offers a diverse variety of Yoga styles and classes allowing you to discover the type of class that meets your needs and interests. The majority of the classes at combine the beautiful practices of classical Hatha (physical postures) Yoga with Viniyoga (a therapeutically oriented practice addressing the needs of the individual) and Vinyasa (flow of sequenced movement) to provide a moderately paced practice for body, mind and spirit. See Class Schedule for specific times. Classes are taught by Ellen Schaeffer unless otherwise specified.

• Gentle Yoga is a slow to moderately paced class which encourages you to define and explore the unique needs of your body on each given day. Modifications of traditional postures are offered so you can find the perfect way to engage a pose, for your body. People recovering from or learning to live with a variety of injuries and health issues find this class the perfect way to involve themselves in their healing journey. People looking for a meditative and restorative class also find this class ideal. Yoga offers as much for the prevention of illness and maintenance of health as it does for the healing process.
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Ellen Schaeffer
   
• Introduction to Yoga:  Unfolding the Lotus is a four week class which is taught using an interactive workshop format. There will be time for questions and exploring the unique needs of each individual. Classes will be small, no more the 10 people. Below is an abbreviated overview of the content of each class.
  
       Week 1: Sitting, breathing, Yoga history & philosophy
       Week 2: Foundational postures & sequencing
       Week 3: Yoga anatomy as applied to movement, alignment & posture
       Week 4: Putting it all together
  
  The first three weeks will include lecture, dialogue, and demonstration followed by practices that encompass the teachings. The fourth week, putting it all together, will be a flowing Yoga class, similar to what will be experienced in mixed level and continuing level classes. This four week intensive will provide the student with a firm foundation for exploring the Yoga classes and Yoga style of their choice. It will provide them with an understanding of how to practice safely and how to work with their personal strengths and challenges. The student will also complete this class with insight as to how Yoga is a valuable tool that can be applied to all aspects of life on and off the mat.
  
  This class is held evenings from 7:00-8:30pm. A new program typically begins every other month (unless Ellen is working away from the studio). In the event of low enrollment (2-3 people) a 3-4 hour intensive will be arranged at the students' convenience. This class is taught by Ellen Schaeffer.
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Ellen Schaeffer
   
• Mixed Level classes are for everyone including beginners. The teaching style is adapted for those in attendance. When beginners are present the detail of instruction is more pronounced, allowing new students to easily follow the class. Typically, this is a moderately paced class which emphasizes focused breathing and a mindful awareness of your body. This emphasis makes this class a joyful, meditative exploration of yourself in the present moment. Students find this class relaxing and revitalizing.
  Offered Thu & Sat.
  
  Teachers: Ellen Schaeffer & Joan Corey
   
• Yoga for Everybody is designed for beginning students and for experienced students looking to deepen their practice. The class is set to specially selected music with compelling beats from around the world to help support body and mind. Props and modifications are used as needed. In class you will focus on breath and alignment, often using cues from the music. The aid of the music encourages mind and body to unite as One. The intention of this class is to increase strength, endurance and flexibility while dissolving stress to feel more vitalized. Rediscover the art of celebrating your body by using movement to rekindle the joy within. Offered Fridays at 5:00pm.
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Anita Bevans
   
• Yoga Basics - In this class, students will work through a syllabus of 32 basic poses involving moving the body through all range of motion, including basic inversions. Students can expect to learn the Sanskrit terms for the poses and how to use a variety of props to support their body where inflexibility or injury is present. This class is suitable for raw beginners or students of Yoga who wish to explore this approach. As a mother of young children and in her work life, Kathleen has worked with Yoga to reduce stress and would like to share the benefits of and her passion for Yoga with others.
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Kathleen Swanson
   
• Mixed Level with Ed class is designed for students of all levels of experience and will be tailored to suit the students present. Particular attention is paid to refining energy management skills, further deepening meditative awareness, and developing tools for healthy living.
  
  Teacher: Ed Merck (on sabbatical until January 2008)
   
• Continuing classes are for students who have experience with Yoga; at least 8 weeks of prior Yoga experience is suggested. The level of the class ranges from moderate to refreshingly vigorous. At times the class will have a specific physical focus such as the neck and shoulders or the hips. During a stressful holiday season, the primary focus of the class may be to relax and find a peaceful place inside. Focused breathing and mindful awareness of your body set the stage for a deep meditative experience which will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized.
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Ellen Schaeffer
   
• Hot Room Yoga in the Vinyasa Style emphasizes a continuous flow of movement using sun salutations, dynamic breathing and long holdings. Each part of the body (inside and out) is explored and worked in a deep and mindful way. This practice builds strength, tones and detoxifies. Vinyasa is a fun and creative practice requiring focus and dedication. This class moves at a quick pace; therefore, some Yoga experience is helpful prior to starting this class. This type of Hot Room Yoga is physically challenging and athletic. A moderate level of fitness is recommended. If you have specific health issues or injuries, you should consult your physician and the teacher before engaging in these classes.
  Offered Tue & Thu.
  
  Teacher: Ellen Schaeffer
   
• Kripalu DansKinetics is a joyous blend of guided mindful movement incorporating spontaneity, improvisation and play. This creative movement is based upon dance and yoga and is set to compelling beats from around the world. A class begins with gentle warms ups, progresses toward more energetic and lively movements and finishes by winding down to peaceful full body relaxation. The practice of DansKinetics develops breath awareness,  brings strength and tone to the body, increases stamina, improves flexibility and most of all is FUN. Join us for a class to relax your mind and body and feel your stress dissolve effortlessly.
  
  This unique and balanced workout is for everyone and every BODY. No previous experience of yoga or dance is required. Discover the unique dancer you already are! We were all born as dancers -- we simply forgot. This class is not about performance or trying to look good for others. You move at your own pace and you are always invited to adapt the movements to suit your own needs. It is a practice that encourages us to accept our bodies as they are, at this time and place, with no judgment.
   
  This class intends to promote health, healing and most of all a reconnection to the joy and love within ourselves. The combination of dance, yoga, joy, happiness and spirit in this practice allows individuals to express their unique internal dance. By allowing the body to take the wheel, as the mind takes the back seat, we create a meditation in motion. The dance allows energy to move through all the Chakra Centers, the wheels of energy radiating from the spinal column. You do not need to know anything about Chakras to benefit the from this. The music selections are based on the seven Chakras, progressing from the Root Chakra (chakra #1) to the Crown Chakra (chakra #7).
   
  The Kripalu Center in Lenox, MA is the largest and best known training center for yoga teaching in the United States. DansKinetics was originally created at the first location of Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Sumneytown, Pennsylvania in the late 1970's as a way to bring motion and meditation together. This evolved when they moved to their current location in Lenox, MA during the 80's as a blend of yoga and dance embracing the yogic principles of mindfulness and self acceptance. It has blossomed and now has trained DansKinetics instructors teaching nationwide. The only warning I have found to share is .... Caution: DansKinetics may be be habit forming!
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Anita Bevans
   
• Strong Flow Yoga is a vinyasa style class enjoyed without the heat. Sun salutations, standing poses and longer holds make this a pleasantly challenging practice. Some Yoga experience is helpful.
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Joan Corey
   
• Experienced Yoga is a class designed for students who have a fundamental understanding of Yoga postures and alignments. In this class you will be offered the opportunity to explore the inner-workings (the meditative movement) of Yoga, in more depth, while experimenting with longer holds and more challenging variations of postures.
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Ellen Schaeffer
   
• Yoga for Athletes (description to be posted)
  See schedule.
  
  Teacher: Lora LoPiccolo