Class Descriptions

Vinyasa Flow:

Let the breath guide your body, each inhalation and exhalation bringing you back to yourself. Our vinyasa flow classes are vigorous, with dynamic sequences that link breath and movement, building internal heat that opens the physical body for transformation, and stillness in the mind. These classes are for physically active individuals who want to explore the depths and edges of their physical body and greater consciousness.

Yoga Blend • • • Yoga Blend & Flow:

These classes are a blend and inspiration of multiple hatha yoga traditions. Taking these various hatha yoga disciplines such as ashtanga (a dynamic connecting of postures, that creates a flow between the more static traditional yoga postures) and Iyengar (which focuses on the structural alignment of the physical body through the development of asanas, stabilized by using props ) and unites them for a synergistic blend. These classes offer a unique approach to integrating the teachings of different lineages. Students receive an eclectic and integrative experience that unites the greatest offerings of the practice into a whole-istic yoga class.

Pelvic Floor Flow™:

“Integrity • Strength • Stability • From the Inside Out™” Learn to create strength, flexibility and integrity to your pelvic floor with inquiry and meaningful direct experiences. This class is facilitated through experiential learning and action based discovery. Each individual student is actively involved in the process of creating “PELVIC FLOOR” awareness. This class includes:

Refining the Flow™:

“Mind-FULL Vinyasa Flow™” Learn the proper “foundations” and proper alignment for your individual body in each asana to create strength and integrity to your muscles and joints, as well as equanimity to the “whole” body. We’ll look at the major building blocks of each asana, break them down, and RE-DEFINE them in each individual body. In this class we’ll review through inquiry, reflection and action each asana (posture) and the elements that create Mind-FULL Vinyasa Flow™. We’ll further explore transitions unique to Vinyasa Flow and refine the elements of breath, bandha (gentle lifts & holds in the body) and movement between them. Move past the shell of the pose and cultivate “Depth of the pose”.

Yinyasa:

Yinyasa features both the active movement of vinyasa flow, as well as the complementary practice of yin, which focuses on release of the deep connective tissues. Like a satisfying exhale after rapid breathing, the passive poses of yin feel deeply relaxing especially following the strength-building poses typical of vinyasa flow. The intention of this class is to help build focus and strength, allowing us to enjoy the relief of passive stretching and a more peaceful mind. This class is suitable for all levels.

Yin Yoga:

Yin Yoga consists of passive poses and focus mostly on the hips, pelvis, lower back, and knees. Poses are done primarily on the floor and are held from 3 to 5 minutes, making it a complementary practice to vinyasa flow classes, which are more active. Yin Yoga targets the deep connective tissues of the body. This class is suitable for all levels, as well as beginners.

Classical Yoga *In the Iyengar Tradition:

Classical yoga is from the Iyengar yoga tradition and is based on the teachings of BKS Iyengar. It is known for its focus on alignment and precision. This practice is methodical, and standing poses are the basis for further teaching and study. Poses are taught from the base, and precise instructions are given for every pose. classical yoga provides an excellent foundation for all yoga practices. By using props such as straps, blocks and bolsters, classical yoga allows students to find better mobility and steadiness in their practice. Props also allow passive opening of the body in restorative work. Dependency on these props is not encouraged and as students make progress the use of props in active poses might become unnecessary. However, mature students learn how to make use of props to deepen the work, even after they don’t need to use the props anymore. Classical yoga is recommended for beginners and for people recovering from illness or injury.

GENTLE Yoga Blend

Gentle & Therapeutics – 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-feeling “stressed out”, weakened or fatigued. In this class the “Allowing” of the body to be supported in different Yoga poses, both active and restorative, with conscious breathing brings balance in one’s energy and a clear calmness to one’s mind. This class typically includes deep stretching, guided meditation, and breath work. In addition, this class accommodates the INDIVIDUAL needs of each student with different conditions, injuries, and physical abilities. This is also the class to explore when returning from an injury, surgery, or when the body feels compromised in any way… Take a gentler, slower, therapeutic path!

Yoga Therapy:

Yoga therapy combines yoga poses with safe, gentle muscle and structural therapy. Therapy is addressed individually based on specific health concerns by adapting poses and routines specifically for each individual student within the group. Yoga therapy advocates the belief that since yoga is a holistic discipline – teaching that the mind, body, and spirit are connected – yoga therapy can go beyond the results that are possible with more traditional approaches.

Integrative Restoration – iRest®:

Extensively researched, iRest is a deeply relaxing and transformative practice that leads to physical, psychological, and spiritual health, healing and well-being. A non-movement based meditation, iRest invites you to discover an intrinsic sense of peace that is always present, regardless of your life circumstances. It is a proven therapeutic response for PTSD and chronic pain. Additionally, a host of benefits have seen in studies with multiple sclerosis and cancer outpatients, and for those coping with depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances. iRest is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Yoga for Mood Management:

Ongoing stress or wounding from the past causes us to respond physiologically in a way that creates states of anxiety and depression in the body and the brain. Stress and emotions are held in the body so that our movement and our breathing can become restricted. We hold past emotional wounding in our bodies and become habitually frozen in our stance, physically and emotionally.

The 8 fold path of Yoga and mindfulness meditation help us move the body, become aware of body sensations, and break the physical and mental habits that contribute to mood disturbance. The focus is on aligning the body in asana (postures) safely in order to create states of ease for optimal breathing and mental health. If our bodies are happy so are our brains.

In this class we will move & support the body in active and restorative asana, utilizing the breath and mindfulness meditation to first recognize and then to effect changes in our mood state and our reactivity. We will begin a holistic inquiry into Self and gain tools to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety, thereby lessening the hold these states have on our lives. This class is appropriate for anyone who acknowledges a need to regulate mood or manage stress whether you have a formal diagnosis or not.

Yoga for Stress Relief:

Picture this…your work is piling up, endless emails to reply to, you have to pick up kids and take them here and there, and get to the grocery store to pick up things. Between family stresses and work stresses, there’s enough in our worlds to make a very sane, sensible person go a little mad… At least momentarily… At times like this a deep breath and a downward facing dog can do wonders. We all know that stress can lead to a variety of health problems. It’s a proven fact. Yoga offers a great tool for stress management and relaxation. This class will help you to reach a state of deep peace in body, mind and spirit. We’ll explore yoga poses in a way that will encourage you to relax and release anxiety. We’ll encourage further relaxation by controlling the breath, which signifies your vital energy. Yoga teaches us that to control our breath is to gain control of our body and mind. To completely balance out the class, we’ll then work to begin to train the mind with meditation. Suitable for ALL and for beginners as well.

Restoratives – Relax & Renew:

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!

Luna Yoga for Women:

This practice of Luna is specifically tailored to a woman’s body, and honors the divine feminine within. This practice creates community by exploring the use of verbal and non-verbal expression, moon salutations, and posture collaboration. It is a unique, right-brain, hip driven and heart opening way to boost creativity, sensuality and fertility while balancing your moon cycle. So come to relax, renew and reconnect with your feminine power.

Kundalini Fusion Yoga:

Kundalini focuses on breath, relaxation and connecting the mind, body and spirit. Using sound current, movement and meditation, Kundalini Yoga will help you open your heart, empty your mind and move you with ease into a more loving and spontaneous way of enjoying life. Through the gentle stretching and focused breath work of Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D., you will find improved flexibility, better concentration and an opening of the spirit…as well as countless other benefits! This class is for all, and perfect for those who are brand new to yoga.

Pre-Natal:

We birth as we conceive. Within each woman is the power to create, nurture and love gracefully. Our pre-natal yoga classes foster each unique woman’s journey to birth. We offer conscious women a spiritual yoga practice, affording them purity in strength, flexibility, health, concentration, surrender, and faith in a safe and nurturing environment in which yoga postures are modified for the changing needs of the expectant mother. Develop strength, flexibility, proper breathing and inner peace while healing the split between soul and spirit found in our culture. Prepare the body, mind, spirit, and greater consciousness for the journey to birth.

Post-Natal:

Birth is the most obvious expression of “What IS.” After delivery hormones begin to balance again, and the size of the uterus returns to pre-pregnancy. Once bleeding ceases and medical clearance to exercise is given, new mothers make their way back to the mat and begin with gentle movements that rebuild the pelvic floor, and strengthen the abdominal wall. In addition to using the physical yoga postures to address the specific needs of the new mother including creating equanimity and balance in the body, as well as relieving neck and shoulder tension, while interacting with your baby in a supportive loving environment.

ULY Mom’s Village Community Group:

Mothers, bring your babies and toddlers (up to 2 years of age) to play, learn and love while you’re united with a community of supportive, loving women facilitated by doula, Jaquelin Levin-Zabare. Our supportive community facilitates a consciously aware serene haven for mothers to communicate and discuss relevant needs to each individual mother, as well as “motherhood and raising our infants, toddlers and school-age children”. This group is sharing community where ideas, parenting skills, creativity, and LOVE grow! This is where mothers “blossom together… As a community! Weekly themes & plans for the group are posted on our ULY Mom’s Community Village Group “BOARD” in the Urban Lily Yoga studio.

“A supportive community is as fundamental to the well-being of our spirit as a healthy mind or body.” ~Sobunfu Some

Toddler & Me Yoga:

This is a fun family class where children and mom/dad get to play in yoga together. Children are natural yogis and find poses and breath authentically. We use songs, games and imitation to introduce yoga to this age group. This toddler and me class is for ALL “walking” tots and up to 4 years of age.

Yoga for Kids:

Fun and imaginative, our yoga for kids classes are designed to help children build strength, flexibility, and concentration in a non-competitive environment. Classes emphasize playful exploration, teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving skills within the yoga class. Individual, small, and whole group yoga exercises are explored, as well as partner poses. Children unite and learn to connect with themselves and each other for joyful, play-FULL, yoga experiences.

Yoga for Tween-Teen:

This fun, upbeat class in a light-hearted environment will address the unique conditions of tween-teen athletes and students alike! Current music is combined with asana, breath, and concentration to expand teen awareness and enrich their sense of self. At Urban Lily, we recognize that in today’s world teenagers are overwhelmed by pressures socially, in school, sports, college prep, and so much more. Numerous studies show that by addressing these conditions, teens can improve levels of anxiety, focus, concentration, creativity, responsible behavior, and academic achievement. This class strives to give teens a comfortable environment to explore yoga, create body awareness, self-respect & self-confidence, begin to learn much needed relaxation techniques, supplement their current physical activities, and learn to care for themselves more efficiently. This class is meant for tween-teens only and all levels are welcome!

Pilates for ALL:

Pilates is a series of whole body exercises designed to build strength while developing balance and flexibility. Primarily, these exercises focus on the body’s abdominal and back muscles and on spinal mobility. The majority of the exercises are done on one’s back, promoting core strength in a supported position. Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It can even alleviate common problems such as back, neck and shoulder pain as well help to prevent injury. Pilates teaches overall body awareness, while improving posture, flexibility, balance, strength and agility, which is important to our overall health and well-being. Learning how to properly engage and control your powerhouse is an essential component of other sports activities such as running, biking, golf, and yoga. In this all-levels Pilates Mat class, emphasis will be placed on proper breathing techniques, correct spinal and pelvic alignment and concentration on smooth, flowing movement. Pilates is excellent for all levels, including beginners.

Partner Yoga~Contact Yoga Blend:

Come and explore a unique and fun yoga practice in a supportive and respectful atmosphere. In partner yoga we are able to deepen our understanding of trust, communication, and intimacy while building strength and flexibility in deeper and more effective ways than we could alone. Most importantly, partner yoga is also playful, relaxed and fun! In this class we’ll incorporate flowing sequences in which partners mirror and complement each other and explore postures in which partners assist, support, and provide appropriate resistance for each other?-find moments of connection through skillful touch, massage, and conscious breathing. This class is appropriate for those with a regular yoga practice looking to explore in a new way, and also for those that are completely new to yoga. Bring your spouse, significant other, friend, neighbor, family member, an open mind and a playful heart.