Class Descriptions

Evolution Yoga teachers are influenced by a variety of yoga traditions and styles including Anusara, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kripalu and Iyengar. Because we believe appropriate class placement is a crucial part of creating a safe and nurturing class atmosphere for each student’s practice, the class listings focus on the level of yoga practice as well as the style or tradition of the class. Each teacher brings to Evolution Yoga a deep and experienced understanding of yoga alignment principles, philosophy and dedication of her/his own personal practice. Please see the individual teacher biographies for a more detailed description of teaching style and influences.

Class Descriptions:

Vinyasa:

Vinyasa translates as “flowing with breath” – this dynamic style of yoga joins physical postures, or asanas, with inhales and exhales, creating a steady internal rhythm for the practice. The vinyasa practice is a form of hatha (“ha” = sun, “tha” = moon) yoga which draws inspiration from a wide range of yoga styles and backgrounds. Vinyasa classes at evolution blend flowing movement with a lighthearted attitude and a clear attention to detail.

Anusara-Inspired:

Anusara Yoga is a relatively newer form of yoga developed by John Friend in 1996. John studied the system of alignment of Iyengar Yoga extensively. He also studied with Gurumayi, a renowned Siddha yoga guru in India. As a result, he developed a yoga practice with a simple and powerful set of physical alignment principles and a life-enhancing philosophy of intrinsic goodness.

This Hatha or physical yoga system includes five principles of alignment. These principles help you rest and move in your body in an optimal way. There are also seven loops or spirals of movement for the body that further support your physical and mental wellbeing. You can use this simple and powerful alignment system while doing any form of yoga or standing in the grocery line or sitting at your desk.

Kripalu Yoga:

Kripalu yoga is a yoga of self, a practice of turning inward (pratyahara) to turn back out with greater understanding, peace and strength. In Kripalu yoga, breath unites the mind and body so that there is wholeness and the ability for the body to flow. Kripalu is sometimes thought of as a state of stillness through motion, a window open to direct experience. Regular practice leads to greater self-awareness, universal understanding, compassion and love.

“Kripalu Yoga conveys the authentic spirit of yoga and does so in a commonsense practice accessible to everyone. You don't need the body of an athlete, the mind of a mystic, or the lifestyle of a monk to benefit from Kripalu Yoga. Kripalu allows you to choose the level of physical intensity right for your body. It recognizes that every body is different. It encourages you to create a lifestyle supportive of your health by listening to your own body.” -Richard Fauld

Iyengar:

Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of BKS Iyengar. It is known for its focus on alignment and precision. Iyengar yoga practice is methodical, and standing poses are the basis for further teaching and study. Poses are taught from the base, and precise instructions are given for every pose.

Pre-Natal Yoga:

Pre-natal Yoga empowers a woman to awaken herself physically, emotionally and spiritually as she prepares for labor and embraces her role as a mother. This class focuses on physical poses which create strength, stability and comfort in order to guide the body toward releasing and opening in childbirth. We practice a blend of flowing movements for stamina and sustained holds of poses for strength and mental focus. Breathwork and meditation techniques are used to instill a feeling of trust in one's own inner wisdom during this time of change. This class supports women in all stages of pregnancy and no prior yoga experience is necessary.

Post–Natal Yoga:

Post-natal yoga is a class for new mothers to bring their bodies back to strength in the company of their babies. This community-building class focuses on poses which help balance hormones, tone the reproductive organs, and strengthen the abdominal muscles. Relaxation techniques and breathwork are used to support women through the emotional challenges of motherhood. The class is appropriate for women with babies 6 weeks to crawling.

Family Yoga:

This drop-in class is an opportunity for you and your child to share your yoga practice together, side-by-side. Alice Neiley teaches this class in a direct, approachable manner, so that the whole family can enjoy their yoga practice. The class consists of a short seated meditation, easy-to-follow sun salutations, standing and seated poses, and a restorative savasana at the end. Alice will also incorporate partner poses throughout the class. Prices are as follows: $15 for 1 adult and 1 child; $5 for every additional child. Please note, this class is for children ages 4 and up. Children must be able to participate and stay on their yoga mats for the duration of the class.

Restorative Yoga:

This therapeutic style of yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar as a tool to reduce the effects of stress related disease. This class is a great way to re-energize your body through gentle stretching and passive poses using blankets, pillows, bolsters and chairs as supports. Poses are sequenced together to address issues such as muscle tension, insomnia, back pain and headaches.

Yoga Therapeutics:

This 60 minute class is designed to develop the foundations of a structurally sound asana yoga practice. Janet Carscadden PT brings to this class her knowledge of anatomy and injury prevention. Learn how to deepen your practice through alignment focused postures. Each month this class will examine the therapeutic benefits of evolution yoga's pose of the month. Discover how appropriate sequencing of postures will allow you to gradually build strength and flexibility. Whether you are a beginner or advanced student, you will learn to shed your patterns of compensation to build a strong and open physical practice.

Community Class:

The community class on Monday nights is a regular 1 ½ hour yoga class, level I/II, but offered at a sliding scale rate of $4-10. We believe that yoga should be accessible to everyone in the community regardless of financial stability. A sliding scale class creates the opportunity for the practice of satya – truthfulness – in looking honestly at what you are able to contribute for your yoga practice or in honor of those who cannot contribute as much.

Young Yogis :

Click here to see our full children's program, ages 2 months - Middle School.

Specialty Yoga Series:

Evolution yoga also offers specialized six-week series classes for more in-depth, personalized practices.

What Level Am I?

Fundamentals:

This class is recommended for those new to yoga or interested in a refresher of alignment principles. Fundamentals allows you to start where you are, making yoga accessible for any body type or ability level. This lighthearted class focuses on basic yoga poses and on developing a physical and mental connection with the breath.

Level I:

Recommended for beginner or intermediate practitioners, level I focuses on building strength and endurance by creating a firm foundation in all poses. This class will explore the power of standing poses, gentle back bending, and core strength-building poses. Basic yoga breathing techniques are included in level I classes.

Level I/II:

This intermediate class is a bridge connecting foundation poses to a more moderately-paced practice. Level I/II focuses on transitioning accurately between poses, particularly in sun salutations. Basic inversions will be introduced, as well as more challenging back bending and balancing poses. This class is appropriate for any level beyond brand-new beginner.

Level III:

A strong practice for those with prior yoga experience, level III balances vigorous vinyasa with sustained poses in order to refine the details of the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the practice. This class explores deeper versions of standing and seated poses, arm balances and inversions, and pranayama exercises. Must have a strong yoga practice to participate.

Class Fees

Single class - $14
1 hour class - $12
Ten class card - $130 - $120 if bought on your first class at Evolution or Eastern View
One-hour ten class card - $110 - $100 if bought on your first class at Evolution or Eastern View
Community class - sliding scale $5-10