What is yoga?

Yoga is a mind-body practice designed to improve overall health, strength, flexibility, and mental clarity in people of all ages and fitness levels.

Class Levels

Yoga classes at Now and Zen are a safe and friendly way to learn and practice yoga. We encourage every student to practice at their own level and honor their bodies. We believe in adapting the poses to meet the needs of the students.

Yoga Etiquette

  • Please arrive 10-15 minutes early so that we are able to start class on time.
  • You will want to wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in. Shoes are not necessary, we practice in our bare feet.
  • We have yoga mats available for your use, there is no charge for the mats.
  • Please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne to class, we need to keep our yoga room fragrance free.

Benefits of Yoga

  • Improves strength, flexibility and balance
  • Improves concentration and memory
  • Helps with mild depression and anxiety
  • Reduces high blood pressure
  • Improves sleep
  • Brings about emotional stability and clarity of mind
  • Improves digestion

**Students are encouraged to practice at their own pace and always let instructors know if you need modifications.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

NOTE: Some of the class styles listed below are offered a varying time
throughout the year. Please check our class schedule to check for class availability.

*All Level Yoga – This class is good for beginners to advanced students who have an open mind when coming to class.   There will be modifications for beginners and enhancements for advanced students.  This class will have a flow element. Appropriate for groups B,D and E

*Beginning YogaWe teach the basic yoga poses with explanations of their benefits and proper modifications.  As the series progresses, we add a flow to the class so that by end of the series students are ready for a level 1 or mixed level class.  The level of difficulty increases, however the option for the more modified version is always encouraged.  Appropriate for groups B,C,D,E

*Gentle Yoga The primary focus of gentle yoga is to bring strength, balance and flexibility to the body with gentle postures that do not put strain on the wrists or knees.  Appropriate for all types of students.  Chairs are available if needed.

*Pilates- This class focuses on the core postural muscles that stabilize body while improving the quality of the movement.  This form of exercise concentrates on correct posture, breathing, flexibility, toning and strengthening. Appropriate for groups B,D,E

*Level 1-2 Yoga For students who have an established practice, that know how to modify if they have limitationsAppropriate for groups D & E

*Soulful Flow Yoga- We’ll start each class with some relaxation and easy stretches before we build up to more heat generating movements. The class will have vinyasa flow elements at a slower pace. This is great for yogis with an established practice and want to kick it up a bit. Appropriate for groups D & E

*Yoga for Flexibility Because our primary focus is to increase the flexibility of the body this is a slower paced class without a lot of flow to it which makes it a great class for beginners and athletes who are looking for a class with a little less of a flow sequence and a little more stretch. Appropriate for all groups of students.

*Yoga Nidra- Known as “Yogic Sleep” this guided meditation practice penetrates into your very soul, instilling a sense of internal peace and leaving you feeling incredibly relaxed, present and rejuvenated. Appropriate for all groups of students.

 

*Sunrise Yoga- This class is a perfect way to start the day.  This 45 minute class will get your day started with poses to awaken the body and mind, but will include deep stretches to rid the body of tension.  Greet the sunrise with yoga! Appropriate for all groups of students

*Svastha Yoga- Svastha literally means “To stay as yourself” and refers to a state of complete health and balance, in body and mind. In this class we will have a short discussion at the beginning of class, followed with asanas (poses), pranayama (breath) and meditation. This class is appropriate for all levels of students. It has a different flavor than other classes taught at Now and Zen, with an emphasis more on philosophy as well as utilizing the more classical yoga poses. Appropriate for all students.

*Therapeutic Yoga This is an extremely gentle class.  We build strength, balance and flexibility without stressing the joints and adapting the poses for those who would like to use a chair.  We move at a slow pace and design the class specifically for the needs of the students in the class. This is a perfect class for people dealing with MS, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, RA, injury, oncology patients and seniors. Appropriate for all groups of students.

*Therapeutic Pilates- This class focuses on the core postural muscles used to stabilize the body. This form of exercise concentrates on the posture, breathing, with controlled movements which will help to increase flexibility, toning and strengthen the body. For some being on the floor is not feasible so we have developed a class in which the chair or wall are perfect options.  The movements will also be modified to meet the needs of the students in the class.  This is perfect for seniors or those with health issues that may stop them from joining a regular pilates class! Appropriate for all groups of students.

*Yoga for Core and Balance- Ignite the fire in your belly and improve your balance with this targeted class. Good balance comes with a strong core and a strong core is a result of balance work. Modifications and enhancements will be offered so that everyone may practice within their own ability. All levels of students are welcome, however you must be able to move comfortably up and down from the floor. Appropriate for groups B, C, D, E

 

*Yoga for Stress Relief- A calming, stress-relieving yoga class to stretch and strengthen the body gradually. Emphasis is on building awareness of the breath and the body. Poses are practiced at a slower pace. Appropriate for groups B,C,D,E

*Slow Flow Yoga- This class will move slowly with breath. We will start with easy warm up poses and move to a little more challenging poses as we go. The transitions will not be fast and is good for those who are starting out with some yoga knowledge.  It may not be appropriate for those with health issues (esp. wrists or knees). 

*Yin Yoga- Yin Yoga poses gently stretch and rehabilitate the connective tissues around our joints.  In order to get to the fascia (connective tissue) and ligaments we hold the poses for 3-5 minutes while relaxing the muscles.  Yin yoga is challenging mentally and physically for those who tend to gravitate to a more active style of yoga.  It is a nice way to compliment running, biking, tennis, pilates and active yoga practices.  Appropriate for all groups of students.

Group A: I am new to yoga/pilates and have health or joint issues that restrict what I can physically do.

Group B: I am new to yoga/ pilates and do not have any restrictions.

Group C: I have practiced longer than 6 months, but have health or joint issues that restrict what I can physically do and I am not sure how to modify my practice to be safe.

Group D: I have an established practice, but have health or joint issues and know how to modify to be safe.

Group E: I have practice longer than 6 months and do not have any limitations.

Now & Zen Yoga Studio

Hours

Monday- Friday 8:00am-12:00pm
Monday- Thursday 4:00-7:00pm

We are a small studio and do not always have someone at the front desk. We are available 15 minutes before and after classes. Please refer to the class schedule for class times.

When we are in class or at lunch we will not be able to assist you in the boutique or with purchases, but information is available at the front desk for you to take. Please feel free to call before coming in so we can make sure someone is here to assist you.