Beginners Series

The beginner series is a great way to start your yoga practice.  This 8-week series teaches new students the fundaments of yoga and provides a safe and engaging learning environment.  Students learn yogic breathing techniques, yogic postures, and relaxation techniques.  The beginners series, unlike our other classes, is taught in a sequential manner to help students build strength and flexibility. 

Pre-registration is required for all beginners series classes.  You must sign up online for each class you plan to attend to secure your spot. 

When you come in for your first visit, there will be a brief form to fill out. You can also print and fill out the form in advance by clicking the link below:

Download Radiance Waiver

You don't need to be flexible or have a quiet mind to begin.  All you need to do is show up. 

Benefits include:

• Learn in a safe and friendly atmosphere
• Move at your own pace
• Safely explore your limits
• Build a strong knowledge base
  
• Build strength and flexibility
  
• Release tension in the body
• Have fun with fellow yogi's and yogini's

Flow Curriculum:

• Week 1:  Breath, Movement, & Sun Salutations
• Week 2:  Sun Salutation A & B
• Week 3:  Ujjayii Breath and Warrior Series
• Week 4:  Balancing and Seated Poses
• Week 5:  Backbends
• Week 6:  Shoulder Stand
• Week 7:  Preparation for Head Stand
• Week 8:  Practice

Beginners Series Schedule / January 2nd-April 14th 2012

Monday 7:45-9:00pm  Beginners Flow Yoga - 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20

Tuesday 12:15-1:30pm Beginners Flow Yoga - 1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21

Wednesday  6:15-7:30pm  Beginners Flow Yoga- 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22

Saturday  10:00-11:15am  Beginners Flow Yoga - 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25

Tips for Practicing Yoga Safely:

Speak up: Don’t be shy about sharing your injuries (old or new), sensitivities or conditions (such as pregnancy) with your teacher. The more your teacher knows about your body the more he or she can offer modifications, or adjust her way of assisting you.

Listen to your body: Your teacher cannot feel your bodily sensations, so that responsibility lies entirely with you. Tune into your body and see how it feels in the pose. If it feels painful, stop.

Ask for modifications: If the full expression of the pose looks too scary or requires strength and flexibility you just don’t have, ask the teacher for a variation. That way you can learn the structure of the pose without risking injury.

Know the difference between sensation and pain: Avoiding injury is not the same as avoiding sensation. As you ask tight muscles to engage, you may feel some discomfort. Move slowly into the posture, pause when you feel a moderate stretch, and wait until there is a release. If you can’t release the muscle, you’re too close to your edge and you need to back off.

Accelerate your practice slowly: Start with a beginner’s class even if you are new to yoga or out of practice . Jumping into a more vigorous class is a recipe for injury. Progress mindfully and carefully to the level that’s appropriate for you. If you are unsure of which class to start with ask a teacher.

Breathe deeply: Using the breath to guide your practice is one of the fundamental tools in yoga. It oxygenates your muscles but also keeps you centered and helps you stay focused on the postures.

Be mindful: For many people, if you aren’t being mindful when practicing yoga, you aren’t doing yoga. You’re just stretching or exercising. If you’re not paying attention you aren’t getting the full power of yoga.

Honor your own practice: Try not to compare yourself to other students or even to yourself. Every day is different. A certain pose might be easy one day and hard the next.

Frequently Asked Questions for Beginners