All classes at Essencia Yoga are grounded in the tradition of Hatha Yoga, the most widely practiced form of yoga in the world. Hatha Yoga uses postures (asana) in combination with breath work (pranayama) and mindfulness to cultivate balance and peace. Hatha Yoga encourages proper alignment of the body and is excellent for increasing flexibility, developing strength, improving body awareness, building concentration, and calming the mind.

Each class has a particular intention or focus as described below. Some are geared toward increasing strength and energy, while others are more soothing or restorative in nature, and each teacher brings their own individual style and expertise to the practice.

Classes are appropriate for students of all levels of yoga experience, unless otherwise indicated.

This class is for yogis looking to deepen their practice through exploration of sequencing and alignment, breath work, Yogic philosophy, mantras, mudras, and other energetic principles. At the end of this class you will have increased your work ethic on the mat. Prior yoga experience is assumed, though the class is open to all who are ready to explore.

This class walks the line between strength and flexibility, action and calm, effort and ease. Each class uses dynamic movement as well as longer holds to warm and energize the body while cultivating connection to breath and a focused mind. An en-livening physical practice will wind down with deeper stretches to release tension and restore ojas (vitality). Leave your mat feeling relaxed, alert, and balanced. Appropriate for students of all levels.

Learn the basics of yoga with an emphasis on healthy, safe alignment in the fundamental yoga postures. The class will focus on increasing flexibility and strength, improving posture and balance, quieting the mind, and breath work. This class is suitable for beginners and more experienced students who want a solid foundation to their practice.

Return home to your center and prepare for the week ahead in a cozy candlelit setting. Movement and breath work will circulate the energy and clear blockages before settling in for more restorative poses and a restful savasana. This class is for all students who are ready to unwind, refocus, and recharge. Appropriate for students of all levels.

Find your center and get grounded in body and mind in this gentle class. Chair yoga is practiced either sitting or using chairs for support in various postures and is designed to mindfully increase range of motion while meeting students where they are. This class is ideal for students with limited mobility or healing from injury. Appropriate for students of all levels.

This donation-based class is open to everyone! Led by various Essencia Yoga teachers each with their own personal style, this class is intended to be accessible for all. Meet other practitioners, experience time on the mat guided by our lovely teachers, and give back to the community all at the same time. There is no fixed cost to participate. If you are able to give, great! Donations are accepted on behalf of various local charities. Appropriate for students of all levels.

Engage your edge in this challenging and playful class. Harness your inner fire to explore creative transitions and experiment with advanced asana, while cultivating a deeper relationship to the warrior within. Attention to alignment and modifications are offered throughout to allow each yogi to choose their own adventure. This class emphasizes breath connection, core strength, awareness, and joy. Prior yoga experience is assumed, though the class is open to all who are ready to explore.

Awaken your body and mind in this class that acts as a natural stimulant. Who needs coffee?! This well-rounded practice will warm up the body and bring you from repose to refresh. Many of us sleep with the spine and hips rounded in fetal position, which is calming and introspective for rest and contemplation. In contrast, extension of the spine opens the heart and mind, and energizes the body, preparing the whole person for action.

Using the breath to circulate prana (life energy), we'll focus on standing poses, core activation, and opening the chest and upper back. Refresh the body and ground the nervous system, the perfect setup for a calm sense of alertness and a joyful day. All levels welcome.

Unwind from the day and prepare for deep rest in this supportive and rejuvenating class. We spend most of our day directing energy outward into our work and relationships. It is vital to also spend time at the end of the day redirecting energy inward to acknowledge and replenish ourselves. In this class, we'll connect to the support of the earth in standing and reclined poses, and invite energy and attention inward with pranayama (breath work) and meditation. Join us to experience the benefits of giving yourself your undivided attention. Appropriate for students of all levels.

Gentle movement to help facilitate recovery from illness and injury, but also perfect for anyone looking for stress-relief and deep body connection. The teacher safely and intuitively helps students to reconnect to their bodies at a pace that suits them. Classes include yoga asanas (postures), pranayama (yogic breathing), and meditation – all at levels and depths that can be modified to suit individual needs. Props are used to help the body open up and support muscles that need protection as they are encouraged to strengthen at a safe rate. Moving tension from the body and stilling the mind in this way helps us both cope with and recover from a wide range of conditions, including stress-related illnesses, joint replacements, spinal surgeries, neurological disease, arthritis, cancer, stroke, COPD, and more. This is a seated, chair-based class with an option to stand and/or use a mat on the floor.

Experience a profound sense of inner calm by taking time to sit in silence. With regular practice, meditation has the power to rewire your nervous system, leading to less reactivity and a more easeful orientation to life. We'll use a variety of tools to cultivate Witness Consciousness - the deepest part of you beneath physical sensations, your thoughts, and emotions - including gentle yoga poses, pranayama, visualization, guided and Transcendental meditation. This class is appropriate for brand new as well as seasoned practitioners. Appropriate for students of all levels.

Prenatal Yoga is a gentle yet powerful way to be active during pregnancy. Movement through postures and focus on the breath improves circulation of blood and oxygen, promoting calm and a general sense of well-being. Yoga also helps alleviate back pain and other common discomforts felt during pregnancy, facilitates deeper sleep, aids digestion, and prepares the body and mind for labor and birth.

In this class, we practice asana (postures), pranayama (breath work), and meditation techniques to deepen your connection to your own body and your baby. You will also find support being part of a community of parents-to-be on your journey through pregnancy and beyond. Open to all pregnant practitioners, no prior yoga experience needed.

Myofascial Release and Restore Yoga.  

This class is a great way to help tight muscles recover and release.  It is a blend of self massage techniques and relaxing supported yoga poses.  Myofascial Massage helps release restrictions to eliminate pain and increase range of motion. 

This gentle and therapeutic practice induces complete relaxation of the mind and body by holding passive, supported poses for an extended length. Using props for support allows for deep release of tension in the physical body. An emphasis on conscious relaxation soothes the nervous system and calms the mind. Better than a good night's sleep, you will leave your mat with a deep sense of rejuvenation. Appropriate for students of all levels.

Energize, ground, and balance in 45 minutes.

Many types of Yoga foster growth and development of our strong, active “yang” energy without creating opportunities for soft, subtle “yin” energy cultivation. In this class, we focus on the yin physical body (connective tissues in bones, joints & ligaments), cultivate an awareness and development of our yin mentality, and perhaps most importantly clear energy blockages through traditional yin asanas (poses) which are typically held for several minutes. The asanas target the lower part of the body including pelvis, hips, low back and legs, and will incorporate props as needed to fully align the body and prepare for a proper softening and meditation. This class is open for seasoned yogis and anyone ready to see why “yin is in!” Prior yoga experience is assumed, though the class is open to all who are ready to explore.

Private yoga sessions are tailored to your needs, whether you are rehabilitating an injury, looking to advance your physical postures, or deepen your meditation practice. Please email contact@essenciayoga.com for details and scheduling.