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Class Levels
What do the levels mean?
I've ranked the classes here from easiest to hardest. Mysore-Style Ashtanga and Hot Yoga are difficult to categorize. Hot Yoga is classified as a beginning level class, but it has some very challenging postures. Some people find the heat the hardest thing of all. I suggest you try Hot Yoga and decide for yourself. Mysore-style classes are described below.
Pranayama - this class practices breathing exercises while lying down and sitting. This is a very relaxing class.
Gentle Yoga - this class practices Pavanamuktasana (the technical term for exercises that move the joints without stretching) and regular yoga postures at a slower pace using props and modifications as needed. Chairs are provided for students who need support or have difficulty with balance.
Hatha Yoga - general classes practice yoga postures that are suitable for all levels. Some postures are easy and some are more challenging, but modifications are suggested or props are provided for students at all levels. Sun Salutations are introduced at this level.
Continuing Yoga - some familiarity with Hatha Yoga postures is assumed. We expect that you have been attending Hatha classes and are familiar with basic postures and are ready to learn inversions and backbends. This class practices lunges, Sun Salutations, Caturanga Dandasana (push-up), headstand and shoulderstand.
Vinyasa Yoga - a flow-based form of yoga which combines Hatha Yoga and the vinyasa style (breath-connected flow) that originated with Ashtanga. Like Hatha Yoga, some postures are easy and some are more challenging, and more sun-salutation elements are included.
Ashtanga Slow Flow is similar to Vinyasa, but we follow the Ashtanga sequence with Lotus-style postures omitted. This class is a good prep for Mysore-style Ashtanga.
Mysore-style Ashtanga - we teach 48 postures of Primary series and 9 postures that begin Intermediate series. Students learn and practice the postures at their own pace, learning the poses one-by-one with assistance from the teacher. This process can take 1-10 years for Primary series alone, so this practice is for students who are ready to commit to a long-term daily yoga practice. Intermediate - our most advanced class practices headstand for longer periods (sometimes 10 minutes or more), backbends including drop-backs, and arm balances. To determine if you are ready for this class, time your headstand at home with a timer or clock until you can hold it for 3 minutes away from a wall. Students should have no limiting injuries. Ask your teacher or contact Laura Spaulding (502)585-9642 for more information about what classes are appropriate for you. | 
