Intro to Yoga

The first known description of yoga is found in ancient texts called the Upanishads, written between 1000 and 5000 B.C. Yoga is also described in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali which date back to 200 BCE to 300 BCE.  In the Yoga Sutras Patanjali talks about the Eight Limbs of Yoga, which include the asanas or physical postures we generally think of as “yoga” in the Western world.

The great master or father of modern yoga, Krishnamacharya, was born in India. Two of his early, devoted students, Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar were instrumental in spreading yoga throughout the world. Gurus in their own lifetime, Pattabhi Jois gave us Ashtanga and B.K.S. Iyengar gave us Iyengar yoga.

Yoga Styles

There are many different schools of yoga. All use the same basic poses and offer similar benefits including increased flexibility and body awareness, mental calmness and focus, and the ability to relax deeply and enjoy life more fully. We teach two different styles or tracks at Yoga on High—Hatha (grounded in Iyengar’s methods) and Ashtanga (taught from Pattabhi Jois’s philosphy).

At the beginning level, Hatha classes are slower with more detailed information on body alignment and body mechanics. They are especially well designed for people with physical injury or limitations although anyone can begin in a Hatha class. Ashtanga is a more vigorous practice beloved by athletes and dancers and those who are physically fit. It is practiced in a room heated to 80 degrees to warm muscles and to encourage deep cleansing through sweating. Even though it is more challenging, it can be taught in modified form so that it is accessible to most people. In upper level classes both forms are equally challenging for different reasons and many people practice both.

Benefits

New Beginners Classes