yoga 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 descripftion 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
Post-Natal Core Yoga:
Rediscover a connection to your core in this post-natal yoga class that you and your baby can attend. Learn how to use your core muscles in a balanced way to reduce bulging of the abdomen and strain on the back and hips. Meagen Satinsky PT brings her years of experience as a yoga instructor and women’s health physical therapist to this class to target your abdominal, back and pelvic floor muscles. You will learn how to strengthen your upper body with core stability to assist with all of the lifting and carrying required of motherhood. This drop-in class is appropriate for women with babies 6 weeks to crawling.
Fridays 1:30-2:30, starts May17th.
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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
GoGo! Yoga Lunch
GoGo! Yoga Lunch is our new upbeat, vigorous yoga class that will shake up your day. Everyday during the lunch hour, take the opportunity to lighten up, get happy, and get your blood flowing.
GoGo! Yoga Lunch will raise your outlook, confidence, Prana, flexibility, heartbeat, and the corners of your mouth while it lowers your blood pressure, stress levels, cholesterol, and anxiety. Better than the best sandwich in town!
Mondays - Lillybeth
Tuesdays - Anneke
Wednesdays - Christine
Thursdays - John
Fridays - Bill
Weekdays 12:15-1:15
Are you having one of those days? It’s time to turn it around with GoGo! Yoga Lunch
Hip Openers
Hip openers are our most popular student request. Now we have a whole class that dedicated to improving the flexibility and function of your hips.Not only will you find relief of stiffness, but you will discover greater freedom in your back and pelvis.Meagen Satinsky PT, our yoga alignment guru will help you balance your body, improve your core strength and mindfully guide you through hip-opening postures.
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
Visit the Pre-Natal and Post-Natal page
Yoga On the Lake:
Start your day with an invigorating yoga class on the docks of the Community Sailing Center, Down town on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 8 AM. Join us for a unique and inspiring practice. $14 a class drop in or use your class card. Note: Check Evolution's Face Book for class status due to weather. The Facebook page will be updated by 6:30am the day of class if there is a weather issue.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-8am
starts June 4
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. Returning in the Fall of 2013
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). Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, and Saturdays 10:45 am-noon.
Yoga Alignment:
This 60 minute class is designed to develop the foundations of a structurally sound asana yoga practice. 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.
Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 pm, Thursdays 4:30-5:30, Saturdays 8-9 am.
Community Class:
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.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 4:30-5:30 pm
Mondays 7:30-8:30 pm
Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 pm
Thursdays 7:30-8:30 pm
Slow Flow
"Do you feel like winding down after a busy day? Slow Flow is a combination of Vinyasa and Restorative yoga. Whether you are new to yoga or you are more advanced this practice will bring vitality and balance while calming your mind and finding connection and stability in your body. We focus on meditation, Pranayama and moving through various yoga poses deliberately and with great intention bringing attention to alignment and an energetic flow"
Returning in the Fall
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.
De-Stress 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.
Sundays 9:00-10:00 am and 4:30-5:30 pm
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.
Sundays 6:30-8:30 pm
Qi Gong:
Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation. Rooted in Chinese medicine, martial arts, and philosophy, Qi Gong is traditionally viewed as a practice to balance qi (chi) or intrinsic life energy (in the yoga tradition, this is called prana). Typically a Qi Gong practice involves rhythmic breathing, coordinated with slow stylized repetition of fluid movement, and a calm mindful state. Qi Gong is now practiced throughout China and worldwide, and is considered by some to be exercise, and by others to be a type of alternative medicine or meditative practice. From a philosophical and spiritual perspective qigong is believed to help develop human potential, to increase access to higher realms of awareness, and to awaken one to one’s true nature. This class will be a gentle exploration and introduction to basic Qi Gong forms.
Mondays 8:15-9:15 am
Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais Method® uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. Through this Method, you can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. These improvements will often generalize to enhance functioning in other aspects of your life.
Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 am
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
Please note: Class cards have no cash value and expire two years after pruchase date.
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