Helping You Get Out of Your Own Way - LifePower Yoga Signature Formats
LifePower Yoga - January 03, 2012
In today’s world, we are consumed by disruptions and distractions. Life is ever moving, ever evolving and it’s hard to keep up. That’s why we flock to yoga: to find peace, equanimity and the ability to let go.
Yet, even in yoga, it may be hard for us to fully release and be in the moment. Why is my breathing off today? Am I doing this pose right? Ugh, all I can think about is soccer practice tomorrow night. Who’s carpooling again?
This is why LifePower Yoga is happy to introduce new signature class formats for 2012, which include SlowBurn, Vinyasa Flow and Hot Vinyasa Flow (descriptions below). These formats, designed by National Director of LifePower Yoga Jonny Kest, intend to help you “get out of your own way” and be happy.
And the best part about these new formats? They have not changed our signature LifePower Yoga style. Instead, our style has evolved to help you elevate your yoga journey.
You’ may be skeptical. Kimberly Spreen, national director of Group Fitness Programming and Education at Life Time Fitness, offers some reassurance for you, “Our new formats — which focus on breath and flow — offer a come as you are proposition. They provide a multi-level experience that encourages practitioners to listen to their own bodies, while finding their personal edge. The new formats facilitate the process of connectingt with your breath while listening to your body, your muscles and your energy.”
In a typical yoga class, an instructor delivers and demonstrates yoga postures for his or her students. Students then imitate what is modeled, frequently following the direction given. This, Kimberly says, creates a reliance on the teacher and often makes people think they cannot practice yoga independently. The new flow formats for LifePower Yoga encourage students to find a personal yoga practice in and out of the studio.
Each format and class follows six stages that, when threaded together, allow every student to experience a well-rounded yoga practice. Stages include:
Creating a non-judgmental, sacred and safe place to practice
Starting the breath work to ignite your spirit and begin to listen to your body
Lighting your inner fire by warming your mind and body through a sequencing of postures
Building your fire by increasing the intensity of postures to challenge your muscles
Utilizing the fire you’ve created to find a deep release and challenge your edge in various postures
Sealing the practice with finishing postures and final relaxation, knonw as shavasana
“Jonny teaches his students that they are always a breath away from hand stand and a breath away from child’s pose. And one posture is not better than the other. In the end, we are the only ones who know what our bodies are capable of in the moment, regardless of our teacher’s instruction,” Kimberly adds.
New signature formats for LifePower Yoga include:
SlowBurn — For all levels. From the slower progressive sequences, to the longer holding postures, the entire body and mind are brought into balance in this focused, intense yet calming class. It is a great option for newer students who may be nervous about trying yoga. You will be encouraged to explore all the benefits of each posture while finding equanimity between challenge and release. This practice is typically accompanied by soothing music.
Vinyasa Flow — For all levels. Enjoy an energetic yoga class that uses a flowing series of postures to create heat within the body as you increase strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The teacher first guides the class through the flow together; then, each student moves at his or her own pace. Vinyasa Flow is good for new students who are physically active, those interested in the benefits of yoga, and anyone who wants to dive in to a multi-level yet strong practice. This practice is typically accompanied by upbeat music.
Hot Vinyasa — For all levels. HEATED anywhere from 85 to 95 degrees Enjoy an energetic yoga class that uses a flowing series of postures to create heat within the body as you increase strength, flexibility, endurance and balance. The teacher first guides the class through the flow together; then, each student moves at his or her own pace. Hot Vinyasa is good for new students who are physically active, those interested in the benefits of yoga, and anyone who wants to dive in to a multi-level yet strong practice. This practice is typically accompanied by upbeat music.
Additional formats, including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yoga Basics (formerly Hatha Yoga), Fitness Yoga and Yin/Restorative Yoga, are also available.
Have questions? Talk with your local Yoga Coordinator or Group Fitness Manager about these new formats and how they can help you achieve great calm in 2012.