class descriptions

Established in 2002, YOGA ON YORK specializes in intelligent, mind-body fitness classes that are safe, effective, mindful and fun classes. All instructors hold 200 or 500 hour registration with Yoga Alliance and attend regular continuing education.  We instruct correct alignment of each posture and encourage you to "listen to your body".  We are fully available to help modify postures to make them safe for your individual body.

Our Vinyasa Flow style yoga classes are informed by the Ashtanga, Iyengar and Bikram traditional yoga lineages.  

LEVEL I (formerly called YOGA FOUNDATIONS) 
At a gentle pace, our Level I classes provide clear instruction on the proper alignment of foundational yoga postures and breathing.  No two classes are exactly the same, allowing you to experience, practice and master a variety of basic yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility, improve posture and decrease stress. Recommended for beginners who can  get up and down from the floor with ease, and also great for
experienced students who desire a gentle pace.  
Studio is 72-75 degrees.

LEVEL II (formerly called Slow Flow and Yoga Challenge)
At a moderate pace, our Level II classes clearly teach the alignment fundamentals of the yoga postures.  Expect more challenging postures and sequences that utilize the breath-to-movement flow.  Classes include Sun Salutations and a wide variety of standing postures, forward bends, twists, back strengthers and core integration.  This level is beginner-friendly if you do not have any injuries and already lead an active lifestyle.  
Studio is 80-85 degrees.

LEVEL III (formerly called Vinyasa Flow Intermediate and Power Flow)
Not suitable for new students, at a vigorous pace our Level III classes are designed for students comfortable with Level II classes and seeking to challenge and deepen their practice.   Utilizing Sun Salutations and advanced posture sequences coordinated to Ujjayi yogic breathing you will
build stamina, strength and flexibility.  This moving meditation will leave you sweaty, invigorated and centered.  
Studio is 80-85 degrees.  

specialty classes - "drop-in" style, no need to pre-register

GENTLE YOGA & MEDITATION   Starts Sept. 18, No class Oct. 30 or Nov. 6
This Level I, beginner-friendly class will introduce you to the practice of mindful meditation based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, and help you to begin to cultivate a new awareness, “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” Class will begin with fully guided gentle yoga and breathing exercises that are accessible to all, and designed to prepare your body to settle into stillness in meditation.   Taught by Maureen Byrne, LCSW, RYT and a trained meditation instructor in the Jon Kabat-Zinn tradition. 
 

YOGA TONE
This Level II class is a synergy of yoga, pilates, and weight training.  The ideal cross-training class,  YogaTONE combines core strengthening from pilates, light hand weights, and traditional yoga poses for a workout that will increase your energy, and strength.  

YOGA CORE
This vigorous fitness class is brimming with intense core strengthening exercises for abdominals, back, gluts, and thighs. The class utilizes interval training mixing high intensity bursts of exercise with moderate intensity recovery periods to supercharge your fitness. Yoga postures are incorporated throughout to re-lengthen the core muscles after strengthening. The result is a unique, effective body sculpting class intelligently crafted by Jeff.
Studio is 80-85 degrees. [Prerequisite: For those already comfortable with the Sun Salutes, taught in the Vinyasa Slow Flow classes; not intended for students new to yoga.]

specialty classes - PRE-REGISTRATION necessary

TRX Suspension Training (Pre-Register on website under CLASSES tab)
Utilizing suspension straps for hands or feet, TRX Suspension Training builds truly functional core strength, and improves flexibility and balance.  Born in the Navy Seals, the TRX Suspension Training provides the ideal mix of support and mobility for cutting-edge training to optimize your human performance.

RUNNERS YOGA SERIES (Pre-Register on website under Workshops tab)
Runners often suffer from overuse injuries and pain due to the repetitive nature of movement in one plane of motion.  Join other running enthusiasts for this 4-week series which will include a group 2-3 mile run and yoga.  Post-run yoga will focus on the essential yoga postures for runners, teaching proper alignment that brings balance back to your runners body thru increased range of motion, flexibility,  and strength.  Taught by Dora Gough, RYT, Physical Therapist and avid runner.
 
PARENT & TODDLER YOGA (Pre-Register on website under CLASSES tab)
This class is designed for parents of toddlers, crawling up to 36 months, who want to do some yoga without needing to find childcare. Toddlers will enjoy an open play space with age-appropriate toys and the opportunity to interact with one another while parents engage in a beginner-friendly, Level II Vinyasa Flow yoga practice.

YogaMOVES for 3-5 year olds (Pre-Register on website under CLASSES tab)
Dance, play, and explore all the joys of movement and yoga.  Shimmy, jump, and wiggle your way into fun yoga poses.  Create shapes of animals, flow like rivers, and gently balance in the breeze as yoga trees.  Engaging songs and delightful movement games brings yoga to life and fosters a foundation of mindful movement and deep breathing as wellness tools for ifetima lifetime.

YogaKIDS for 6-10 year olds (Pre-Register on website under CLASSES tab)
Let your down dogs bark, your cows moo and your trees blossom as we discover the benefits of yoga in a fun, playful class.
Yoga for children increases focus, reduces stress, builds strong and flexible bodies. Starting yoga at a young age sets a lifelong foundation for well-being. We practice breathing exercises to lower stress chemistry and tone the respiratory system, brain balancing activities, energizing poses to increase strength and flexibility and we end with relaxation exercises. Most importantly YogaKids classes are FUN!

YogaTEENS for 11-15 year olds (Pre-Register on website under CLASSES tab)
Moving in and out of yoga poses, concentrating on proper alignment and awareness, teens learn to stretch their bodies, deepen their breath and enhance their mood. A yoga practice becomes a life skill that young adults can call upon to cope with and balance the stresses of schoolwork and life.

Studies show that teens with a regular yoga practice perform better on tests, and deal more effectively with life's challenges. Teen athletes that use yoga as cross training, tend to have fewer injuries. This practice is beneficial to all teens as a way to improve strength, flexibility and inner peace.