We specialize in two powerful styles of yoga: Ashtanga and Power Vinyasa. Both are vigorous and challenging but accessible for most body types / fitness levels. We encourage patience, slow progress, internal focus and non-judgment and provide a supportive, non-competitive environment. See below for descriptions of our specialized classes, including Prenatal.

* Please note: If you are new to yoga, we recommend starting with New Beginners (Sundays, six-week series; Tuesdays, drop-in). Reasonably fit beginners are welcome in Open-Level classes, where they will be encouraged to modify postures and take breaks. Pregnant women may attend Prenatal classes only.

Power Vinyasa classes

Vinyasa is movement coordinated with and informed by steady, even breath. Flowing series of postures open, strengthen and detoxify all areas and systems of the body and focus the mind. Sequences are physically and mentally challenging, yet accessible and rewarding. Classes end in relaxation and meditation. Students are encouraged to use their asana (posture), pranayama (breath) and meditation practice as a tool for self-inquiry, guided by the traditional principles and practices of the broader Ashtanga system (see below).  Yogis familiar with Baptiste Power Vinyasa or other Ashtanga-based, heat-building styles will feel right at home.

Open-Level Vinyasa
Appropriate for beginners and all levels. Challenging but accessible sequences build strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and mental focus. Modifications and gentle hands-on adjustments make postures appropriate for all. The room is heated to about 85 degrees F for safe, deep stretching.

Hot Vinyasa (Level 2-3)
We heat the room to about 95F so you can sweat — a lot! — and stretch deeply and safely in vinyasa flows that allow for gradual exploration of more challenging asanas. This class assumes proficiency in sun salutations (surya namaskara A & B) and basic alignment principles, as well as a willingness to explore intermediate- to advanced-level postures and variations. Modifications will be offered throughout. Breaks are encouraged and expected. Please bring water and a Mysore rug or towel or two. Great for Ashtangis who wish to explore work outside the traditional Primary Series vocabulary!

Traditional Ashtanga classes

Ashtanga Yoga, brought to Western practitioners by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, synchronizes breath with set sequences of postures that progressively open, strengthen and cleanse the body. The asana (posture) practice produces an intense internal heat and purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind. Ashtanga (“eight limbs”) is much more than vigorous physical practices and includes guidelines for moral/ethical conduct and restraint (yama and niyama), breath control (pranayama), mental discipline (pratyahara, dharana, dhyana) and fulfillment (samadhi). For more information on this deeply powerful practice and its history, visit kpjayi.org, the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Ashtanga Level 1
An introduction to the Ashtanga Primary Series (see below) for active students with no major movement restrictions. As more poses are added to the sequence each week, strength, endurance and flexibility will gradually increase. Modifications are offered throughout. Although minimal time is given to discussion, classes are placed within a context of yoga philosophy.

Open-Level Ashtanga (All Levels)
This fast-paced, one-hour class offers vigorous but accessible sequences incorporating postures from the Ashtanga Primary Series (see below). Ashtanga sun salutations are followed by most of the Primary Series standing sequence, various seated postures from the series and an abbreviated finishing sequence. Though this class is appropriate for all experience levels (except new beginners), we recommend familiarity with Ashtanga sun salutations and basic standing postures.

Ashtanga Primary Series (Level 2+)
The challenging traditional Ashtanga method synchronizes the breath with a set sequence of 72 postures designed to progressively open and strengthen the body. The quick pace produces intense internal heat and purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs and balances the nervous system. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind. We highly recommend some Ashtanga experience; no new beginners, please. If in doubt, please talk to a Practice instructor or call us at 937.321.7676.

Ashtanga Second Series (Level 2+)
The Intermediate Series comprises the same standing (starting) and finishing postures as Primary Series, with more challenging backbends, twists and arm balances between them, as well as seven headstand variations. Although modifications will be offered, this class is appropriate only for those with a regular Primary Series practice. Please consult a Practice instructor or call 937.321.7676 for permission to attend.

Mysore (All Levels)
Often described as a private lesson in a group setting, Mysore is the way Ashtanga is traditionally taught in India. Each student practices at his or her own pace while receiving individual adjustments and guidance from the teacher. Mysore practice instills self-sufficiency and deeper understanding of the practice. Practice sheets and cards are available for those who have not yet committed the Ashtanga sequences to memory.

Specialized classes

Mamaste® Prenatal Yoga
Regular, gentle yoga practice can have profound, positive effects on a mother’s pregnancy, delivery and recovery. This class meets the physical, mental and emotional needs of women in their second and third trimesters (12+ weeks). Gentle sequences strengthen and open key areas, easing common discomforts and preparing the body for birth. Students also learn simple but effective breathing and relaxation techniques to use before, during and after birth. A physician’s release form is required (pick one up at your first class). Certain conditions may prohibit or limit participation. The class meets standards set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for safe prenatal exercise. Please see Prenatal/Postnatal and Prenatal Guidelines pages.

Postnatal / Mom & Baby Yoga
For infants ages 6 weeks (8 weeks post-C-section) to walking and their caregivers. A casual, fun class designed for new moms, building strength and relieving tension where it’s most needed after growing and birthing a baby (it’s great for dads and everyone else, too). All postures can be adapted to involve baby, who is also welcome to nap, nurse or even cry! Through interaction and gentle movement, tiny yogis develop and refine motor skills; learn about spatial relationships and balance; build social confidence and trust; enjoy tummy-soothing exercises and massage; and maybe even learn to sleep better. Our goal is to help families enjoy the changes and challenges that come with each birth, whether it’s the first or fifth. *Postnatal moms are also welcome to attend without baby.*

New Beginners Series (Level 1)
This six-week course is specially designed for those who are brand-new to yoga or have minimal experience. Learn the basics of Power Vinyasa, and expect to sweat! Posture modifications accommodate most body types/fitness levels. Students will enjoy increased strength, flexibility, balance and mental focus, and will be ready for Open-Level classes and possibly others upon completion of the series.
Class size is limited to allow for individualized instruction.
Spaces are held for each session upon receipt of $75 tuition, which includes one drop-in class on our regular schedule upon completion. *Please note that missed classes may not be ‘held over’ to the next session. One missed class per six-week session may be made up in a regularly scheduled New Beginners or Open-Level class.

New Beginners Drop-In (Level 1)
See above description. No pre-registration required. Basic Power Vinyasa flow with modifications and exploration of key postures / alignment principles.

Pilates Mat Basics (Level 1)
Pilates was developed more than 80 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates, and is accessible and adaptable to most any body type and fitness level. This ‘mat’ class introduces the Pilates method with basic (but challenging) floor exercises. Pilates strengthens the core muscles of the body’s center (abdominal and postural muscles), lengthens the spine, builds muscle tone, enhances flexibility and increases body awareness. Pilates teaches balance and control of the body, and that capacity spills over into other areas of one’s life. Many yogis find that Pilates adds new dimensions of strength, balance and awareness to their asana practice.