CLASSES


What Styles of Yoga do we Offer?

At Chinook Yoga we embrace Swami Siviananda's words "The paths are many, the Truth is one." We therefore offer a wide variety of classes in a number of different styles so that there really is something for everyone! All of our teachers have extensive training, and are certified at either the 200 hour or 500 hour level.

Beginners – ideal for students who are new to yoga or just feel like they need to return to the basics. These classes teach all the fundamentals used in all subsequent classes including standing poses, forward and backward bends, twists and relaxation.

Body Balance - improve body efficiency and ease, both on and off the mat. Release tension through your back, hips, shoulders and neck. Deepen core stability and increase flexibility and strength with pure movement principles combined with classic asana and breath awareness. This is a great class to balance out other yoga classes or as a cross training for any sport or activity. Those wishing to work on a specific injury would do better with yoga therapy.

Vinyasa/Dynamic – refers to a series of specific yoga postures sequenced together. A focus on breathing is essential for this yoga. The breath must lead the way in our practice from posture to posture. Our classes are influenced by Ashtanga, Power and Kripalu Yoga styles.

Yoga for Every Body - In this gentle class, students refine their knowledge of asanas and pranayama. Asanas are personalized for different body types. Various props are used to maximize body awareness and stimulate the blood flow to the organs. Beginners welcome.

Yoga Therapy - is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the philosophy and practice of Yoga. Yoga Therapy classes develop a program of yoga postures, meditation and breathing techniques specific to your needs and goals. This class is suitable for people who have pain, injury or illness that is limiting the things they love to do; are open minded and ready to embrace new ideas about how the body and mind interact; are dedicated and willing to invest in themselves; and, want to function better and find more balance in life.

Vinyasa 2/3 – combines a multitude of styles for students with a dedicated practice within one vigorous class. Very popular! Yoga experience recommended.

Pre-Natal & Mom and Baby – 6 week sessions dedicated to developing a nurturing yoga practice during pregnancy or with your beautiful new baby.

Radiant Child – founded by Shakta Kaur Khalsa, a Montessori educator and certified Kundalini yoga instructor. It is an internationally known program that helps children to celebrate "self" with awareness by practising asanas, mudras, mantras, simple breath work and meditation. Games, yoga activities, songs, snack time and sharing make it fun!

Yin Yoga - is a yoga practice that targets connective tissue, specifically ligaments and tendons in the hips, pelvis and the spine. Over time, this practice can lengthen these tissues and increase range of motion. This class is suitable for almost all levels of students and is a perfect complement to more dynamic (yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles.

Yin Fusion - in this class we will balance the practice with some gentle flowing vinyasa, creating internal heat to prepare for movement into longer held Yin Yoga poses.  Through awareness in all aspects of the practice we will  find the edges of our limitations and subtly work beyond those boundaries with relaxed effort.  This is an open class for all yogis.

Espresso Yoga - want a kick in the morning that doesn't involve caffeine? Try an early morning class that will leave you feeling energized and ready to conquer your day.

Restorative Yoga - the perfect way to end your week and prepare yourself for what lies ahead. A completely restorative guaranteed to help you sleep! Suitable for all levels.

Yoga for Fertility - this is a yoga class for women who are on a journey toward trying to have a baby, and are experiencing difficulty. We will practice yoga poses specifically designed to enhance fertility and reduce anxiety.

Moksha Inspired - Moksha yoga is a form of hot yoga that is ideal for the yoga beginner as well as the seasoned practitioner. Every Moksha Yoga class takes you through a series of strengthening and toning postures in the detoxifying calm of a heated studio.

Core Fluidity - a new yoga class led by Carla, will help you become strong and centered. The class will focus on developing core strength in the abdominal area as well as through the lower back and side body. Pranayama will also be explored. All levels welcome!


CLASS LEVELS

We have also designated levels to our classes to help students choose the right intensity for their experience. Class levels are indicated on the schedule page with each class

  • OPEN: All levels welcome, work at your own pace!
  • Level 1: This is a class for the beginner or someone who wishes to  get back to the basics and revisit the fundamentals of a Hatha yoga class.
  • Level 1/2: Suitable for those who have some yoga experience and are wanting to dive deep into all asanas at a moderate pace. It is open to all levels but because of the slower tempo is appropriate for experienced beginners as well.
  • Level 2: This type of class explores the beginning stages of advanced poses while focusing on stamina and flexibility through more vigorous sequences. An ongoing practice is recommended.
  • Level 2/3: For those who want to work hard - internally and externally! Cultivating concentration, confidence and endurance this class will push you to your limits, but still be lots of fun! For students who have had at least 6 months of dedicated practice.