SUN CITY WEST YOGA CLUB

Chair Yoga

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair, or standing using a chair for support. It is recommended for individuals who may have difficulty getting up and down off the floor due to mobility or recuperative issues.  Often the poses, or asanas, are adaptations of Hatha yoga poses.

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Level:  All skill levels

Yoga/Stretch

This class can benefit all ages and abilities and involves a selection of poses to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.  For those with flexibility challenges and chronic pain, this class can help improve functional movement.  Each class will vary on intensity and variation.  This is a low-impact activity and can include gentle movements.  It is commonly used as part of physical therapy and rehabilitation of injuries.

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Level:  All skill levels

Yin Yoga

Yin yoga is a practice that enhances the natural range of motion in the joints by stretching muscles with prolonged supported holds.  Asanas, or poses, are held typically between 1 to 5 minutes, enhancing the flow of Prana, focusing on releasing deep layers of connective tissue where energy often stagnates, and allowing your body to open on a deeper level.

Level:  All skill levels

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Yoga Stretch & Roll

Students of all levels use their own body weight in conjunction with the foam roller and other props to achieve the many benefits of foam rolling including myofascial release, increased blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues, and self-massage.

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Required equipment:  foam roller

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Level:  All skill levels

Qigong

Qigong roughly translates to energy exercise.  We are moving our bodies slowly, thoughtfully, and with a focus on breath to improve posture, balance, tone muscles, and relax ourselves.  Exercises can be done seated or standing.  Modifications for various levels of ability are given, so all participants get a challenge no matter what experience they have.  Mindful movement becomes a moving meditation.  No mat required. (Classes are held in the yoga studio, not outdoors.)

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Level:  All skill levels

Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise to improve your health.  It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner, accompanied by deep breathing, challenging the brain and the body to work in unison and harmony.  Harvard University calls Tai Chi “moving meditation.”  The class is done standing, but modifications can be made for those who need to sit.  No mat required. (Classes are held in the yoga studio, not outdoors.)

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Level: All skill levels

Slow Flow

This challenging ( Hatha) “all levels” class is for very mobile students and is structured as a flow class, with the tempo slowed down tremendously for more mindful movement from one pose to the next.  As Vinyasa is one breath, one movement, slow flow spends more time holding postures (5-8 breaths) to focus in on the breath/body/mind connection to create calm. Students should be able to get up and down from the floor. (Classes are held in the yoga studio, not outdoors.)

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Level:  All skill levels

Meditation

An open approach to meditation, exploring Buddhist and Taoist meditation training.  No two classes will be exactly alike.  Bring your mat, meditation cushion, sit on a chair, or stand (classes are held in the yoga studio, not outdoors).

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Level: All skill levels

Hatha Yoga Using a Chair as a Prop

This is a team-lead class that incorporates mat and chair yoga in the same class.  This class is intended for those who want a gentle yoga class in the evening.

Peaches Sloan and Emily Slonina will team-teach this class, demonstrating postures on the chair and the mat.  

The last 15 minutes of the 80-minute class will be in Savasana for those on the mat; chair students will relax with their legs extended onto a second chair.

The healing sound of a singing bowl will help all students relax.