Mercer Island Yoga Community  

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Descriptions of Classes on Mercer Island*

Class Title

(as listed in the Schedule of Classes)

Description
Back 'n Balance

Integrates yoga with exercises known to gently stretch the back. The slower pace allows students to take their time and let their bodies unwind. Beginner-level yoga asanas (poses) are selected to strengthen core and improve balance. YogaVana

Everybody Yoga for Everybody is a gentle, meditative practice where postures are adapted to meet the unique needs of "Every Body" in the class. The focus is connecting breath with movement to bring the mind and body into balance. Students will gain flexibility, a calm mind and increased vitality. Perfect for the mature body. Yogabliss
FREE Yoga Fridays Poses include Bikram series with hatha influence.  Room temperature is moderate, not hot. Mercerwood
Gentle Vinyasa In this gentle yoga practice, movements are synchronized with the breath, turning rigidity into fluidity. With the breath as our guide we "go with the flow." Periodic pauses are taken as we rest in a more passive pose (asana) The emphasis in this class is on de-stressing the body and mind. Gentle yoga is very therapeutic in nature and is appropriate for those wanting a more restful, restorative practice. (Studio is warm.) Yogabliss
Hatha (with Shawn) Gentle, yet intense - and precise, with alternatives for those with limited range of motion. Using asana, pranayama, and meditation to enhance balance, true to the Hatha spirit. 'The Challenge' (intermediate inversions & backbends) 1st Saturday of month. Yin (slow, restorative) last Saturday of month. YogaVana

Hatha (with Maude)

Hatha Yoga (Bikram Influenced) with a series of 26 poses, Always done in the same progressive order to work the entire body. You will be guided through to work at your own pace, all levels of experience welcome from beginner to advanced. Bring a towel or yoga mat and wear loose, comfortable clothing.  Community Center
Hi-Power Vinyasa This is a hi-energy, challenging practice that will take you to a new edge! Great music and a fabulous flow...leave your fears and your worries at the door! Experience with vinyasa yoga required, not for the beginning student. (Studio is heated.) Yogabliss
Hoop & Yoga I  

Hoop & Yoga II

Level 1: Learn to dance with adult size, slightly weighted hula hoops. Learn hoop “tricks” on and off the body. Tone and strengthen all muscle groups. Develop balance and coordination. Strengthen your core and use breathwork, all while burning fat.   Level 2: Jam packed with lots of great moves, like hooping on your upper body, thighs and ankles that increase your cardiovascular work-out. We will work on transitions, as well as preparing and performing two choreographed pieces. Hooping is tons of fun!

Kundalini-Hatha

Focus on awakening energy at the base of the spine. Classes include warm-ups and sequences of poses focusing on specific areas of the body. You'll enjoy the class and you'll leave with a sense of grounded well-being. 6 week series. YogaVana

Men's Yoga A class specifically for Men. All levels of fitness, from elite athlete to injured are welcome. Increase your strength & flexibility, enhance your mental focus, decrease stress levels. Yogabliss
Power

The power and flow of vinyasa yoga in our 85 degree, climate controlled studio. Club Emerald

Power Vinyasa

A physically challenging class based on the principles of Power Vinyasa Yoga.  This energizing practice offers a dynamic mix of sweat and spirit and is full of possibilities for both strength and surrender. We use ujjayi breath to focus and increase mental clarity, sun salutations and creative sequencing to build strength, and intention to tap into our inner power and greater consciousness.  Be prepared to discover your best self...and to sweat!  (Studio is heated) Yogabliss

Power Vinyasa - Basic

 

This class is taught with a focus on the foundational poses and sequencing taught in our Introduction to Power Vinyasa Series. Perfect for those who are familiar with the basic postures and desiring an opportunity for a straight forward practice. We will learn/re-learn poses, with an emphasis on technique and safety. Ujjayi breath sets the pace of our practice, we build stamina and strength...always allowing space for restful poses. Basic Power Vinyasa Yoga is taught with the continuing beginner in mind; however this is a complete practice based on the Baptiste-style and everyone is welcome. Yogabliss
Prenatal Yoga              (for Pregnant Women) Nurture you and your baby during the physical and mental journey of pregnancy.  Prenatal Yoga can help prepare the body for labor and provide relief from pregnancy related changes. You will have the opportunity to connect with other mothers-to-be, use breathwork to release and ease into each stage of pregnancy and build confidence and stamina for your transition to motherhood. All expecting mothers at any trimester are encouraged to join us. No prior yoga experience necessary. Please confirm with your doctor that this class is appropriate for you and your pregnancy. Register at Community Center
Seniors 55+ Perfect class for active seniors and seniors who are looking to reactivate! You will be guided through gentle stretching for flexibility and strength. Attention given to relaxation and breathing. Work at your own pace, all levels of experience welcome. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. Community Center
Sunny Yoga - Yoga on the Dock

Sunny days at the Luther Burbank dock. ‘Lightly’ led yoga in nature.  BYOM (Bring your own Mat).   If no Soleil (Sun), do your yoga anyway! Contact Soleil to check schedule. FREE.

Surya (Sun)

 

Start your morning heated by the Sun. This All Levels Vinyasa Flow class will surely give your whole day a lift!  We’ll begin our practice with a gentle warm up including sun salutations followed by standing and balance poses, core and arm strengtheners, hip and chest openers.  Breathing practice will also be incorporated.  Beginning and Intermediate options available.  Mercerwood Shoreclub
Vinyasa

A moderately flowing class emphasizing slow, graceful practice that builds strength, promotes deep stretching and detoxification. This class nurtures adventurous beginners with a little more alignment instruction, while also challenging experienced students. Bring a towel - you will sweat. Yogabliss

Yin Yoga A perfect complement to the dynamic styles of yoga that emphasize the lengthening and contracting of muscles. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine. We maintain poses for one to five minutes. After you have experienced it, you will realize that you have been doing only half of the asana practice.  Last Saturday of each month. YogaVana
Yoga & Weights All the benefits of Power yoga with light weight resistance. Club Emerald
Yoga Sculpt A combination of yoga inspired movements and innovative resistance exercises using light hand weights, your body weight and gravity for increased muscle endurance. This vigorous class builds strength, stamina, and flexibility. Yogabliss
 

Kids Classes & Ongoing Adult Series (preregistration required or recommended)

Kids/Youth/Teen Yoga Strengthen the body and mind, celebrate the uniqueness of each child or teen and explore the benefits of being still and calm.  Private Groups can be scheduled with Marcie, Maude, Rai or Maria
Intro to Yoga-Series Designed for beginning students to learn the fundamentals of yoga and prepare for gentle vinyasa classes Yogabliss
Yoga for Healing-Series If you have neck pain, back pain or any other chronic pain, this is the class for you. If you are living with an auto-immune disease, such as MS or cancer, suffering from stress, depression or anxiety...this class  can help bring ease and comfort into your body. In this series, we explore movement, breathing and relaxation techniques to help reduce pain and stress, to relax the nervous system and strengthen the immune system. Lulu will guide a practice specifically designed to enhance healing on all levels. You will explore new ways of moving and being in your body more peacefully. Yogabliss
Intro Power Vinyasa I -Series

 

This series is designed for beginners or students new to Power Vinyasa Yoga. The series is taught in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Each class will build upon the previous, allowing time for discussion and modifications. We will introduce some yoga philosophy and breath-work while practicing the basic postures, always focusing on creating a safe, solid understanding of the practice. This series is often repeated and prepares students for Intro Power Vinyasa II and Basic Power Vinyasa classes.  Yogabliss
Intro Power Vinyasa II - Series Now that you taken Intro to Power Vinyasa I, how do you keep up in a regular class? In series II we will focus on building the strength you need to comfortably move from one pose to the next. Ujjayi breath will our anchor as we practice. There will be time for questions/answers, and learning ways to intensify or modify the practice. We will learn, re-learn and practice the poses and work towards a sense of ease in our practice. Yogabliss

*Please contact the instructor or location for details on what class is best for you!

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