Balancing Monkey Yoga Center
Class Structure at Balancing Monkey... what?
Yes,
For our fifth birthday, we are growing up by simplifying. We love variety. We love subversion more. But in order to be defiant there has to be structure, "an establishment" if you will. This is what we've done. We have established a structure, actually our friend Darren Rhodes gave us that poster that divides the practice into syllabuses. You now have two options for three levels of practice: Basics, Expanding, or Radical. With those levels of practice, you now have mostly two styles to choose from Fundamentals or Flow.
Simple. Specific. Superb Yoga
Basic Flow Summer Style
You are in for a treat this summer. Basic Flow Summer Style is the chosen class for the mentorship program with Heather Heintz for Balancing Monkey's Teacher Training. This means detailed alignment cues, creative and explorative flows within a specific area of asana, and three times the adjustments. Yes. You will still ROCK a vinyasa class with poses from the basic syllabus. Come practice in a super supportive learning environment for the eleven brilliant monkeys who are exploring their pedagogical edge. yippeeeeee
a Monkey Arrangement in 27 measures, changing quarterly
We've actually taken this whole idea of "structure" one step further by creating our own Monkey Sequence. This flow is 27 poses in 65-minutes. Taken from the Basic Syllabus, Basic Flow is a sequence of poses that are challenging yet do-able, invigorating yet soporific that both strengthen and open the body. This Basic Flow or Vinyasa class will help you establish a very clear groundwork so that you can intelligently build and expand your yoga practice. And yes, one day have a structure to defy, to throw it out the window and re-invent your own.
Basic Fundamentals
Same basic asana syllabus, different approach. this alignment based class works with the same 27 poses of the quarter. In Fundamentals we take it one pose at a time paying close attention to correct body alignment to build strength and flexibility. The poses progress in a sequence that builds on previous actions and work as a whole for a desired effect. So whether we’re exploring back bends, inversions, hip openers, or how to be still in a pose, the goal is that you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of yourself, where your work is in each pose, and be in a calm balanced state. Slow, simple, and very do-able
Expanding Flow
Rock-and-Roll Baby… this class moves, flows and cascades. This is Balancing Monkey's version of Vinyasa Flow. All poses from the Basic and Expanding Syllabi are fair game. The sequencing depends on what our highest level teachers are in the mood for. We promise you will sweat and that you may just need to take child pose. So fun, Bring IT!
What the heck is Radical Tapas?
Beyond being the Spanish word for pupus, “Tapas” is Sanskrit for the conscious decision to make a burning effort to discover and achieve your dharma. Radical is the asana syllabus. The idea of this class is to use a difficult asana practice to look more deeply within ourselves and what we are doing there. The class is advanced, chocolate is shared, and limits are tested. Please note that this is a led class, meaning the instructor practices with you. You are welcome to join us if you don't require a lot of personal attention. We love giving our students personal attention just not in Tapas.
Prenatal Yoga Class
A safe and rejuvenating exploration of prenatal yoga and childbirth that will help prepare your mind and body for the miraculous act of giving birth, while connecting with a community of other expectant Mama's! Whether you are planning to give birth naturally, with the assistance of pain medication, or by cesarean section, yoga will benefit you, your baby, and your birth. Benefits include: improved strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance; relief and prevention of back pain, sciatica, swelling of wrists and ankles, leg cramps, and other pregnancy discomforts; reduced stress and anxiety through focused breathing exercises; improved digestion, posture, and sleep! Useful techniques for coping with labor and delivery will also be practiced. No prior yoga experience necessary.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga gently rejuvenates and restores strength and stamina to the body. The restorative practice is designed to restore the nervous system and help release deeply held tensions from the body and mind. We use props to support the postures, while gently stretching and strengthening the body. This class is appropriate for students recovering from sickness or injury, wanting to de-stress, or needing to balance out their strong asana practice. Everyone is welcome.
