What is a Mind Body Class?
Mind body classes are designed to contribute to overall fitness and may also provide relief for chronic conditions such as joint pain, high blood pressure, headaches, or emotional stress. They are designed to create a connection between mind and muscle in order to lengthen, strengthen, stretch, and relax the muscles.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “Mind-body medicine focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect health. It regards as fundamental an approach that respects and enhances each person's capacity for self-knowledge and self-care, and it emphasizes techniques that are grounded in this approach.”

Tai Chi Chih: is a series of 20 slow, easy movements suitable for any fitness level. Created by American Tai Chi master Justin Stone, this form is a simplified, shortened version of the ancient Chinese form of Tai Chi Chu’an. The repetitive style makes it easy to learn in a short time and because it is done slowly, it works the muscles in a way different from, yet complementary to more traditional forms of exercise. It can improve balance, reduce stress, and provide a variety of health benefits from weight loss, to better circulation, to relief from pain.  Beginners welcomed.

Pilates: Created by Joseph Pilates, a expert in the field of physical training, this method of exercise is designed to tone and strengthen muscles, while increasing flexibility. By performing the Pilates method of training, participants attain total body strength without bulk. Not just an exercise routine, Pilates incorporates the mind and body through controlled and focused movements. Extra Fee for class.

Beginning to advanced:  This Pilates class focuses on Joseph Pilates mat exercises from beginning to advanced instruction. Class is designed so people with special needs or injures are accommodated.

Intermediate to advanced class. Instructor uses mat exercise, standing exercise, and bands to create a strong and flexible core.

PiYo: Fusion of strength and flexibility using Pilates and yoga as the base of the class. Movements flow together.

Yoga: Yoga is a system of postures and breathing techniques designed to promote harmony among body, mind and spirit. Since a basic principle of yoga is that you should not attempt to go beyond your own physical limits, it can be practiced by people of all ages and physical conditions. It is a good way to promote relaxation and to relieve stress and anxiety. The Basics: works on poses, and stretching for the beginner or people with less flexibility.

Core Yoga: Athletic style Hath yoga focus is on strengthening the core. Positions are held for an extended period of time.

Pre/Post Natal Yoga: This class offers a practice of safe and effective stretching and strengthening postures, deep breathing and relaxation exercise for expecting and new mothers. Yoga can help alleviate many of the common discomforts of pregnancy including backaches, joint pain, poor circulation, swelling and fatigue. (See Fitness Schedule)

Ashtanga Yoga: Combines relaxation techniques with a traditional sequence of posture, and moving with the breath to cleanse, stretch, and strengthen the entire body. Ashtanga is a vigorous style of yoga. Hatha yoga introduction recommended.

Hatha Yoga: Emphasizes combining breath and movement, strengthening the body and releasing tension. Open to all levels, but is not meant to be an introductory class. Gentle Yoga based on traditional Hatha Yoga poses using balls, BOSU, straps and blocks . Designed for the person interested in a less taxing yoga class.

Vinyasa Yoga is a series of poses that flow from one to the next. Becoming aware of the breath you will gain energy to sustain you through the postures as well as help you to relax and let go.