MANASA CLASS TYPES

Manasa Classes and What to Expect

Shakti Vinyasa

Perfect for the movement lover in you. A dynamic mat practice inspired by the teachings of Spanda and other Tantric texts. Expect intense and at times complex vinyasas (breath linked movement sequences) which will lead you towards increased body heat as well as enhanced coordination between body, breath and mind. Come ready to connect to the essence of what you are – movement. Pranayama focus may be kapalabhathi (skull illuminating breaths) and/ or agnisara (fire essence).

Restorative

When your doctor prescribes yoga for you to reduce stress, this is the type of practice he/ she meant. Come ready to lengthen, open, stay and breathe. The deep, timed holds of positions in this class will lengthen your muscles and calm your nervous system. With continuous reminders by the teacher on qualities of yoga such as equanimity, letting go etc, the postures will focus particularly on lengthening your hamstrings and hips via supine and seated postures. Expect to use props such as strap, bolster, block etc. Pranayama focus will be along single and alternate nostril breathing along with subtle energy channel considerations.

Hip Love

Show your hips the love and appreciation it deserves with this class. Whether in standing, walking or even sitting, our hips are continuously supporting us. It’s time we appreciate our hips by exploring all the different ranges of movements it has on offer instead of just moving through some restricted ranges and limited movements. Come ready for hip rotational and linear explorations, and in doing so not only will you forge a more intimate relationship with your hips, you will also promote your hip’s healthy movement range. Pranayama focus will be along single and alternate nostril breathing along with subtle energy channel considerations.

Strength & Mobility

There is a misconception that one can either work towards becoming stronger or becoming more flexible. Why not both? At Manasa, we view both as essential and necessary directions in practice. In our strength classes, you will be working on building strength but not at the expense of losing flexibility, and vice versa. Expect strong flows with deep holds, a paradox that works in practice at Manasa. Pranayama focus will be on interrupted breaths and retention.

Ashtanga-Inspired

Love the system? Check out our take. Manasa ashtanga-inspired classes are challenging breath synchronized movement classes where the asana sequences may or may not follow the traditional sequence. However, you will still be led towards a practice based on the principles of the ashtanga system where you will be flowing with your breath to specific counts, engaging your Banda (internal holds) and holding your Drshti. Be prepared to be led into the first three series of the traditional system, or into a permutated combination of the different series.

Teacher’s Choice

Love surprises? Teacher’s choice classes could be any of the above, or an integrated mix of Manasa classes. Come with an open mind and be ready for just about anything. Do note that the 2-hour Advanced Classes on Saturdays will feature an intense blend of ALL OF THE ABOVE. Corresponding breath-work will also be included.

Basic Level

Recommended for those who are new to Manasa Yoga, or to yoga, or even for those who are returning to yoga after a hiatus

Intermediate Level

Recommended for regular practitioners who are familiar with following instructions and are ready to take their practice to a ‘deeper’ physical as well as psychological level.

Advance Level

Recommended for those whose yoga practice no longer revolves around the ‘doing’ and ‘getting it’ aspect of yoga, but instead, around the receiving of the asanas as states. At Manasa Yoga, our emphasis on asana practice is based on the idea that yoga is not something which can be done, or gotten for yoga is a state we can merely work towards.


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