Class Descriptions - Nashville Iyengar Yoga at 12South Yoga Studio

Class Descriptions

- Yoga Basics for New Beginner - Introductory
- Level I
- Level I and II
- Level II
- Level II and III
- Gentle Yoga
- Restorative
- Yoga for Pregnancy and Conception
- Mommy and Me Yoga Class - All Levels
- Yoga for Teens
- Yoga for Kids
- Forza (Samurai Sword Training)
- Vinyasa Yoga - No New Beginners
- Community Class Level 1 and 2

Yoga Basics for New Beginner - Introductory
This class is specially designed for brand new beginners and is a great introduction to 12South Yoga and the Iyengar method. Step-by-step instruction is given on the fundamentals of body alignment through Yoga postures. This class may say 'Basics' but don't be surprised by the challenge! You will be guided through this eight-week course starting with an introduction to Hatha Yoga and the Iyengar tradition. In this class you will gain experience in classic standing poses, sitting poses, relaxation poses, and breath awareness. Emphasis is on gaining flexibility, stability, strength, and balance. This class is ESSENTIAL for building a safe, intelligent, and strong foundation for your yoga practice. Students are welcome to repeat this class as many times as they would like or continue into a Level 1 class.

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Level I - for continuing beginners
This class is the perfect choice for students either who have completed Yoga Basics or those who have prior Yoga experience and are ready to build their yoga practice. This class continues to focus on classical standing poses, seated poses, and relaxation poses. This class introduces students to a broader range of poses including beginning forward and back extensions as well as twisting postures and the beginnings of inversions. This class will help you achieve a deeper reflection in asana and refine your relationship to your body. Students are recommended to stay at this level for 6 to 12mos minimum.

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Level I and II
This class is for students well practiced in Level I postures seeking to refine and develop their yoga asana practice at more subtle levels. At this Level students are strongly encouraged to practice at home regularly so that their personal understanding of yogic postures begins to fuel their understanding of the refinements taught in class. This class continues to focus on the basic alignment of the standing poses and a broader range of sitting poses, twists, forward and back extensions and inversions are taught. Students are recommended to stay in this level class for a minimum of one to two years before progressing to the next level.

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Level II
This class is for students well practiced in Level I and II postures. A firm foundation in all the postures at the previous levels are required. Knowledge and practice of inversions and/or alternative, supplemental postures are required. Students should be practicing at home regularly who attend this level class and should have basic knowledge of the Sanskrit names for each posture. At this level students are encouraged to read the writings of Iyengar to help further their growth and understanding of yoga beyond just an asana practice. Sutra readings are incorporated at this level. Students are recommended to stay at this level for a minimum of two years.

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Level II and III
This class is for seasoned students of Iyengar Yoga with a minimum of 4 to 5 years practice in the Iyengar tradition. Students work in more depth with foundational postures as well as explore more advanced postures. Students must seek out instructor's permission before joining this level class.

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Gentle Yoga - For Beginners
Gentle Yoga is an ideal class for active seniors and students that prefer a class with a relaxed pace. Gentle Yoga is a powerful antidote to being "stressed out," weakened or fatigued. Allowing the body to be supported in different Yoga poses, both active and restorative postures, with conscious breathing brings balance in one’s energy and a clear calmness to one’s mind.

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Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is a wonderful way to escape from the rushed pace of our daily lives. Combining the support of postures with conscious breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the organs of the body to work to their maximum efficiency. In this way, Restorative Yoga rejuvenates and restores both the physical and mental body leaving you feeling renewed and energized for the rest of your day. Restorative yoga is for all levels and all ages!

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Iyengar Yoga for Pregnancy and Conception
This class is appropriate for women who are pregnant or would like to become pregnant in the near future. The class sequence is designed to promote a sense of space and receptivity through Asana, Pranayama, and Dhyana (posture, breath, and meditation). The low impact nature of Yoga is ideal for this stage of life and a powerful tool for knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your body. Your increased body awareness and enhanced ability to breathe and relax will guide you in the demands of conceiving, birthing, and motherhood.

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Mommy and Me Yoga Class - All Levels
This is a great class for new moms with babies ranging from 6 weeks to 12mos. who want to get back into yoga and want to include their baby in their practice! This class will focus on post-natal postures to help accomodate the demands of gaining strength for the work of motherhood, while working to build greater flexibility. We end with 10 minutes of poses for you to do with your baby. Please bring an extra blanket for your baby to rest on and anything else you might need!

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Forza (Samurai Sword Training)
Forza combines samurai sword training with traditional fitness techniques to create a complete mind-body workout that builds upper and lower body strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, concentration and focus. Using a three-foot wooden bokken, students perform katas to music that simulates the beating heart and enhances movement meditation. The practice of Forza empowers the spirit, calms the mind, and awakens us to the mystical lore of the sword.

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Yoga for Teens
Taught with enthusiasm and joy, this yoga class is specially designed for teens. Participants will learn the foundations of asana as taught in the Iyengar tradition as well as breath awareness and introductory anatomy. Ages 12-17 are welcome.

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Yoga for Kids
Yoga for kids offers your child the opportunity to enjoy yoga along with you! This fun, energetic class is the perfect way to introduce your child to yoga. We use story telling, games, music, and more to explore yoga postures. Ages 4-11yrs welcome.

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Vinyasa Yoga - No New Beginners
This class is designed for seasoned yoga students. Classes will combine sun salutations that either step or jump back into Chaturanga (plank or modified plank pose), standing poses, seated poses, backbends, inversions and sitting meditation. The fundamentals of ujjayi breath, (meaning "victorious stretching of the Prana"), bandhas (internal locks), and drsti (eye gaze) will be taught and encouraged.

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Community Class- Levels 1 and 2
This is a wonderful way for you to enjoy a yoga class according to your own budget needs. This class is donation based although if the time works for you and you want to register, you are welcome to! In order to pay the instructor, we do ask for a minimum $5 donation. We hope that you will take this opportunity to either add a second class to your week or simply enjoy a class at a price you can afford. You may attend on a drop-in basis. This class meets on Sundays from 4:30-5:30pm.

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	Yoga for Kids and Teens: Why it's important: For children and teens, learning is often about connecting with the world outside. Yoga provides an opportunity for everyone, especially children and teens, to connect to the world inside their own body and spirit. This is a unique and beautiful gift. Although yoga classes designed for kids and teens are intended to be fun, physically challenging, and imaginative, at work is something much more profound, much more subtle. There is no better way to help prepare youth to take on the challenges that the world around them presents than by giving them an opportunity to develop an inner strength and 'knowing'- in yoga we call this 'knowing' consciousness. Yoga is truly a gift of the spirit. It is essential in fighting depression, anxiety, stress, and anger. Consider giving the gift of yoga to your child today.