Yoga East Classes

All forms of yoga at Yoga East teach postures, pranayama, and meditation - the most commonly-recognized practices of yoga. General yoga classes are often called "Hatha" yoga - which is an umbrella term for all forms of yoga which teach postures.  All Yoga East classes teach postures with correct alignment and breathing, ending in deep relaxation. Class levels range from Gentle (G) to Beginning (1) through Advanced (4).  G, 1 and 1-2 classes are suitable for all new and continuing yoga students in normal health. Some of our teachers have studied in particular styles of yoga. Click on the links or scroll down for further descriptions.

Ana Forrest Yoga  

Based on the teachings of Ana Forrest and incorporates the 4 Pillars of her yoga system: Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit. Our teachers Kim Esteran and Nicole Soteropoulos study with Ana. 

Anusara means to 'flow with grace', and rewards your efforts with a strong and supple body, an open and joyful heart, and a peaceful and focused mind.  Based on the teachings of Anusara founder John Friend, "every pose is infused with a meaningful intention connected to the grand purposes of yoga, awareness of specific postural alignment, and balanced action between stability and freedom." See www.anusara.com for more information.

We are hosting a workshop with Anusara teacher Darren Rhodes on May 24-25, 2008. We hope you can join us!

Ashtanga Yoga

The term Ashtanga means "Eight Limbs" and refers to the eight limbs of yoga first described by Patanjali in his book, The Yoga Sutras, written around the 2nd Century BCE.  The Yoga Sutras are an important and influential work on the philosophy of yoga.  Many of its important concepts are studied by Yoga East teachers as part of our teacher training program.  Ashtanga Yoga is the name given to the method of yoga taught by K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India, based on the yoga system of Patanjali..  

Ashtanga Yoga is a precise series of postures in which movement is linked by the breath. Ashtanga builds strength, flexibility, concentration, and creates a light, strong body. Level 1 classes practice sun salutations and standing poses. Level 2 adds seated poses and level 3 includes arm balances and inversions. 

Mysore Style Ashtanga  

classes are taught in the traditional authentic method used by our teacher, K. Pattabhi Jois, at his yoga school (AYRI) in Mysore, India.  Students learn the series pose-by-pose and practice under the teacher's supervision with individual attention and adjustments. It's the best way for new students to learn and highly recommended for all kinds of students, especially those with challenges, limitations and injuries. You do not need to have any yoga experience to take this class.  The only requirement is to attend on a regular basis, a minimum of 2-3 times per week. You do not need to know the Ashtanga sequence. See our Ashtanga Yoga page for more information.  Our Sunday and Friday morning Mysore classes are led (as in India).  

Ashtanga Yoga   by John Scott $18.95	Yoga Mala   by K. Pattabhi Jois $16.00	Ashtanga Yoga The Practice Manual   by David Swenson  $26.95

Authentic, traditional Middle Eastern dance is a beautiful art form for students of all ages, shapes and sizes, and will help you positively change the way you feel, think about, and move your body. For more information see Taletha's website or phone her at 419-7553. 
Classes with Taletha meet at Frankfort Avenue on Mondays, 5:00 p.m. and are $10.

Awareness Through Movement enhances awareness and improves function and posture through gentle movement explorations. For more information, see www.feldenkrais.com. Classes are taught by Jeanne Simpson at Holiday Manor on Wednesdays at 9:30-10:30 a.m. $10

Iyengar Yoga

Based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India. Mr. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois were both students of the same master, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989). There are many similarities between the two styles of yoga. The postures are identical and use the same names. Iyengar yoga emphasizes correct alignment, sequencing of postures and timings spent in the poses.  Mr. Iyengar describes yoga as "skillful action" and has systematically structured and categorized the asanas and their method of practice for all kinds of students.  We're hosting Iyengar Yoga workshops with Francois Raoult on March 1-2, 2008 and Ramanand Patel October 17-19, 2008. 

30 Essential Yoga Poses Judith Lasater  $22.95	Awakening the Inner Body   by Donald Moyer $23.95	Yoga Gets Better with Age  Lilias Folan $22.95
Yoga the Iyengar Way  Mira Mehta $23.95 Used as a text in our teacher training classes.	Light on Yoga B.K.S. Iyengar $18.00 an indispensable text  for serious yogis	Relax and Renew Judith Lasater  $21.95 Excellent book on Restorative Yoga.

Restorative Yoga is based on Mr. Iyengar's work. Modified classical yoga poses using a prescribed set up and use of props comfortably sustains the poses and imparts rest and rejuvenation. It provides a needed balance for those in pursuit of more strenuous workouts.

Heart of Yoga 

Lively discussions about yoga and the ways it can support our life in the world.  Class includes meditation, chanting and an introduction to Sanskrit, the language of yoga.  No yoga experience or knowledge is necessary and all are welcome. 

Meditation

Gentle yoga postures, discussion and practice of meditation using various techniques helps you understand meditation, how it works and how to obtain immediate and lasting benefits. 

Pilates

By focusing on core conditioning, Pilates improves endurance, agility, and posture, and reduces joint, lower back pain and tension. 

Pilates apparatus private lessons are available with our teachers by appointment. 

Pilates reformerWunda Chair
For more information about Pilates and Pilates equipment see www.Pilates.com.

Pranayama

This class works progressively with breathing exercises to prepare the mind and body for relaxation and meditation.

Prenatal Yoga

Pregnant women with no yoga experience: Permission from your medical provider is required. Do not start yoga until after the first trimester. Expectant mothers who have little or no prior yoga experience are advised to attend only Mysore-style Ashtanga classes at Kentucky Street, Monday-Thursday at 6:15 a.m. or Monday and Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. and Friday at 3:45 pm. Do not attend led Ashtanga classes until you have permission from one of the Mysore instructors.

Pregnant students with some yoga experience: with permission from your physician, you may also attend all Mysore-style, level G or 1 Yoga classes. Yoga can show you how to support your pregnancy and labor, and reduce post-delivery recovery with postures and breathing exercises. Learn how to use the breath in order to relax, focus the mind and work more effectively with the discomforts leading up to and during labor & delivery. Mysore-style Ashtanga classes are also suitable for healthy women in the 2^nd & 3^rd trimesters of pregnancy. 

Pregnant women with an established practice: with permission from your physician, you can attend all classes appropriate for your practice level.  If your condition is not yet obvious, you must advise the teacher that you are pregnant. Use common sense and do not practice any postures that put pressure on the abdomen including deep twists and backbends.  Do not attempt new postures or increase your flexibility. Instructors will show you postures that relieve back pain, strengthen the pelvic floor and maintain stability.  

The Women's Book of Yoga and Health
$22.95

Russian Kettlebells

A kettlebell is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. The weights start at 9 and 18 lbs for women, 26, 35, 40 or 54 lbs for men, and go up to 106 lbs. Most women begin with an 18 lb weight and quickly progress to a 26 or 35 lb weight.  Most men start with a 35 lb weight and go up to 40, 54, 70 and beyond. 

Kettlebell drills include swinging and lifting the weights.  There is an endless variety of drills. Different drills focus on building strength and tone, aerobic conditioning, improving flexibility and range of motion and weight loss. Kettlebells are excellent for students at all levels of ability and age.  No weightlifting experience or ability is required.  Kettlebells will help you to look and feel better and will improve your yoga asana practice in many different ways

Unmesha is a Sanskrit word that literally means "opening the eye" and in yoga means the unfolding of spiritual consciousness. Laura uses this term to describe her classes in which she teaches postures held for longer periods using props, conscious movement, bandhas and mudras, usually ending with detailed guided Ujjayi pranayama. This kind of work is internal and reflective and allows practitioners to explore subtle and organic (affecting the organ systems) aspects of yoga asana. This helps us to unfold and cultivate a deeper and more mature practice.  Unmesha is recommended for students with at least one year of yoga experience. This work is often helpful for students with chronic injuries, pain, and physical restrictions.  Please see Laura in one of her classes or phone her at (502) 585-9642 if you have questions about whether this class is appropriate for you.  

Vinyasa are breath-connected sequences of postures. These are enjoyable, challenging classes that practice many different kinds of postures, often using music. 

Julia Fine's It's Yoga Rocket Sequence: Developed by Larry Schultz, found of It's Yoga, San Francisco, from their website:  Full of back bending and spinal twisting, this uplifting sequence of postures has gained global recognition as a feel-good experience which opens the body and clears the mind. The Rocket breaks through areas of tension and energy blockage, combating tendencies towards stagnancy and resistance in the body. Frequent hand stands and arm balances keep the energy level high and encourage students to connect to their inner power and change their world view. The playful and upbeat Rocket routine is the perfect counter to the soothing forward bending of the Primary Series. As a part of a weekly schedule, this routine creates an energy peak in the cyclic rhythms of the practice.

Kara Price's Vinyasa Classes: From Om yoga's website: OM yoga is a juicy blend of flowing yoga asanas informed by precise attention to alignment and supported by the relaxed wakefulness of Buddhist mindfulness meditation. The practice of OM yoga is a lively dance of awakening that leads to a deeper understanding of yourself and a more personal connection with your world.

Vinyasa Yoga with Monica Sweeney: inspired by Monica's studies with Bryan Kest.

The word "nidra" means sleep, but this is not ordinary sleep. This is yogic sleep, entering a profound state of relaxation in which you are able to descend into deep levels of consciousness and unlock your inner strengths. Learn how to transform your life. Change negative habits and thoughts into positive, life-affirming behaviors. Tap into your own creative potential. Re-discover how to meet life's challenges with enthusiasm and courage. Yoga Nidra holds the key. 

Four Yoga Nidras are scheduled each year. Check the Calendar for dates and locations.

Click here for more information, how to prepare and what to bring and how to register.

Taught by Lynn Lukins, a Yoga for the Special Child™ instructor - this yoga program enhances the natural development of children at all functional levels or with special needs, ages 6-12. Phone Lynn for more information 458-5668. $45 for 8 classes.

Bodywork
Please contact these independent practitioners directly for information or appointments.

Chinese Medicine is a system of health care more than 2500 years old.  It is founded on a paradigm of the human body on the basis of energy or “Qi” flow. Pain or illness results from blockage or imbalance of Qi, and treatments correct or balance the flow of Qi.  Chinese medicine is a system of health care that is useful for a wide range of health needs. 
www.classicalacupunctureherbs.com

Complements your healthcare with a holistic and integrative understanding. Correct energetic imbalances by encouraging the smooth flow of Qi, the vital life force, and stimulating the natural ability of the body to heal itself. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are the most popular forms of alternative treatment and are supplemented by other modalities such as Diet and Nutrition, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxibustion, and Tui Na (massage). Jaclyn Engelsher is a graduate of the International Institute of Oriental Medicine. She has practiced as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine in New Mexico and as a licensed acupuncturist in Dallas, Texas. She is a member of the American Association of Oriental Medicine and is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine."

Thai Massage with Paige Clark
Phone (502) 235-4625

Practiced on a cotton mat on the floor wearing loose comfortable clothing, Thai Massage uses gentle rocking pressure with the palms, acupressure, gentle stretches and assisted movements.  Prenatal massage also available. 1.5 hour session: $85, 2 hour session: $110. 

Reiki and Reflexology with Christi Murphy 
Phone (502) 645-0191 or email

Reiki and Reflexology sessions are available with Christi Murphy at the Holiday Manor studio or at Indulge Your Soul, her home office in Prospect, KY. Christi's qualifications: Bachelor of Science in natural health, Reiki Master Teacher, Reflexology Certificate, and she is a volunteer at the J. Graham Brown Cancer Center.  To schedule a treatment session at the Holiday Manor studio, phone 502-645-0191 or email. Fees: 30 minutes: $25; 45 minutes: $40; 60 minutes: $50. 6 session discounted packages are also available.

Class Levels for all Yoga Classes

Gentle Yoga

Gentle movement and modified postures are for students who prefer a more relaxing class, seniors, cancer survivors, and students with limited mobility. Seniors (65+) can get a special rate for Gentle Yoga classes. See our class fees on the current class schedule page. Special rates also apply to students with MS or on Social Security disability.

Beginning Level 1 -  Standing Postures

Beginning Level 1 - Seated or Floor Postures

 Beginning Level 1 - Inversions

Continuing Yoga - Level 2

This is the next level up from beginning yoga.  For students who are proficient in the basic postures and ready to approach more challenging postures including headstand, shoulder-stand, backbends, and arm balances.

Includes all postures from Level 1 and these additional postures:

Intermediate Yoga - Level 3

For experienced students, these classes practice more challenging postures and variations and increasing time in inversions such as headstand and shoulder-stand.  Students should have no limiting injuries or know how to use props to make modifications for their own physical restrictions. Intermediate students should be familiar with all postures shown above in Levels 1 and 2.  Intermediate classes practice postures shown in Light On Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar, Course Two.  This book is recommended for all dedicated yoga students and is available in our bookstore.

Advanced Yoga Level 4

Students must have permission in advance from the instructor before attending. Consistent attendance is expected and drop-ins are not allowed.  These classes teach complex postures, inversion variations and holding postures for long periods of time. Students who are interested in these classes should have practiced yoga for a minimum of two years and have attended classes with the instructor for 6 months. Students must be able to hold headstand away from a wall for a minimum of 5 minutes, be able to push up to a backbend from the floor and have no limiting injuries. Advanced students should be familiar with all postures from all previous levels and have maintained a daily practice for at least two years.