Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Monday evening at Greenock United Methodist Church
January 9th class begins 7:10 p.m. immediately following the Zumba class.
Cost: Drop-In (pay each time you attend class) $5.00
January 9th class begins 7:10 p.m. immediately following the Zumba class.
Cost: Drop-In (pay each time you attend class) $5.00
Yoga FAQ
Can beginners attend?
The class is designed for Beginners, level 1 and level 2 participants. The class will introduce the fundamental principles of alignment and breath work in a flow of postures linked together by the breath. Students will be introduced to yoga postures through step-by-step verbal description and demonstration. Emphasis is placed on students understanding safety and stability within each pose. Poses will be linked together into a gentle flowing sequence. Modifications are suggested as needed. Open to everyone with the ability to move through seated, standing, kneeling, and reclined positions unassisted.
What style of Yoga is the class?
The class will be a Vinyasa Flow, Vinyasa is dynamic flow Yoga with a emphasis on breath/body movement. We hold poses, but our focus is on the transition between poses and the body control we develop therein. Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word which describes the way one moves from one asana (posture) to another, the link between the intention and the full pose. In vinyasa flow yoga you use the breath to move from one posture into another, moving through a sequence of postures in a kind of moving meditation.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The eight-limbed path of Yoga provides a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. When attending a Yoga class, you will practice primarily 2 limbs, the third limb; Asanas, the postures practiced in yoga and the fourth limb; Pranayama, generally translated as breath control and techniques designed to gain mastery over the respiratory process while recognizing the connection between the breath, the mind, and the emotions. In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, to care for the body is an important stage of our own personal spiritual growth.
What to bring to class.
A mat, bottle of water and hand towel are needed for class. If you have your own block and strap please bring it with you. Some blocks will be available but for hygiene purposes having your own fitness props are always encouraged.
What to wear to class.
General fitness attire is appropriate but be sure to avoid any lose of baggy pants or tops. We will be twisting the body and bending over so lose clothing may not stay in tack when we are moving in different positions. We take our shoes off in Yoga, so you can wear any shoe of choice that will get you there. If you have long hair, you may want to pull your hair back into a ponytail or use a head band to drawl the hair away from your face.
Is it okay to eat before class?
It is recommended that you do not eat a heavy meal within 2 hours of practicing yoga. Your body will be bending over and twisting which can create a discomfort in the stomach. Although these movements are great for getting the digestive process moving in the body, it is best to hold off on large amounts of food. If you haven't eaten a full meal since early in the afternoon, a snack one hour before class will be fine. You will need some energy for class so it is best that you not go more than 4 hours with no for.
What to Eat:
Healthy plant-based nibbles are the way to go. Follow the rules you would use for any pre-workout snack, with a few exceptions.
The deep twists and forward bends you do in yoga are particularly likely to force out burps and gas, so you want to avoid things that induce those. You also don't need to carb load in quite the same way as you do for a run or bike ride. It's more about finding something that will sit well and provide some energy to get you through the class.
When attending each class...
The class is designed for Beginners, level 1 and level 2 participants. The class will introduce the fundamental principles of alignment and breath work in a flow of postures linked together by the breath. Students will be introduced to yoga postures through step-by-step verbal description and demonstration. Emphasis is placed on students understanding safety and stability within each pose. Poses will be linked together into a gentle flowing sequence. Modifications are suggested as needed. Open to everyone with the ability to move through seated, standing, kneeling, and reclined positions unassisted.
What style of Yoga is the class?
The class will be a Vinyasa Flow, Vinyasa is dynamic flow Yoga with a emphasis on breath/body movement. We hold poses, but our focus is on the transition between poses and the body control we develop therein. Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word which describes the way one moves from one asana (posture) to another, the link between the intention and the full pose. In vinyasa flow yoga you use the breath to move from one posture into another, moving through a sequence of postures in a kind of moving meditation.
Is Yoga a Religion?
Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The eight-limbed path of Yoga provides a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. When attending a Yoga class, you will practice primarily 2 limbs, the third limb; Asanas, the postures practiced in yoga and the fourth limb; Pranayama, generally translated as breath control and techniques designed to gain mastery over the respiratory process while recognizing the connection between the breath, the mind, and the emotions. In the yogic view, the body is a temple of spirit, to care for the body is an important stage of our own personal spiritual growth.
What to bring to class.
A mat, bottle of water and hand towel are needed for class. If you have your own block and strap please bring it with you. Some blocks will be available but for hygiene purposes having your own fitness props are always encouraged.
What to wear to class.
General fitness attire is appropriate but be sure to avoid any lose of baggy pants or tops. We will be twisting the body and bending over so lose clothing may not stay in tack when we are moving in different positions. We take our shoes off in Yoga, so you can wear any shoe of choice that will get you there. If you have long hair, you may want to pull your hair back into a ponytail or use a head band to drawl the hair away from your face.
Is it okay to eat before class?
It is recommended that you do not eat a heavy meal within 2 hours of practicing yoga. Your body will be bending over and twisting which can create a discomfort in the stomach. Although these movements are great for getting the digestive process moving in the body, it is best to hold off on large amounts of food. If you haven't eaten a full meal since early in the afternoon, a snack one hour before class will be fine. You will need some energy for class so it is best that you not go more than 4 hours with no for.
What to Eat:
Healthy plant-based nibbles are the way to go. Follow the rules you would use for any pre-workout snack, with a few exceptions.
The deep twists and forward bends you do in yoga are particularly likely to force out burps and gas, so you want to avoid things that induce those. You also don't need to carb load in quite the same way as you do for a run or bike ride. It's more about finding something that will sit well and provide some energy to get you through the class.
- Fruit + Protein: A piece of high fiber fruit plus protein, like an apple with nut butter, is a good go-to. A bowl of berries with a little yogurt is another option. A banana is also a great choice.
- Nuts: A handful of almonds is a staple or substitute your favorite nuts.
- Bar: The high fiber, high protein, low sugar bar of your choice.
- Grains: Oatmeal or other cooked grains also tend to work out well.
When attending each class...
- Arrive on time. Each class will begin with stillness and focus on breathing. To avoid any interruptions it is important that everyone arrive 5-10 minutes before the class start time. This is also a great opportunity to speak with the instructor and meet other class participants.
- Sign In. A sign in sheet will be provided at each class. It's important that the instructor have record of all who are present at each class in the event of an emergency.
- Turn off cell phone. Your yoga class time is an opportunity to be in the moment, to honor yourself and everyone in class, please keep cell phones on silent and in a bag away from your mat.
- Inform instructor of an health concerns or injuries. In order to ensure you have a safe class and are provided with the best instruction, please let your instructor know of any conditions that may need to be addressed prior to class.