Ashtanga yoga is named after the term given in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras for the eight-fold path of yoga, or ashtanga, meaning “eight-limbed” in Sanskrit. It was Sri K. Pattabhi’s belief that the asana “limb” of yoga must be practiced before the others could be mastered. The practice was developed in Mysore, India where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois taught and set up the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute.
There are several key principles that underlie the practice of Ashtanga yoga:
- Breath: It is recommended that postures are held for five to eight breaths or more, if possible.
- Drishti: For every posture in the series, there is a set of drishtis, or gaze points.
- Vinyasa: This is the breathing system that connects every movement in the series with the breath.
- Bandhas: The practice should be carried out with the bandhas, or “body locks,” engaged in order to ensure that the breath is also correct.
- Daily practice: A six-days-per-week practice is encouraged, with Saturday as the rest day. The days of the full and new moon should also be taken as rest days, and women may also refrain from practicing during menstruation.
This class follows a dynamic sequence of asanas/poses designed to stretch, strengthen, and detoxify your body. Expect to sweat and be challenged. Some simple hands on adjustments may be offered, and modifications will be shown as necessary. Sanskrit names and counts are used as much as possible. Appropriate for those new to yoga that are in good physical shape.
This class is based on the ashtanga series and follows the signature technique of linking breath and movement, also called vinyasa. It will begin with seated mindful breathing and slowly warm the body in preparation for Sun Salutations. The pace of this class will be mellow and the sequence will be tailored to the students in attendance. Flow will include a short standing sequence, a short floor sequence, and finish with final long stretches and a reclined relaxation.
Suitable for all levels.
In modern times, most of us live a somewhat sedentary lifestyle motivated by what can be achieved and accomplished. Our modern lifestyle adversely affects the biomechanics of the body which creates stress to the nervous system and impairs brain function. This lifestyle has an impact on our emotional, physical, and mental health.
The Kaiut method is a biomechanical yoga practice designed by Francisco Kaiut to serve the modern body and modern mind. This format is intended to increase freedom of movement. Francisco Kaiut’s method is deeply influenced by his professional practice as a chiropractor and his education in craniosacral and polarity therapies, deep tissue massage, and hatha yoga.
The Kaiut Method works from the joints to maintain and return the body to an optimal structure and function allowing the internal systems to function as efficiently as possible, for as long as possible. By focusing on the joints as opposed to stretching the muscles, practitioners can work with the cause behind the symptom.
The Kaiut Method works with the body in the way that the body was designed by nature to move. This is an inclusive method, using simple shapes to create a format of yoga accessible to all practitioners regardless of flexibility, strength, age, or experience. The method aims to deliver consistent long-term healing results as opposed to creating aesthetic shapes. It has been designed to work through chronic pain & injuries, general aches & stiffness, and work for the inflexible, hyper flexible and the aging body.
Suitable for all levels.
Get connected to your body and soul through breath guided movement, in this fun, energetic flow class. Bring your energy…leave your inhibitions. A closing meditation to bring you back down and relax. Our Vinyasa classes make the connection between movement and breath with a series of poses that will take you through the power of inhaling and exhaling as your body moves through the sequence. No two classes are the same. Learn the basics of yoga: breathing, meditation, proper positioning, and the use of props. Expect a mix of holding stretches and flowing sequences.
This 75 minute session is fun and eclectic in nature. Get connected to your body and soul through breath guided movement, in this fun, energetic flow class. Bring your energy…leave your inhibitions. A closing meditation to bring you back down and relax. Our Vinyasa classes make the connection between movement and breath with a series of poses that will take you through the power of inhaling and exhaling as your body moves through the sequence. No two classes are the same. Learn the basics of yoga: breathing, meditation, proper positioning, and the use of props. Expect a mix of holding stretches and flowing sequences. The practice is fun and informative with an experienced teacher who provides support to make the practice accessible/challenging for all levels.
Yin – the yoga of stillness. Lengthens connective tissue and reduces inflammation. Longer holds, best practiced ‘cold’ before the body warms up. Vinyasa – breath to movement. A more vigorous practice. Lengthens and strengthens muscles and promotes mental clarity.
In VinYin, we offer this combination for strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Join us! You will leave feeling fantastic! Suitable for all levels.
Yin yoga is the perfect compliment to our yang style of yoga practice. Yang yoga practices include vinyasa, ashtanga, even running, cycling, or any physical activity.
Yin is very passive approach to yoga where poses are performed mainly seated on the floor or laying down. The poses are held for longer periods of time allowing deeper access to the body targeting our connective tissues, fascia and ligaments with the aim of lubricating and protecting our joints. These are areas of the body not often reached with a typical yang style yoga practice or fitness regime.
Other Classes
Untangle your mind while untangling your body. This all levels class will move slowly through a vinyasa flow to reset your nervous, glandular and limbic systems. Using asana, breathing techniques, and focus-building practices, this class aims to relax the mind and body. The goal of this class it to tap into a state of deep peace and knowing. Untangle Yoga begins on February 21, 2022 and will take place each Monday night thereafter at 5:45 pm. Virtual and In Person.
Mixed Method Yoga blends various Yoga styles including, Qigong and other methods, with the goal of keeping the body and mind fully functional. This class is beginner friendly yet will challenge even the most fit, and will be enjoyed by all.
This class is appropriate for all students seeking the benefits of a very relaxing, gentle, and nourishing practice. The combination of gentle and deep restorative work improves range of motion and joint mobility while reducing pain and the effects of stress. Students with injuries, arthritis, or other chronic conditions are welcome. Students with limitations related to age or size as well as those with a more vigorous yoga or other exercise routine will benefit from this practice. All asanas/postures are fully propped to provide total support in the asana as taught under the lineage of BKS Iyengar. No prior yoga experience required, all will benefit.
Kundalini Yoga is an uplifting blend of spiritual and physical practices, combining meditation, movement, mantra and dynamic breathing techniques to strengthen the mind, body and spirit. This ancient practice brings self-healing, inspiration, and transformation. Kundalini Yoga empowers us to prosper, excel, and shine in life! Collierville Yoga’s Kundalini and Meditation Class is for all fitness levels. Research supports that Kundalini Yoga may improve perceived and actual stress (salivary cortisol levels), mental depression, obsessive compulsive symptomology, mood, connection to one’s life purpose, coping skills among cancer patients, recovery from substance abuse withdrawal, and abstinence from abuse/addiction. The possibilities are limitless as research continues to explore the profound effects of Kundalini yoga on other illnesses and medical conditions.
This All Levels Yoga class enhances the benefits of a regular yoga practice by teaching and learning what works for each student’s individual body. Because each pose is a journey, there is a point for every student along the journey of each pose. This class is conducted in workshop form, providing alignment-based instruction for each pose. Props and modifications are used and encouraged, where necessary, to assist students in developing body awareness and finding that point along the journey that gives each student the optimal benefit of a pose. Breath work is taught so that each student can learn to move and flow in synchronicity with the breath, thus providing an enjoyable and fulfilling yogic experience. If you are new to yoga, this class is a good place to start. If you have a little or a lot of experience in yoga, this class will help reenforce good practices and help ease or correct alignment issues, so that each pose can be practiced with ease and comfort.
The Youth programs run seasonally throughout the year. Students are expected but not required to attend all sessions in order to gain the maximum benefit and fun! The class requires a good attitude, discipline, and don’t forget the fun. There are many benefits beyond creating fit bodies for athletic and non-athletic youth! According to Psychology Today, the benefits include improving physical fitness and general health, reducing stress and anxiety, improving optimism, improving focus and school performance, improving self-esteem and body image, encouraging creativity, and developing discipline and self-regulation. According to Psychology Today, more than 1.7 million children and teens are practicing yoga and many schools now offer yoga programs to help with student’s mental and physical development. No experience necessary, ages 9-13.