Vinyasa Flow yoga is a style of yoga that simply intertwines postures (asanas) with breath (prana).
To move deeper into the definition, yoga is a Sanskrit word which means "to yoke." It is the union of body, mind and spirit through the use of prana. So it is the combination of the two that encompasses Vinyasa Flow yoga. The flow is a continuous, non-fragmented, synthesis of the movements between body, breath and heart. Each instructor brings their own unique practices and personalities into the classroom while adding a background of music and encouraging exploration!
Yoga doesn't judge, there is absolutely no competition in our studio, your mat is your personal haven to explore and grow.
You are not expected to perform all asanas and are encouraged to honor your own personal abilities and limitations. It is through yoga we have discovered that with patience, practice and the willingness to allow the creativity of our own uniqueness flow will bring us to a deeper appreciation and sense of gratitude for ourselves and others. We gently heat our studio to 85 degrees (except for Gentle Flow) to better facilitate the warming of the muscles which enable you to effectively tap into your potential within.
Bring balanced health and harmony to your body, mind, and spirit by incorporating the practice of Vinyasa Flow yoga within your exercise regime.
Undoubtedly, this style of yoga is somewhat more rigorous and powerful than most, but with practice and patience, you will begin to feel your inner and outer power strengthen!
"Let go of your tension, add clarity to your mind, strengthen your core, detoxify, build focus ....find your power within!"
Being a Beginner
If you are completely new to Vinyasa Flow Yoga, welcome!
We hope you can step into our studio with the confidence that all of our instructors are here to help you learn and expand your practice.
Probably the first comment we always hear, "I'm not flexible, so I can't possibly do yoga!"
Increased flexibility is a benefit of yoga, not a prerequisite. As with any new activity you may want to be a part of, whether it's yoga, weight lifting, painting, dancing, cooking...you normally come into it as a "beginner." Not quite knowing what to do and probably not having the skills to be proficient at it...so that's why you take classes. To learn. Relax, we don't expect you to be able to touch your toes, balance on one foot, "bend like a pretzel"....just trust the process you will find yourself stretching and balancing like you never knew you could!
So here are a few of the most pertinent questions that are asked about starting yoga.
What should I bring to yoga?
Wear comfortable clothing
something that is easy to move around and can also absorb sweat.
Bring a towel
to clean your brow and wipe the sweat around your mat when you are finished.
Don't forget WATER.
You are encouraged to take water breaks at any time.
Bring a mat.
If you don't have one, you can borrow one of ours. However, at some point for sanitary concerns, it would be a good idea to purchase your own. We do sell Manduka mats and YogiToes!
Please notify us of any injuries or pregnancy before class begins.
What can I expect during a class?
Heat
We heat the room to 85 degrees (except in Gentle Flow). Heat helps our bodies warm up and makes it easier to get deeper into postures more safely. We encourage drinking water prior and during your practice.
Breathing
Vinyasa flow yoga harmonizes poses (asanas) and movement with the breath. We practice connecting to asanas with inhaling and exhaling through the nose. In the vinyasa system, pranayama (extension of prana) is practiced through applying the Ujjayi breath. By slightly constricting the throat, the breath is stretched long. We learn to let the movement follow the breath, which eventually leads to the body effortlessly riding the waves of the breath. At this point it is not we who move the body, but rather the power of the prana.
Asanas
The Sanskrit word for a yoga pose is "asana." (AH-suh-nuh). During the class, the teacher will lead everyone through a variety of yoga poses, directing you to the proper alignment of each pose. The instructor will also offer breathing directions, moments of silence and they may or may not play music. Some teachers will walk around and instruct while others might be more demonstrative. Some classes are very slow and methodical and focus on a few specific poses, while others may flow and move through more poses with less emphasis on each pose. Some classes will focus more on relaxation, while others will give you a more physical work-out. You can read about each class in our class descriptions. Remember, we are all unique individuals...thus our classes have different rhythms, level of energy and format depending on the instructor.
Savasana
The last pose is a resting pose, in which you lie on your back on the mat and relax for anywhere from 4-8 minutes. The Sanskrit term for this pose is Savasana [sha-VAH-sah-na]. This pose is all about comfort and rest, so if lying on your back is not comfortable for you, feel free to find a better place where you can let go and relax. Savasana allows the body a chance to regroup and reset itself. If you need to leave early, please have the courtesy to leave before this last pose of the class.
Namaste
What does it means? The word Namaste (Pronounced Nah-Mah-Stay) is literally translated as "I bow to you". More generally, it is an ancient sanskrit understanding of interconnectedness. Teachers will often say "Namaste" at the end or beginning of class as a way of acknowledging that we are all connected on a deep, non-physical, divine, level. If you wish to make that same acknowledgement you can respond by repeating the same: "Namaste".
How often should I practice?
Any yoga is better than no yoga and a little bit everyday is better than a lot every once in a while. To see and /or feel significant physical and mental changes however, we need to practice for 1-1.5 hours AT LEAST two times a week. Because yoga does not generally break down our muscle tissue the way other fitness activities do, it is not necessary to take a day off from practice. You can practice everyday as long as you feel healthy. Be conscious of modifying your practice when needed due to energy level and/or physical fatigue. Yoga should never deplete you.
Class Info
Basics/Level 1
Perfect if you are new to yoga or looking for a bit of a slower paced class. There is more repetition from class to class, allowing you to build a solid foundation as well as cultivate strength, flexibility and balance. Correct alignment and body positioning will always be provided from the teacher throughout the class. More advanced poses may be offered for advanced students who are attending this Level 1 class!
All Levels
This is an all-encompassing vinyasa class. It is a faster paced, energetic, dynamic, flow based practice where each class is filled with creativity and diversity. The class will vary from instructor to instructor in format and style. We guaranteed you will sweat, be challenged and have fun all at the same time! You should possess basic yoga knowledge and suggest you have a familiarity with Sun Salutations A & B before joining an all levels class.
Gentle Flow
Gentle flow is a slower and more relaxing yoga practice than our All-levels vinyasa class. Poses are held for a longer time, allowing for the opportunity to explore each asana. The longer and slower flows make this class more contemplative and meditative. Gentle Flow is for anyone who wants to move, breathe and overall just feel better! This class is taught in a non-heated environment. No previous yoga experience is necessary.
12 years of practice with 3 years of intensive teacher training through Rusty Wells (Urban Flow, SF). Have also gained valuable knowledge and skills from Bryan Kest (Power Yoga, Santa Monica) and Anne Marie Kramer (Zuda Yoga, Sacramento). I will always view myself as a "beginner" and continue to expand my teaching skills by attending a variety instructor workshops, no matter what style of yoga is being offered. Yoga is an ever-evolving discipline of practice and the willingness to open your eyes and heart to what the world can offer!
Three words that best describe me
challenging, creative, fun!
What yoga has taught me
patience, gratefulness for my family and life, kindness, to believe in my inner wisdom and trust my intuition and that there is absolutely no end to our potentials!
My inspirations for wanting to share my yoga
it is my joy and honor to bring this practice to those that haven't yet experienced a place of unconditional love and respect within themselves. To see improvement and hear my students express their newfound awareness in themselves, is an inspiration for me to only share this practice with many more.
I am thankful for
my life, my children and family plus all of my friends I have made throughout my journey.
What 3 words describe my teaching style
energetic, powerful, diverse.
My other interests are
cycling, skiing, being in nature, traveling all over the world.
so far, Costa Rica, Italy and Switzerland. Of course, Colorado is continually #1 in my heart. I'm always open to visiting new places!
Teri LaRue
I'm from...Portland, Oregon.
My yoga experience
200 hour certification through YogaSource, Los Gatos; with over 300 hours of teacher training, and over 5 years of consistent practice in Vinyasa flow and Hatha yoga.
Three words that best describe me
breath focused, fluid and dynamic.
What yoga has taught me
humility, patience, gentleness.
My inspirations for wanting to share my yoga
include watching our students grow and find their own accomplishments, successes and rewards from their practices.
I am thankful for
Pam having the vision to build our studio and for having faith in me.
What 3 words describe my teaching style
athletic, fast-paced and gentle.
My other interests are
music, business and spending time with my friends and family.
I like to indulge in
laughing with my friends and retail therapy.
My favorite places to vacation
Portland, Spain and New York City.
Michele Stone
I'm from...born in Chicago and I grew up in Brentwood, California.
Three words that best describe me
considerate, inquisitive, scientific.
What yoga has taught me
to enjoy quiet, to be patient and to slow down.
My inspirations for wanting to share my yoga
Yoga has made a tremendous difference in my life in so many ways. I'm thankful to Jackie Macres, who originally encouraged me to become a yoga teacher. I'm thankful to get to share something I believe in so deeply. I am also so thankful to all the students who have practiced with me throughout the years.
I am thankful for
everything that I have.
What 3 words describe my teaching style
grounded, balanced, rejuvenating.
My other interests are
traveling around the world, books, photography, working out, history and archeology, the ocean, and pug-walks with my #1 buddy, Fred.
My yoga experience includes
I've been to trainings and studios all across the U.S. I've had the opportunity to learn from a number of wonderful instructors. Teaching yoga is the greatest job I've every had and this year marks my ninth year!
I like to indulge in
luxurious bath products.
My favorite places to vacation
anyplace you need a passport to get to! I also love to travel to Arizona to visit my parents and Chicago (possibly my favorite place in the world) to visit the rest of my family and friends.
Nicole Mathis
I'm from...San Jose, California.
My yoga experience
16 years of practice and 8 years of teaching; prenatal yoga, restorative yoga, Yin yoga, Integrative Health Yoga, White Lotus trained.
Three words that best describe me
clever, fun, curious.
What yoga has taught me
to be patient.
My inspirations for wanting to share my yoga
The beauty of the world. My children.
I am thankful for
the sun, the moon, water, plants, my parents, my husband, my children, and good friends.
What 3 words describe my teaching style
introspective, fluid, playful.
My other interests are
gardening, hiking, travel and electron microscopy.
I like to indulge in
things that make me feel happy. My favorite places to vacation...sunny and tropical places.
Annalisa Sharp Babich
I'm from...Los Angeles, CA
My yoga experience
certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance. I have been a yoga practitioner since 1997. Practiced under the guidance of Bryan Kest Power Yoga, Seane Corn, Yogaworks Center of Yoga Larchmont with Colleen Garrity, James Paige Morrison, Whitney Allen, Now & Zen with Deb Marweg.
Three words that best describe me
Passionate, Open-Hearted, Fearless.
What yoga has taught me
Namaste, to listen to my body, be self aware, find my strength, to be gentle, act with mindfulness and that I have the ability to breathe long, slow & deep in any pose or situation.
My inspirations for wanting to share yoga
to honor my sister that lost her brave battle with cancer. We did yoga together and she had me promise to continue to share healing, pay it forward, to always strive to be happy and to be & give my best to the world.
Vinyasa Flow yoga is a style of yoga that simply intertwines postures (asanas) with breath (prana). To move deeper into the definition, yoga is a Sanskrit word which means “to yoke.” It is the union of body, mind and spirit through the use of prana. So it is the combination of the two that encompasses Vinyasa Flow yoga. The flow is a continuous, non-fragmented, synthesis of the movements between body, breath and heart. Each instructor brings their own unique practices and personalities into the classroom while adding a background of music and encouraging exploration!
Yoga doesn’t judge, there is absolutely no competition in our studio, your mat is your personal haven to explore and grow. You are not expected to perform all asanas and are encouraged to honor your own personal abilities and limitations. It is through yoga we have discovered that with patience, practice and the willingness to allow the creativity of our own uniqueness flow will bring us to a deeper appreciation and sense of gratitude for ourselves and others. We gently heat our studio to 85 degrees (except for Gentle Flow) to better facilitate the warming of the muscles which enable you to effectively tap into your potential within.