We have the perfect place to discover yoga with our small classes and warm, friendly atmosphere. This class introduces the basics of every yoga practice, progressing at a gentle pace with enough time for questions, demonstration and assistance.
Learn about breath and movement, alignment in poses, the proper use of props, smooth and safe transitioning between poses, and the key poses themselves. Moreover, learn how yoga poses should feel, how to find your edge in a pose (that is, how far to go into a pose for your body at any given time), and how to modify poses to suit you best. Great for beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on the basics again.
This class is run as a session of 4 consecutive weeks. It is recommended to begin at the start of the session and to complete the 4 weeks as a unit. Once completed, you should be comfortable joining in to a wide variety of our yoga classes.
Ashtanga Yoga
2Based on the 'Primary Series' developed by Sri Pattabi Jois, Ashtanga involves aligning the breath with movement while transitioning smoothly through a sequence of poses.
Throughout the class, we work to balance strength and flexibility, and expect to have a good work out, including some core work.
Ashtanga is the classical form of Vinyasa yoga, and aims to strengthen and limber every muscle and system of the body over time.
At Yoga Grove, we offer 2 levels of Ashtanga:
Ashtanga Fundamentals: for those just starting with the practice, or those wishing to re-focus and be reminded of alignment and form
Ashtanga: for those that are ready to explore the traditional Primary Series. We will cater the class to the level of the students that join in.
Flowyoga I & II
Following a slow-paced sensuous flow of poses, Flowyoga in general is designed to awaken the spine, balance energy in the body, and bring serenity to the mind.
In Flowyoga I, the pace is slow enough so that focus can remain inward, and the practice will meet you right where you are at, as you discover your breath and learn to be present in each moment on and off your mat. Flowyoga I is designed such that it can be done by anyone at any level. Beginners are welcome, and advanced yogis will enjoy the opportunity to direct the attention inward and savour each pose as we explore how yoga is the art and practice of moving into stillness. In Flowyoga II, we continue to use the breath and our awareness to now explore our edges and to direct and refine the movement of energy through our bodies. Students are offered more challenging poses, in order to build up their strength, endurance and flexibility over time, but all the while cultivating equanimity and stillness in the mind, so as to experience yoga truly as a moving meditation. Note that Flowyoga II falls between Flowyoga I and Vinyasa in terms of pace and challenge.
Functional Strength for Yoga
Are you looking to take some time and further develop your core strength, as well as bring more strength and stability throughout your whole body? This will not only significantly enhance your yoga practice - the benefits will extend into all that you do.
This class features core work, joint mobilization, and functional movement to strengthen your muscles and develop a more integrated body, while maintaining the peace and equanimity of yoga itself.
The foundation you build in this class will allow you to move through your body with more ease, strength and grace, on and off your mat.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness is a skill and art that we can bring to anything and everything we do, to enhance our experience of it and bring more awareness and sensitivity to ourselves and the world around us.
Learn how to bring awareness and sensitivity to your self, body and mind in this much sought-after class with Nikki Gauci. Practice mindful meditation on a regular basis and discover the profound impact it can have on you and your life experience.
This class is suitable for all experience levels.
Restorative Yoga
Experience the luxury of deep and profound relaxation, allowing yourself to let go of all tension in the body and the mind.
Soft structures are built with bolsters and blankets, over which you lie down and relax, allowing you to rest in very gentle yoga poses for a period of time. This allows the body to gently open to the benefits of the pose, and for you to surrender into relaxation.
Initially designed for those with injuries or illness, this practice enables you to benefit deeply from yoga without any effort. It is extremely healing, and although it is a subtle practice, its benefits are profound.
Ideal for anyone under stress or fatigued, worn down from the busy-ness of their days, this practice provides the antidote to accumulated stress and strain in the body. It is especially beneficial for those with anxiety, depression, adrenal fatigue, cancer, or anyone dealing with a stress-related illness.
Restorative Flow Yoga
This class includes gentle, dynamic movement in all directions, as well as resting or passive restorative poses. Together with mindful breathing, these help to loosen up the body and melt away tension in both body and mind.
We top this off with a guided meditation to further calm your mind and restore your spirit.
This class is gentle and suitable for all levels.
Therapeutic Flow Yoga
Therapeutic Flow Yoga classes are designed to empower individuals to regain functionality in some part of their constitution.
The focus is placed on nurturing an awareness in the body and allowing you to connect with the present moment. A safe environment will be created for you to move at your own breath and movement capacity. These classes also include pranayama (conscious breathing), guided meditation and relaxation.
Every week, a therapeutic need will be addressed and tailored to the students in the room.
Vinyasa Yoga
In Vinyasa Yoga we use the sun salutations as a way to invite warmth into the body for a safe stretch, and then we visit standing and seated poses to open up and encourage ease into the body.
Throughout the class, every breath and movement becomes a focal point for the mind, encouraging meditation and a deep sense of calm.
Each class will begin and end with a gentle restorative yoga pose and guided meditation.
Yin-Restorative Yoga
Moving between slow sequences of longer held passive poses and restorative poses supported by props will allow you to slow down physically, and create space to connect internally.
Cultivate a powerful inner awareness as you calm the mind and nervous system and focus on the breath. Poses are done seated or lying down with the intention of supporting through the use of props so the body can relax and release.
This class is gentle and suitable for all levels.
Yoga for ages 50+
Combining elements of Flow and Gentle Hatha, enjoy a moving meditation that is gentle, flowing and balanced.
Yoga will enable you to improve your strength, flexibility, range of motion and balance, as well as to calm your mind and refresh your spirit.
Every pose is adapted to the needs of each person, and poses can be done standing, seated, or leaning on a support, to allow for all levels of mobility and stamina.
Yoga for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Specifically designed for people dealing with chronic stress and anxiety, this class is an ideal opportunity to explore various mind-body techniques that balance the stress response system and help to regulate the mind and emotions.
Enjoy gentle and accessible yoga postures, breath work, and mindfulness practices in a safe and supportive environment. Note that the instructor of this class has training in teaching trauma-sensitive yoga.
Yoga for Runners and Athletes
This class is for active bodies, including runners, cyclists and other athletes, and is open to people both new to yoga as well as more seasoned practitioners.
Yoga is the perfect complement to any other athletic pursuit, maintaining or bringing back flexibility, agility, and balance to one's active body.
Sequences are designed to stretch areas typically tight in runners and other athletes while building strength in areas needed for stability and endurance..
Students will work towards finding balance between strength and mobility throughout the body while developing a greater connectivity to the breath. Focus will be placed on such target areas as hips, hamstrings, quads and shoulders.
Get the most out of your favourite sport by adding yoga to your regular routine!