Cobalt Moon Yoga offers four styles of yoga classes with four regular instructors and currently, ten classes per week. In addition, workshops are scheduled and taught by Cobalt or guest instructors.
The multiple styles allow a student to become familiar with variations while in the comfort of one program and location. Often, a student combines the styles, in order to honor his or her schedule and its demands or possibly, to enlarge his or her perception.
A brief and general description of each style follows, in order to guide a newcomer’s choice and offer information that enhances the practice.
Hatha Yoga is the physical yoga that is most generic. The other styles mentioned here have evolved from this form. Breathing technique and specific alignment is specified for each asana (posture). Balance is a focal point and is developed and increased. Therapeutic benefits are provided, as well. This is an excellent entry point to a yoga practice.
Kripalu Yoga is a style that evolved at the Kripalu Center in Lennox MA. It combines the basic Hatha asanas with variations, and adds a very meditative quality. Focus on posture, breathing and presence comes together in this class, and many find it soothing, and stress relieving, as well as strengthening. This is a great class for beginners and continuing students who desire to practice in a nourishing atmosphere.
Gentle Yoga at Cobalt Moon has its roots in Kripalu Yoga and teaches foundation postures with gentle variations in an atmosphere of gentleness and acceptance. Stress reduction is a big focus and energy is enhanced through the connection of breath and movement. This is a wonderful class for beginners as well as for students who would like to focus on foundation forms and breathing techniques.
Astanga Yoga or Power Yoga is a rigorous, more physically demanding Yoga. Specific groups of asanas are routine with the standard “upward facing dog – downward facing dog” vinyasa (two postures strung together) between each one (similar to a push-up type of movement). Inversions (upside down postures) are included and alignment is very specific. As the heat builds, the body strengthens and becomes more flexible, and equanimity enters. This style of yoga is perfect for the experienced student, as well as the student who enjoys the physical exertion and sweat.
So, perhaps the Astanga class feels perfect for the beginning of the weekend, invigorating, or in the evening of a stressful day. Or maybe the body longs for the quiet, nourishing movement through a Kripalu class. Possibly, a beginner searches for the class where no experience is necessary and begins the process of learning yoga in a Gentle class. Whatever your choice, let it respond to your day. Enjoy the frequency of the same style or the mix and honor YOURSELF!
Which Class is Right for You?
At Cobalt we have multiple yoga styles experienced under one roof. Of course, the best way to understand the differences is to attend them. We also have classes directed at different experience levels. So, if you are looking at our printed schedule, you will see the word “OPEN”. An open class is “open” to all levels. That means it will be a gentle class that most people can easily do, or that it will offer modifications and challenges that enhance the practice for any student. A posture can be modified for a beginning student, and once confidence builds and students strengthens, the modification will not be needed and, perhaps, a challenge will be appropriate.
An Intermediate or Level 2 class is appropriate to a student who has some experience with yoga, or possibly, a strong athlete who understands yoga principles and basic postures. Our Power Astanga classes are perfect, in this case.
An Advanced or Level 3 class is appropriate for students who are strong and have experience with yoga. There are challenges offered in these classes to give the student a greater chance for expansion and personal growth. Breathing technique is a major focus in these classes
At Cobalt Moon, we welcome any student, encouraging that student to honor the wisdom of the body, to enjoy our beautiful space and allow our caring instructors to guide and stimulate the practice of yoga.
Namaste’
