Class Descriptions
Evolution Yoga teachers are influenced by a variety of yoga traditions and styles including Anusara, Vinyasa, Kripalu and Iyengar. Because we believe appropriate class placement is a crucial part of creating a safe and nurturing class atmosphere for each student’s practice, the class listings focus on the level of yoga practice as well as the style or tradition of the class. Each teacher brings to Evolution Yoga a deep and experienced understanding of yoga alignment principles, philosophy and dedication of her/his own personal practice. Please see the individual teacher biographies for a more detailed description of teaching style and influences.
Vinyasa:
Vinyasa translates as “flowing with breath” – this dynamic style of yoga joins physical postures, or asanas, with inhales and exhales, creating a steady internal rhythm for the practice. The vinyasa practice is a form of hatha (“ha” = sun, “tha” = moon) yoga which draws inspiration from a wide range of yoga styles and backgrounds. Vinyasa classes at evolution blend flowing movement with a lighthearted attitude and a clear attention to detail.
Kripalu Yoga:
Kripalu yoga is a yoga of self, a practice of turning inward
(pratyahara) to turn back out with greater understanding, peace and strength.
In Kripalu yoga, breath unites the mind and body so that there is wholeness
and the ability for the body to flow. Kripalu is sometimes thought of
as a state of stillness through motion, a window open to direct experience.
Regular practice leads to greater self-awareness, universal understanding,
compassion and love.
“Kripalu Yoga conveys the authentic spirit of
yoga and does so in a commonsense practice accessible to everyone. You
don't need the body of an athlete, the mind of a mystic, or the lifestyle
of a monk to benefit from Kripalu Yoga. Kripalu allows you to choose
the level of physical intensity right for your body. It recognizes that
every body is different. It encourages you to create a lifestyle supportive
of your health by listening to your own body.” -Richard Fauld
Iyengar:
Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of BKS Iyengar. It is known for
its focus on alignment and precision. Iyengar yoga practice is methodical,
and standing poses are the basis for further teaching and study. Poses
are taught from the base, and precise instructions are given for every
pose. Iyengar yoga provides an excellent foundation for all yoga practice.
Anusara:
The word anusara means to be in the flow, or to follow your heart. Anusara Yoga is a unique, heart-oriented style of hatha yoga in which “the artistic glory of the human heart blends magically with the scientific principles of biomechanics” (JF). Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara is distinguished from other hatha yoga styles in three key ways; firstly, it incorporates a series of simple yet highly sophisticated biomechanical alignment principles and actions which help students to bring the muscles, bones and joints of their bodies into optimal spatial relationship, thus allowing for maximum freedom of movement and optimized circulation of blood, lymph, and prana (life force energy). Anusara is known for its radical power to heal, open, and strengthen the body. Secondly, Anusara incorporates a life-affirming Tantric philosophy that celebrates diversity as well as the deep interconnectedness of all life. And looks for the good in all people and things. Lastly, Anusara is known for the welcoming and supportive atmosphere you will find in the classroom where students from every walk of life come together to learn and play in a way that honors their unique talents and gifts. Visit the Anusara website (www.anusara.com) for much more Anusara information!
Anusara-Inspired:
Anusara Yoga is a relatively newer form of yoga developed by John Friend in 1996. John studied the system of alignment of Iyengar Yoga extensively. He also studied with Gurumayi, a renowned Siddha yoga guru in India. As a result, he developed a yoga practice with a simple and powerful set of physical alignment principles and a life-enhancing philosophy of intrinsic goodness. This Hatha or physical yoga system includes five principles of alignment. These principles help you rest and move in your body in an optimal way. There are also seven loops or spirals of movement for the body that further support your physical and mental wellbeing. You can use this simple and powerful alignment system while doing any form of yoga or standing in the grocery line or sitting at your desk.
Pre-Natal Yoga:
Pre-Natal Yoga empowers a woman
to awaken herself physically, emotionally and spiritually as she prepares
for labor and embraces her role as a mother. This class focuses on physical
poses which create strength, stability and comfort in order to guide
the body toward releasing and opening in childbirth. We practice a blend
of flowing movements for stamina and sustained holds of poses for strength
and mental focus. Breathwork and meditation techniques are used to instill
a feeling of trust in one's own inner wisdom during this time of change.
This class supports women in all stages of pregnancy and no prior yoga
experience is necessary. We begin class with a 20-25 minute opportunity to check in as a community, where women are able to share how their pregnancy has been going and how they are feeling, as well as ask questions. We also share birth stories from women who had been attending class during this introduction time. This opening discussion is followed by an hour of physical yoga practice. Tuesdays 4-5:30 pm, Thursdays 5:45-7:15 pm, Sundays 10:05-11:30 am.
Visit the Pre-Natal and Post-Natal page
Post–Natal Yoga:
Post-natal yoga is a class for new mothers to bring their bodies back to strength in the company of their babies. This community-building class focuses on poses which help balance hormones, tone the reproductive organs, and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Relaxation techniques and breathwork are used to support women through the emotional challenges of motherhood. The class is appropriate for women with babies 6 weeks to crawling. Sundays from 12:15-1:30 pm, and Thursdays 1:15-2:30 pm.
Visit the Pre-Natal and Post-Natal page
Family Yoga:
At evolution, we recognize that a parent's busy life often doesn't allow for yoga; so bring your child along to this fun-filled yoga class for all! Family yoga is a moderately-paced yoga class for you and your child. This class will be creative, full of laughs and undoubtedly full of surprises. Calling all open-minded parents with kids ages one to five - come explore your practice with us!
Wednesdays, 9:45-10:30 am.
Tao Yin Yoga:
Yin Yoga is a relaxed and mindful practice of floor postures characterized by sustained postures held for 3-5 minutes, emphasizing the connective tissues, or fascia, of the hips, thighs, pelvis and lower spine. Fascia is a continuous web-like support of the entire body. It is a highly adaptable tissue. As one area spreads with gentle stretching, the effect ripples throughout the entire fascial web creating resilience and ease. Alternately, when chronic tension is not adequately released, the fascia will become thick, less elastic and restrictive. By approaching these bound areas gently and with sustained yoga stretches, we can bring the entire body back to
balance. Fridays 5-6 pm.
Restorative Yoga:
This therapeutic style of yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar as a tool to reduce the effects of stress related disease. This class is a great way to re-energize your body through gentle stretching and passive poses using blankets, pillows, bolsters and chairs as supports. Poses are sequenced together to address issues such as muscle tension, insomnia, back pain and headaches. You will leave Restorative Yoga feeling renewed and restored as well as awake and alive.
Core Vinyasa:
Core Vinyasa will mix a principles of alignment based power flow with Forrest Yoga core, Pilates, and traditional core asana. Students will enhance their understanding of Bandhas and the practice of Agni Sara. Each class will be uniquely themed to enhance your spiritual practice and bring joy into your life. This practice will enhance your regular yoga routine by strengthening and toning your entire torso allowing your practice to advance to more challenging asana and awareness. You will work your rectus abdominis (the six-pack) and transversus abdominis (the girdle that wraps from sides to front of the torso).
Yoga Alignment:
This 60 minute class is designed to develop the foundations of a structurally sound asana yoga practice. Janet Carscadden PT brings to this class her knowledge of anatomy and injury prevention. Learn how to deepen your practice through alignment focused postures. Each month this class will examine the therapeutic benefits of evolution yoga's pose of the month. Discover how appropriate sequencing of postures will allow you to gradually build strength and flexibility. Whether you are a beginner or advanced student, you will learn to shed your patterns of compensation to build a strong and open physical practice.
Community Class:
Evolution Yoga offers community class every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 4:30-5:30 pm. Community classes welcome all levels and are offered at a sliding scale rate of $5 and up. We believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone in the community. A sliding scale class creates the opportunity for the practice of satya (truthfulness), in looking honestly at what you can contribute for your yoga practice or in honor of those who cannot contribute as much.
Mindful Yoga:
The foundation of all mindfulness is bringing conscious awareness to the breath. By doing so, we bring our body and mind back together, so that we can enjoy the present moment more fully. In this class, we will combine yoga postures, simple physical movements, and mindfulness practices, which may include short periods of sitting and walking meditation. While all yoga includes - as its very essence - an invitation to practice mindfulness, this class will provide a slower, more intentional focus of cultivating awareness as the primary practice. Offered as an essentially gentle class appropriate for anyone, invitations to explore more challenging variations may be given, as appropriate. Students are encouraged to bring their attention to, and honor, their level of physical ability, extending the practice of mindfulness to compassionate care for oneself By practicing in this way, we begin to bridge the gap between how we attend to our yoga practice and how we bring this practice into our daily lives.
Young Yogis:
Welcome to evolution's young yogi's program! Our kids classes range from ages 6 weeks-10 years. Whether you are looking for a way to bond with your baby, tap into your toddler's imagination, or give your child tools to focus and find confidence, our children's series offer a consistent way to bring yoga into your family's life.
Click here to see our full children's program.
Destress Yoga:
Take some time to unwind and return to your center of balance. Destress Yoga is a slow, deep practice that combines gentle flow, yin, and restorative techniques. Particular attention is paid to areas where we typically hold tension, including the neck, shoulders, and hips. Postures are suitable and adaptable for all levels. Calming breathing techniques, meditation, and an extended Savasana (closing relaxation) are also woven in to the practice.
Circus Yoga:
for adults & kids ages 7 to 107
Don't let the word circus scare you! "Circus" comes from the word circle, and CircusYoga's brilliance lies in it's ability to bring people together. CircusYoga celebrates the whole community, the whole family, the whole person. In these classes, we foster a spirit of play and provide a level playing field for people of all ages and abilities. By creating an environment that is relaxed and playful, CircusYoga invites people of all generations to share new experiences together such as: community and mandala yoga; partner yoga, acrobatics, flying, and thai yoga massage; group games and invention; circus skills; clowning and physical comedy; dance and creative movement. Bring your friends and families to these classes, as we embrace the principles of play, connection, and celebration! Enjoy the spirit of community as we explore circus and yoga that is both accessible and adventurous. You might even learn how to "FLY!"
Free Community Mindfulness Practice:
Join this weekly sangha (community) gathering, dedicated to practicing mindfulness in the tradition of Zen master, poet, peace and human rights activist, Thich Nhat Hanh. To be mindful means to dwell deeply in the present moment, to be aware of what is going on within and around us. These two-hour sessions include group practice of sitting meditation, walking meditation, a short reading, and a period of dharma sharing. While these gatherings do include practices taught in many forms of Buddhism, one does not have to be or become a Buddhist to join - anyone, regardless of background, is welcome. One only need to be interested in mindfulness meditation practice, and be respectful to others in the group.
Specialty Yoga Series:
Evolution yoga also offers specialized yoga series classes for more in-depth, personalized practices
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What Level Am I?
Fundamentals:
This class is recommended for those new to yoga or interested in a refresher of alignment principles. Fundamentals allows you to start where you are, making yoga accessible for any body type or ability level. This lighthearted class focuses on basic yoga poses and on developing a physical and mental connection with the breath.
Level I:
Recommended for beginner or intermediate practitioners, level I focuses on building strength and endurance by creating a firm foundation in all poses. This class will explore the power of standing poses, gentle back bending, and core strength-building poses. Basic yoga breathing techniques are included in level I classes.
Level I/II:
This intermediate class is a bridge connecting foundation poses to a more moderately-paced practice. Level I/II focuses on transitioning accurately between poses, particularly in sun salutations. Basic inversions will be introduced, as well as more challenging back bending and balancing poses. This class is appropriate for any level beyond brand-new beginner.
Level II:
A strong practice for those with prior yoga experience, level II balances vigorous vinyasa with sustained poses in order to refine the details of the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the practice. This class explores deeper versions of standing and seated poses, arm balances and inversions, and pranayama exercises. Must have a strong yoga practice to participate.
Level II/III:
Advanced students and teachers, men and women, who can kick to handstand at
the wall and perform Urdhva Dhanurasana (full wheel back bend) with straight
arms. This practice is for dedicated practitioners of all ages, who are very
committed to their practice, building community, and gracefully playing
their edge. The teacher practices alongside the students and gives
direction and guidance. Experienced students are always welcome. The
practice concludes with a half-hour exploration of meditation, yoga nidra,
shavasana, and/or restorative poses. This practice is not recommended for
beginners.
Class Fees:
Single Class - $14 Buy Now
Ten Class Card - $130 - ($120 if bought on your first class at Evolution) Buy Now
Employee Discounts - $10 off every 10 class card for Howard Center, COTS, and Dealer.com employees.
Community Class - sliding scale $5-10
Unlimited Yoga Class Pass- For a flat monthly, quarterly or yearly fee attend as many yoga classes as you like. The unlimited pass also entitles you to stream-lined check-in, and the more yoga you do, the cheaper each class is. Buy Now
1 Month: $130
3 Months: $360 or $120/month
6 Months: $660 or $110/month
1 Year Unlimited Yoga: $1200 or $100/month
Testimonials:
"Evolution has so many great teachers sometimes its hard to pick which class to take. An unlimited pass lets you take all the classes you want without having to leave someone out. I also love that with a pass if you feel like you want to go everyday one week it wont leave you strapped for cash, and you get to do something good for you."
-Dana Parseliti
"Evolution's unlimited class card appeals to the thrifty side of me and motivates me to take more yoga classes, because the more classes I take, the cheaper the class. I love my unlimited card!"
-Jill Mason