“All of yoga practice is about energy. The more alive we are the more energy we’re allowing to move through us–unblocked. Feelings are just a form of energy, and we want these energies to move through us and not get stuck. Posture practice on the mat is a kind of brilliant laboratory in which we get to let energy move through every part of our body…” Stephen Cope

What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha is a Sanskrit word and its two most widely-used translations are “for health” and “sun/moon”. Hatha yoga renews, invigorates, and heals the body, while stretching and strengthening the muscles, joints, and spine and directing blood and oxygen to the internal organs (including the glands and organs and nerves.) Given the popularity of hatha yoga, many of us still have questions about what the different “styles”of yoga are. You may also wonder which style might benefit you.

What is Flow Yoga?

Flow, or “vinyasa”, yoga is an evolving style of hatha yoga within the Western yoga community and is quickly becoming the most popular style of yoga taught in America today. Flow yoga is an active style of yoga linking poses together with the breath. Flow yoga modifies the poses for greater safety and gives lots of options in each pose so that every body can feel uniquely and successfully challenged. Flow yoga can be practiced by every body and brings the perfect balance of energy and calm to the body and mind.

What are the benefits of a heated room?

There are unlimited benefits to yoga. It reduces stress, increases blood circulation, and improves strength and flexibility. Regular practice (at least three times per week) can reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases (e.g., arthritis and thyroid disorders). It also promotes relaxation. In Hot classes, the room is intentionally heated to warm your muscles and allows you to work deeper. The heat can heal, but it can also give you the confidence to push yourself too far. Heat promotes sweating, which flushes toxins from your body. High heat is not appropriate for all bodies. If you are pregnant or have other health conditions that may be negatively affected by the heat, such as hypertension, vascular disease, history of stroke, multiple sclerosis, or others, please consult your physician prior to attending. You can also take Flow classes in a “warm” enviornment, if the heat is not appropriate for you.

What is Fly?

Fly is Suspension Training – This workout was developed by Navy Seals when they were waiting in remote locations for assignment and needed to keep up their elite fitness. Your body and gravity become the challenge: using TRX suspension trainers, plyometrics, splinter techniques (finishing set – getting to fatigue one more time – creating muscle chaos/confusion), and other functional and gravity-inspired methods and equipment you will achieve a level of mind, body and heart fitness you never imagined possible.

I think yoga might really improve my overall health and well-being, but I am intimidated by the class experience. Do you offer private sessions?

At Flow, we understand that if you can breathe, you can do Yoga. We have over 25 highly experienced and talented yoga teachers. If you are interested in private instruction, please email flowyoga@gorge.net and we can help you determine which instructor will be best for what you are wanting in a private yoga teacher. Private yoga can be a great way to start to feel comfortable in the Flow community and transition into the class experience. Or, if you are an intermediate or advanced pracititioner, a private session can help you determine the best direction your path might take….$60/hour.