However, Yoga is more than the physical postures. It is about the acceptance of one’s own ability and learning to be content with where you are in the present moment. Which is not to say that you should not challenge yourself! However, that challenge should grow from within, when the individual is ready and open for the deeper experience. Ever mindful of your level of ability, respectful of your body and practicing with ahimsa (non-harming). It is essential to learn the poses and adapt them to fit your own body style, sometimes with the use of props, so that you can practice yoga with compassion for the physical body.
"Make the pose fit the body, not the body fit the pose."
Gentle Beginnings Yoga and Wellness offers the following styles of yoga in group, private or semi-private format.
Please check the "Studio Schedule" page for the current group class schedule and pricing.
(Please note that not all classes are offered during the same session.)
Sunday Stretch
This is a gentle restorative type of class. Our lives are so busy that we forget to take care of ourselves. Now is the time to look after yourself. Give back and pamper yourself! This class is about combining breath and movement. We focus on gentle movements to allow the muscles to awaken, stretch and relax. The movements encourage the release of any tight spots while permitting the breath to go deep. The poses and stretches are adapted to fit your body with the use of blocks, straps and other props. We stay closer to our mats, not a lot of up and down. The class ends with a peaceful guided relaxation. No previous yoga experience required.
Chair Yoga
This class focuses on slow gentle movements and steady breathing that awakens the body. We start our practice seated on chairs warming up the body and coming into our breath. The practice then moves onto standing poses that work on balance, flexibility & strength and finish on chairs for Shavasana. No floor work in this class. At any time standing poses may be adapted to a chair version. We use a variety of props to make the pose fit the body. Great class for beginners, seniors or those where the floor is not an option at this time. No previous yoga experience required.
Curvaceous Yoga
Have you ever wanted to try yoga but thought I can't do that? Then think again! This class is for the curvaceous figure. We work with a variety of poses that are customized and personalized for your shapely figure. The poses open and stretch the body, but most of all relax the body. We work with the breath flow to encourage the body to connect with the pose. The only prerequisite is the ability to get up and down from the floor, chairs are available to assist with this. A variety of props are used when needed in this class. No previous yoga experience required.
Beginner/Hatha Yoga 101
This class is perfect for those who are new to yoga, need a gentle approach or are looking to restart their yoga practice. In this class, we work on foundation postures, basic poses and fundamental yoga breathing techniques. Focus is placed on breath flow, movement and the correct alignment of the body so you come into and out of the pose safely. Learn how to listen to your own body. The practice concludes with a peaceful Shavasana. Previous yoga experience is not required. Props are used when needed in this class.
Hatha Yoga
This class is for graduates of Hatha Yoga 101, students that have a basic knowledge of beginner poses and are ready to learn how to flow the poses together or for those that are looking for a gentle approach to flow yoga. This class is specifically designed to teach you how to gently flow from one pose to the next. We start with the foundation postures and build our practice from there. We explore the different variations and adaptations of the poses to bring more of a challenge to your practice. Focus is placed on breath flow and the correct alignment of the body. We unite breath, body and movement to create a gentle flowing class. Props are used when needed in this class. The practice concludes with a relaxing Shavasana. Previous yoga experience is beneficial but not required.
Energetic Hatha Flow
This class is for graduates of Hatha Yoga or the beyond beginner, who is ready to take it to the next level. We unite sun salutations, poses and breathe to create an energetic flow. The focus is on challenging yourself. The class concludes with a relaxing Shavasana. Previous yoga experience is required. Props are used when needed in this class.
Earth Yoga
This class is a challenge to yourself to connect to the Earth and the power within yourself. We travel around the four compass points as well as around the mat. The flow is demanding. We use sun salutations and flow sequences to give the body a grounding but serious workout. The focus is on connecting with your inner strength and power. Previous yoga experience is required. Props are used when needed in this class.
Yoga with Weights
This class is a flow style class and geared towards the more experienced yogi who is looking to elevate their practice to the next level. We use a variety of flow based sequences, including sun salutations and incorporate light hand weights, ankle weights, stability balls, alignment bars and other specialized equipment into the practice providing you with an enthusiastic, energetic and fun experience. We breathe and flow. And may be sweat a little, too! The class concludes with a well deserved relaxing Shavasana. Previous yoga experience is required.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is a wonderful form of “self-care”. It encourages you to de-stress, while at the same time it permits your muscles to stretch and relax. This class is wonderful for those who are recovering from an injury or have limited range of movement or are looking for that "ahhh" moment. In this Restorative Yoga class, we use props (blocks, blankets, bolsters, chairs, etc.) to support and assist you when holding the poses for extended periods of time, approximately 5-15 minutes, depending on the pose. This class is 100% mat work. You leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated. No previous yoga experience is required. This class is 60 minutes. If you have a particular area of the body that requires specialized attention private sessions are available. Please contact the studio for more information.
Hot Stone Restorative Yoga
Hot Stone Restorative Yoga is an amazing experience. You rest in relaxing yoga poses while being supported by props (blocks, blankets, bolsters, pillows). When you are completely comfortable in the pose, hot (or warm) Basalt stones are placed on key muscle and joint areas of the body. The use of heat permits a deep release of tension from the body. You leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated. No previous yoga experience is required. This class is approximately 2 hours long and is offered in the fall, winter and spring months. Hot Stone Restorative Yoga is beneficial for those who are recovering from an injury or have limited range of movement. If you wish a private experience to address a specific area of the body, please contact the studio for more information. Private sessions are available year round.
Props are used when needed in all classes.
All equipment is provided for in studio use.
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PRIVATE YOGA
Gentle Beginnings Yoga and Wellness offers private and semi-private sessions that are specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of the client or clients. We offer flexible scheduling to work with your busy schedule. For more information, including semi-private rates, private Prenatal, private Restorative and private Hot Stone Restorative rates, please contact the studio.
Private Individual Session
$85.00
Package of 5 Individual Sessions
$375.00 ($75.00 per session)
PREPAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE
Valid for 6 months from date of purchase.
The prices quoted above are for 60 minute sessions.
Please contact the studio for more information.
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PRIVATE HOT STONE RESTORATIVE YOGA
Hot Stone Restorative Yoga combines heated stones with restorative yoga poses to provide an effective soothing experience for the body. The use of natural Basalt stones draws from the powerful geomagnetic energy of the Earth which has a balancing and relaxing effect on our system. The precise placement of the heated stones and the restorative yoga poses brings the release of tight tense muscles. The combination of the restorative yoga poses, and the specific placement of the heated stones along with guided meditation and the Earth's powerful energy permit the recipient's body to begin grounding. The grounding effect brings release allowing balance, relaxation and freedom to return to the body. Heated Basalt stones are placed directly on the clothed body of the client. The temperature of the stones is adjusted to the client's comfort level. The localized placement of the heated stones increase circulation which assists in alleviating organ congestion and ease muscular tension. The experience has a significant and positive impact on the parasympathetic nervous system and our ability to actively rest and regenerate. Thus allowing our internal organs to rest, to sooth our digestive system and relieve stress. This results in the removal of energy blockages that may lead to the development of "dis-ease" within the body.
If you have a specific area of concern (hips, back, neck, etc.), please mention this at the time of booking.
Other benefits to the recipient of the experience may include:
- assisting the person with emotional tranquility, patience and stability
- offering a sense of peace and well-being
- helping the flow of creativity
- reflecting negativity
- alleviation of pain
- promoting deep muscle and tissue relaxation
- assisting the body in the detoxification process - hydrating and flushing the cells
- soothing anxiety, depression or stress
Length of Session: approximately 1.5 hours
Cost of Session: $100.00
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Peaceful Tranquility Circles
Each month we work on calming the mind to encourage the release of the outside world.
The essence of this monthly meditation experience focuses on being present in the moment and allowing yourself to release from the day to day matters of the real world. We all have thoughts, feelings, expectations or doubts that need to be released so that we can bring peace, quiet and stillness to the mind. Ultimately, the goal is to focus on letting everything go and permitting yourself to be physically present in the moment, holding space for yourself, but letting your mind go where it is guided to go. Wherever that may be.
I am a Usui Reiki Master and Karuna Reiki Practitioner. I will call upon the Reiki energy and fill the space with positive healing energy. Reiki energy brings peace and relaxation to a person permitting the body to support its own natural healing abilities. In addition to the Reiki energy, we will bring other elements into the session to enhance the experience, such as crystals, aromatherapy, flowers, angels and full moon or new moon energy. Each month is a new and unique experience bringing enlightenment and peaceful tranquility into your life. Come and enjoy!
Mats, pillows, blankets and bolsters will be available to make the floor more comfortable for you. If the floor is not an option for you, I do have an anti-gravity chair. Please inform me of this need when reserving your space.
Please see "Studio Schedule" page for upcoming dates.
Disclaimer:
While yoga is a safe form of physical exercise, everyone’s body has it's own unique story to tell.
Please check with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any form of physical exercise.