Regular Class Schedule

JUNE/JULY/AUGUST

*Saturday classes CANCELLED and 7/26

*Studio is closed August 16-24

FALL PRE-NATAL CLASSES:  Sharon will be teaching on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:00pm  at Magee Women’s Hospital.  You MUST pre-register with Magee for a 6-week session.  Here is a link to the registration information: http://www.magee.edu/hec/Classes.asp

Class Descriptions

Matrika Flow/Matrika Basics: These are open level vinyasa flow classes. Classes marked “Basic” are intended to provide a slower paced class with more detailed instruction in moving into poses (asana) and breathing patterns (pranayama).  Basic does not mean “easy” and students of all experience levels will enjoy these classes.  Vinyasa Flow means that there is a consistent movement from pose to pose with an emphasis on moving through a series of asana (poses) with a focus on the breath.  Matrika Flow classes are a unique combination of intense vinyasa flow and restorative poses. Beginners will find that it takes a few weeks to become familiar with the pace of the class, but the learning curve is relatively short if you can be patient for a few weeks.  While this is not a yoga aerobics class, you will build strength and endurance while increasing flexibility and releasing stress.  Open Level means that everyone is welcome to attend and the instructor can offer modifications for students who need more challenge or less challenge on an as needed basis. 

Precision Flow: This is an open level yoga class with a focus on moving with the breath AND attention to alignment.  The instructor will enhance student awareness of the body in selected poses and use yoga poses to emphasize a release of tension in specific areas of the body (for example: shoulders, hips, neck).  While this class is not “easy” or specifically for beginners, all yoga students will be challenged in their practice and the pace of these classes is somewhat slower than the Matrika Flow classes to allow for individual attention to alignment in the poses.

Zhong Dao: Literally, “Zhong Dao” means the Middle Path or the Center Way.  This class is a challenging set of asanas and guided meditations designed to open energetic pathways in the body.  Just as a potter learns to center clay on a wheel, students will be guided in yoga asanas and qi gong exercises carefully combined to balance mood and energy.  Daoist guided meditation will be employed to provide optimum levels of health and vitality in the physical and emotional body.  While this class is not necessarily a class for beginners and the breathing and meditation concepts will be challenging for even the most experienced yogis, this is not a vinyasa flow class and the pace of movement in poses is slower than a “flow” or vinyasa style class. 

Pre-natal Yoga: This class is for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy who are looking for a safe method of exercise and preparation for birth and motherhood. No prior yoga experience is required. If you are in your first trimester, please contact Sharon before attending class for the first time.   Some yoga experience is helpful, but not required.

Pre-natal PLUS: This is a pre-natal class that pregnant women are welcome to attend with their support system (moms, husbands, baby-daddies, neighbors and cousins all welcome).  Classes will focus on relaxation and meditation techniques and ways for partners to help pregnant women and women in labor to feel most comfortable.  It’s also a great way to spend time together creating peace during your pregnancy.  PARTNERS are NOT REQUIRED!  You are absolutely welcome to attend this class without a partner.  And, no, it won’t seem wierd!  Promise.

 New Mamma Yoga:  This is a combined yoga class for pregnant women and women who have given birth in the past year who are welcome to attend with or without their infants.  The idea is to provide a continuum of connection for new mothers so they can continue to receive the support of the Matrika community throughout pregnancy and the first year of motherhood.  This also provides a post-natal class that is scheduled to provide opportunity for mothers who work outside the home or need to wait for partners to return home from work to attend to the needs of older children the chance to keep up with a yoga practice.  The focus is on yoga poses that relieve stress in the pregnant and post-partum body, breathing exercises for strength and stress relief and meditations for mothers.  You are welcome to breast or bottle feed your infant on demand during class.

 Mother’s Delight:  This is a class for women who are welcome to bring their children of any age to the studio with them.  Older children are welcome to participate in the yoga class and mammas are encouraged to bring favorite books and distractions (snacks are OK, but NO RAISINS) for younger children.  It’s a nice way to include yoga in your family life and not have to pay extra for childcare.