CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
All levels of practitioners are welcome in all classes, however students should have some yoga
experience prior to attending classes that are noted as “Advanced” or “Intermediate”
PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM.
YOGA LIGHT STUDIO AND/OR ITS INSTRUCTORS CANNOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
BARRE
Barre is a hybrid fitness regimen that combines ballet-inspired moves with elements of pilates, dance, yoga and strength training. Most classes incorporate a ballet barre (or a chair can be used as a substitute), and use classic dance moves such as plies, alongside static stretches. Barre also focuses on high reps of small range movements for toning and sculpting the body.
BARRE
Barre is a hybrid fitness regimen that combines ballet-inspired moves with elements of pilates, dance, yoga and strength training. Most classes incorporate a ballet barre (or a chair can be used as a substitute), and use classic dance moves such as plies, alongside static stretches. Barre also focuses on high reps of small range movements for toning and sculpting the body.
BEGINNER/GENTLE YOGA
This class is suitable for anyone who has never practised yoga as well as continuing students who wish to approach the fundamentals of the practice is a slower and more comprehensive manner. More detailed instruction will be provided, as well as modifications for all needs and abilities.
HIIT & STRETCH FUSION CLASS
This class is sure to get your heart pumping, make you feel and actually get you stronger and build your overall endurance. Definitely a sweat, the exercises, music and mental and physical results will have you begging to come back sooner! During this class you will give 100% effort during short bursts of exercises followed by short active or non active rest and recovery periods. Given this class is worked on time vs reps it it suitable for all! Modifications/low impact will always be provided.
MOON CEREMONIES
These special events are held either on New Moon or Full Moon days, and are led by Reiki Master and Mediation specialist Amanda Vitaro.
The new moon is the beginning of a new moon cycle, and the full moon is the end of that cycle. The moon works in cyclical phases and each cycle represents a full circle journey that we can harness the power of to manifest our deepest intentions and facilitate deep healing.
Each new moon is an opportunity for a new beginning. A new intention, a new seed planted a new goal. It is a potent and powerful time to step into our inner wisdom and gain insight to what we truly desire in our life. Around the new moon, the unconscious becomes conscious, and our spiritual insight is heightened. We plant the seeds, and harvest them once the moon is full.
Every full moon is an opportunity to let go, release, and bring the dark into the light so we can illuminate our shadows and heal them. It is a chance to look back the intentions placed during the new moon, and see how they have manifested or what we need to do to take action. The full moon is a time to recognize anything that may be standing in our way of manifesting those intentions and your hearts desires, and let go.
For each session, please bring a journal and a pen, and other items that you may use during mediation (such as crystals).
These ceremonies includes Reiki energy balancing, journaling, meditation, and Tarot card readings. Individual tarot card readings are offered at some sessions.
Please pre-register well in advance for these Ceremonies as they typically fill up soon after registration is open.
*Not included with regular memberships.
PRENATAL
Prenatal yoga is a specialty class specifically designed for pregnant individuals, and includes modifications for all stages of pregnancy. This class addresses concerns that pregnant women might experience, including lower back pain, swelling and tension, through specific exercises, breathing techniques and meditations. These classes will help to prepare the body for birth and postpartum recovery.
*Not included with regular memberships.
REFORMER PILATES
This specialty class entails pilates exercises using a Reformer machine. The Reformer is an apparatus that was invented by Joseph Pilates, which has a bed-like frame with a flat platform that rolls back and forth on wheels. It uses springs for assistance and resistance to achieve proper muscle length and strength in an organized way. It is suitable for all levels, and is especially helpful for individuals who are seeking to achieve core stability and to improve postural alignment. The exercises can be modified and adjusted to any body, for those looking to tone up, rehab from an injury, train for a particular hobby or sport, or for those looking for low impact, full-body workout.
*Not included with regular memberships.
PILATES
Pilates is a system of exercises, sometimes using props, designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture.
MOVEMENT & MEDITATION
During meditation, the individual trains the mind to acknowledge its content without becoming identified with that content. Living Meditation, the approach that will be applied in this class, is an approach that can aid anyone who is looking to make the most out of life or navigate challenges on his/her path. This class starts with a vinyasa flow and stretching postures to prepare the body for a sitting practice, and then moves to a guided meditation where students will have the chance to use techniques to dig really deep within to observe, learn, heal, and find freedom. You’ll leave feeling more at peace and present with what is. No prior meditation experience is required.
HATHA YOGA
“Hatha” refers to the practice of physical yoga postures. Postures may be held for brief or longer periods, in either a heated or non-heated setting, and there are usually no Vinyasas (or flows) in a Hatha class.
FUNCTIONAL YOGA & MOBILITY
These classes are designed to restore the function of the body using various yoga techniques and mobility exercises. Each technique selected is practical and useful, rather than attractive, with the focus on proper alignment and how to move your body freely and easily.
Benefits include improved joint range of motion, posture, muscle strength, body awareness, and mood, as well as reduced compensation patterns and the prevention of injuries.This class is suitable for New/Beginner students.
FLOW & DEEP STETCH
These classes start with a Vinyasa flow that will warm up the body, and build strength, and will end with a yin practice to allow students to stretch and cool down.
FAMILY YOGA
Family Yoga is a fantastic activity for the whole family. Classes will be designed based on the needs and abilities of the participants, and will be accessible to all. The benefits are improved posture, strength, flexibility, stress relieve, improved balance and coordination and so much more! To set up a family yoga session or series for your group, please contact the studio.
ASHTANGA YOGA
Ashtanga is a rigorous style of yoga founded by K. Pattabhi Jois. It follows a specific sequence of postures which link every movement to a breath. Yoga Light Studio offers Led Primary Series,
as well as classes that are based on a combination of the Primary Series and Second Series. The “Beginners' Ashtanga” or "All Levels Ashtanga" classes introduce students to postures of the primary series at a slower pace, and more time is spent on modifications for the traditional postures.
Advanced Ashtanga (1st and 2nd series): This class is a mix of the 1st and 2nd series of ashtanga yoga. Knowledge of the primary series is generally required.
REFORMER PILATES
This specialty class entails pilates exercises using a Reformer machine. The Reformer is an apparatus that was invented by Joseph Pilates, which has a bed-like frame with a flat platform that rolls back and forth on wheels. It uses springs for assistance and resistance to achieve proper muscle length and strength in an organized way. It is suitable for all levels, and is especially helpful for individuals who are seeking to achieve core stability and to improve postural alignment. The exercises can be modified and adjusted to any body, for those looking to tone up, rehab from an injury, train for a particular hobby or sport, or for those looking for low impact, full-body workout.
*Not included with regular memberships.
RESTORATIVE YOGA
Restorative yoga enables deep relaxation as you holding poses for longer periods of time with the help of props to completely support you. The main focus of Restorative Yoga is that by relaxing in poses, with the aid of props, without strain or pain, we can achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Restorative yoga classes are very relaxing and slow paced. Props, like blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps are used so that you are supported in your pose comfortably. You will then hold the pose for an extended period of time. Restorative yoga is beneficial to balance a more active practice or decompress after a stressful day.
STRENGTH & MOBILITY
This class is similar to a vinyasa class in that students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next, and “vinyasa flows” will be incorporated throughout the class (chaturanga to upward-facing dog to downward-facing dog and/or their variations), which are commonly practiced throughout a vinyasa class. However, more attention will be paid to specific postures that build strength throughout the body, and movements that will contribute to improved mobility, including tissue softening, self-massage and isometric stretching. This class is also open to new/beginner students.
VINYASA YOGA
In vinyasa yoga classes, students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next. Vinyasa is also the term used to describe a specific sequence of poses (Chaturangato Upward-Facing Dog to Downward-Facing Dog and/or their variations), which are commonly practiced throughout a vinyasa class. A vinyasa class typically moves faster than other classes.
VINYASA CORE
As in a regular vinyasa yoga class, this class coordinates movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next. There will be a particular emphasis on postures and movements aimed at strengthening the core muscles.
YIN
Yin is generally considered a passive practice, where students are guided into variations of seated and supine poses which are typically held for 3 to 5 minutes. The practice allows students to stretch connective tissue around the joints, and is an excellent compliment to other more vigorous styles of yoga (or other physical practices).
YOGA BASICS
This class will introduce participants to basic yoga postures and terminology, and will break down postures step by step. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion. This class is ideal for those who have no yoga experience.
By contrast, the “Beginner’s Yoga“ class also offer basic yoga postures, but there is less discussion and pauses.
YOGA FLOW AND REIKI ENERGY BALANCING
This class will offer an all levels yoga flow, with pranayama [breath work] and meditation, as well as group Reiki energy balancing, which will help participants explore healing on a different level.
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation and also promotes healing. During Reiki, the Reiki practitioner will hover or use gentle touch to guide life force energy through your body and energy centers. Reiki has the ability to promote healing on the physical and energetic levels of the body, thus it can help to heal physical ailments or pain, as well as emotional wounds. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind, and spirit, creating many beneficial effects that include deep relaxation and feelings of peace & well-being, and a healthy flow of energy.
Open to all levels, use your membership package, or class passes.