CLASS DESCRIPTION
HATHA YOGA
HATHA YOGA has been developed over the centuries by many Gurus. It’s a combination of physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama). The goal is physical and emotional balance, and body-mind connection. “Ha” means Sun and “Tha” means Moon: the practice balances these two energies within the human body and mind. All is requested is consistency. Hatha also means “willpower” and “effort”.
Hatha Yoga visible effects are: muscle tone and joint flexibility, an overall improvement of one’s health and a steady mind. Such benefits lead to a better quality of life, whatever your age.
Teachers: Laura Piai, Elena Vitale, Cristina Altrocchi, Ilaria Tarallo, Michela Granconato, Nadia Ceban, Cristina Bucci
ASHTANGA YOGA
ASHTANGA YOGA is an ancient Yogic tradition brought to life by Sri T. Krishnamacharya and his beloved student Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (Guruji). A very dynamic practice, Ashtanga Yoga focuses on performing asana according to the Vinyasa method – coordinating each movement with one inhale or exhale. The breathing techniques derives from Ujjay Pranayama, Victorious Breath. This breathing techniques practiced with the correct Asana sequences make the practitioner strong, flexible, stable and healthy. The mind also becomes steady and calm. Focusing on the physically demanding sequences and the breath, our mind finds concentration and positively reacts to life challenges. This deep body-mind work naturally involves our spiritual and emotional life, unwinding our tense emotional body. Ashtanga Yoga positively affects our physical body, our mind and our higher states of consciousness.
Teachers: Ilaria Tarallo, Beatrice Mezzanotte, Ariane Ravazzi
PRANA VASHYA YOGA derives from Pranayama, Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga. Prana means life. Being alive as a Yoga means being awaken and aware. Vashya means control of three specific aspects of our life: happiness, health and self-awareness. When we are aware, we also deeply understand the outside world, our society and ourselves. We are better able to adapt to the present moment.
In Prana Vashya Yoga breath gives us access to deep states of consciousness. The practice goal is to maintain the body-mind connection avoiding wandering thoughts. Drishti (focus of the gaze) is an elemental part of the process. The mind is the bridge between prana and the body; when self-awareness and control are there, the practitioner will be able to improve his life.
Teachers: Barbara Zerbini and Luca Compare, the first certified teachers of this practice in Italy
PILATES POWER FLOW
PILATES FLOW is a sequence of Pilates flowing moves that follow the music and allow the body to express itself finding its lost harmony and a deep sense of wellbeing.
The Pilates method was developed by Joseph Pilates at the beginning of last century. Each teacher can adapt the moves to his/her background and goals, adhering to the six Pilates tenets:
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Concentration; focus on each exercise. The mind should master every single part of the body.
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Control; control on every muscle. The practitioner should move with the utmost care.
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Centering or Powerhouse; where all body energy stems from.
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Fluidity; a concept that includes all the previous tenets.
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Precision; each move should tend to perfection, a close circuit bodywork where the teacher continuously relates to the practitioner.
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Breathing; always controlled and guided by the teacher, as it happens in Yoga (specifically, during a Pilates session we inhale at the beginning of the movement, to exhale when we reach our maximum effort - while in Yoga we experience a particular rhythm according to the different breathing techniques (pranayama)
Teacher: Melissa Colombo
DHARMA YOGA
DHARMA YOGA follows the lineage of Sri Dharma Mittra, one of the most charismatic and famous Western hatha yogi still alive, source of continuous inspiration and spiritual growth for so many yoga teachers worldwide. The style includes both static and dynamic asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and dhyana (meditation techniques), based upon the classic yoga tradition of Sri Dharma Mittra and his master Sri Swami Kailashananda - Swami Gupta. Pursuing a deep path of inner change, the practitioner is pervaded by a state of stillness, peace and wellbeing since the first sun salutations. The heart plays a pivotal role in the postural aspects and in the more subtle ones, entangled with the etheric body. “The universal principles of the spiritual discipline can elevate the seeker into eternal God communion. This is the authentic meaning of Yoga.”
Sri Dharma Mittra
Teacher: Arianne Ravazzi, Beatrice Mezzanotte, Ambra Vallo
BACKBENDING
BACKBENDING. This class focuses on conditioning and strengthening the spine. All postures prepare you to backbend safely by using not just flexibility but strength. It is a good introduction to any other yoga practice, its therapeutic effect is deeply perceived not only for the back pain and problems but for the whole body. It offers great benefits for the nervous system since the central pranic energy canal flows along the spinal cord and is responsible for the activation of Chakra (endocrine system) and endorphins that trigger positive feelings and also help in states of anxiety and stress. Students will leave class feeling energized. All levels welcome.
Teachers: Luca Compare e Barbara Zerbini
VINYASA FLOW
VINYASA FLOW is a challenging class with vinyasa and hatha sequences. Each class offers unique sequencing focused on strength, flexibility, breath, and movement. Advanced standing postures, hip openers, backbends, forward bends, twists, and inversions will be taught. During the 90 minutes class asanas are performed seamlessly in a harmonious flow with major attention to the breath. Unlike Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Flow does not follow a predetermined routine, but every teacher offers its sequence of asanas in a custom flow. From Surya Namaskar at the beginning to the final part with Savasana, the goal is to guide the student in a practice that involves whole body and brings the mind to focus on "here and now".
Teachers: Elena Vitale, Ariane Ravazzi, Cristina Altrocchi, Myriam Feltrin, Agnese Marcolin, Ilaria Taralo, Bea Mezzanotet, Nadia Ceban