Dynamic Hatha is a general style of teaching classical yoga postures. Hatha literally means union of two opposites. It is the union of strength and flexibility in the body, and mind, in equal parts. It is the union and balancing of the the two sides of the body, as well as the union of the body, mind and spirit.
The Dynamic Hatha classes move freely, exploring different asanas appropriate for the students. We may use props in the class as well as explore partner work or adjustments. These classes don’t follow a specific series of poses (like the Bikram does), and move spontaneously for the class.
Dynamic Hatha Level 1 is for beginners. We teach right body alignment in basic asanas and build strength in a lot of standing asanas that open the hips, build tremendous strength in legs and leg joints, and improve balance. Students learn variations of sun salutations, but mainly the classical Surya Namaskara A and B. We learn to build core strength correctly (which helps balance) and feel beginning movements of the spine. This class teaches natural deep breathing with the belly rising and falling, as well as breathing with the core muscles (pelvic and transverse abdominus) engaged, which isolates and strengthens the deep core muscles (which relate to the locks, or bandhas in yoga). As the body finds length, balance, and strength, we experience a natural freedom in the body and breath.
Dynamic Hatha Level 2 introduces vinyasa. Vinyasa literally means movement and breath combined. This style of flow yoga, powered by the ujjai breathing, takes the student on a hard working series based around sun salutations and downward dog, combining the fluid movements in and out of asanas with smooth deliberate breaths. The class moves to the floor for deep, longer held hip and hamstring openers, forward bends, backbends, twists, core strength and arm balances as well as inversions. We practice pranayama and start to sit in meditation. We only have one level 2 classes, so please keep this class for more experienced practitioners. I’ll continue to add more Level 2 classes as we need in the future.
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