
Center are considered
multi-level and appropriate for
those with little experience or years of experience. Our
Continuing Yoga class would not be appropriate for a beginning student.
Learning
and studying yoga is not a linear process of learning one thing, nailing
it down and then learning the next thing. A spiral is a better image: we
learn and experiment and integrate and then deepen our learning, so a
given movement of one asana is re-visited many, many times. Each time,
it is new - as each moment of our experience is the accumulation of what
went before. Therefore, these multi-level classes are, for the most
part, appropriate for both beginners and more experienced students. Part
of learning yoga is learning to pay attention to one's own experience,
so students are encouraged to work in a way that creates well-being for
them and "forks in the road" are offered to allow each person
to individualize his/her practice.
Sandra in plow pose.
The following
yoga classes have a particular emphasis:
Patricia Wickman's Monday morning yoga
class: This is an eclectic, creative and clever class.
Instructor, Patricia Wickman, guides a varied style of yoga blended
with the Feldenkrais method. She encourages safety, body/mind/spirit
awareness, joining breath with movement, brain teasers, laughter,
chanting, Chakra balancing, student participation and massage. She
provides education on the purpose of the movements and postures,
therefore emphasizing function over form and gentleness over force.
She also teaches the physiological effects of movements and
postures. Each class includes elements of strength building,
flexibility, large and small muscle movement, asymmetric gestures
and poses, mobilization of the spinal column, conscious relaxation
and breath exercises. The instructor rotates yoga with Feldenkrais
lessons. Feldenkrais encourages students to have subtle and friendly
self-awareness through movement. Patricia views yoga and the
Feldenkrais method as a means of finding balance in all aspects of
life (mental, emotional, spiritual and physical) and removing
obstacles that prevent us from maximizing our happiness and joy. She
warmly invites you come enjoy her classes!
Sarah Pederson's Wednesday morning yoga
class:
This class
is centered around pranayama (breath work)and asana (yoga poses) with a focus on areas of
high tension, neck, shoulders and hips. Drawing from her
experience in Wholistic Massage Therapy, Sarah will include alternative
therapies, such as guided imagery, meditation, yogic philosophy,
acupressure and reflexology.
Beginner's Yoga Our experience has taught us that, even though beginners
are welcome in multi-level classes, some people prefer an all-beginner
class at first. This class will introduce the basic poses and
principles of yoga.
Continuing Yoga
Continuing Yoga is an advanced class for those who have been in
multi-level classes for a while, have a regular personal practice and
understand how to work with their individual needs. Please consult with
the instructor.
Instructor:
Sandra Helpsmeet
Yoga for Seniors
Yoga for Seniors is a gentle class incorporating range of movement
exercises, alignment, stretching, strengthening, awareness, breathing
and relaxation to refresh, energize, improve posture, deepen breathing
and improve sense of well-being. This class is done entirely
sitting in a chair or standing and takes place at the Eau Claire's
Senior Center.
Instructor: Sandra Helpsmeet
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Yoga and Ayurveda
A special
class that is sequenced with the specific aim to look at Ayurvedic
concepts as they apply to yoga practice.
Instructor: Patricia Wickman
Patricia in tree pose.
Vinyasa Style Yoga Vinyasa yoga is movement united with the breath.
Vinyasa means “breath synchronized movement”. Its style is active
rather than passive but still has quiet, contemplative elements within
it. Be prepared to work as hard as you feel you need to. Being a
multi-level class, there will be modifications given to lessen the poses
or take them farther. It is encouraged in this class to
recognize the difference between your mind’s edge (that which tells you
to go farther than you’re ready to) and your body’s edge (where the pose
can have it’s most beneficial quality) and cultivate the wisdom of the
body to find your pose unique to you in that moment.
Instructor: Robin Brauner and Anna King
Pilates
The Pilates method was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920’s.
Pilates is a sequence of movements performed in sitting, reclining,
kneeling, and standing positions. The exercises are designed to increase
strength and flexibility, and release tension. Concentration, control,
and breathing are essential components of Pilates. This non-impact yet demanding method
of exercise is available for all fitness levels and all ages.
Each class will leave you feeling stronger, more energetic, and
less-stressed. In addition to increasing the core strength necessary
for a more fulfilling yoga practice, pilates will make your body leaner
and stronger. Try a class! All you need to bring is your deep breath and
concentration.
Instructor:
Anna King |
