Yoga Class Styles

Ashtanga Yoga
This method of classical yoga practice involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive sequence of postures (Vinyasa, or Flow) - a process producing internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. Postures are held for 5 breaths and there is no rest in-between the poses. Many more poses are practiced in both Ashtanga and Vinyasa, then in the Hatha style classes. This is a more vigorous and strengthening practice than the other traditional approaches. For more information about Ashtanga Yoga, check out the following websites: www.ashtanga.com or www.ayri.org.
Mysore Style Ashtanga is currently running 1 day a week on Wednesday mornings from 6:00-9:15am. Mysore style means that the class is not led, instead you learn the sequence step-by-step and memorize it, so that you can come in anytime from 6-8:30am and start your practice (finish by 9:15am). Guidance is given on a one-on-one basis. The cost for the month is $50 for 1 day a week. We need a few more folks commited for 2 or 3 days a week, on Monday &/or Friday, additionally ($75 for 2 days a week, or $108 for 3 days a week).
Email anna@shaktinj.com with questions or for more information.
Gentle Yoga
In this gentle yoga practice, movements are synchronized with the breath, turning rigidity into fluidity. We do not hold poses, we "go with the flow." We will, however, take periodic breaks where we rest in a passive pose (asana) as the emphasis in this class is on de-stressing the body and mind. Gentle yoga is very therapeutic in nature and is appropriate for "every-body" even those with limited physical abilities.
Family Yoga
Come spend quality time with your family - and have FUN with Yoga! Learn to breathe and flow through postures together. No previous experience necessary. All levels and ages are welcome!
Cost: $20 per family. Sundays 11:15am 'til noon. No pre-registration necessary, just drop-in.
Hatha Yoga

For both the new yoga student or the more experienced yogi. This class will guide you through a series of breathing exercises, warm ups, and Hatha yoga postures for flexibility, strength, and balance. Using variations of the postures students can experience new poses or explore familiar poses in more depth, learning how to listen to their body’s needs and respect it’s limitations. A period of relaxation and meditation concludes the session leaving you balanced and rejuvenated.
Iyengar Yoga 
This style of yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who began practicing yoga as a teenager and is now
nearly 90 years young. The form is practiced and taught widely around the world. It is characterized by detailed attention to body alignment, so as to avoid injury and gain ultimate benefits. The use of props such as blankets, chairs, bolsters, blocks, ropes and belts assist the practitioner to achieve the effects of the asanas. Increased strength, flexibility, body awareness and relaxation are some of the benefits.
For more information about Iyengar Yoga, check out www.bksiyengar.com.
Kundalini Yoga Joanie Schwarz Photography

Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D., is a great way to recharge your body. It stimulates the nervous and immune systems, improves strength and flexibility, as it centers the mind and opens the spirit. Kundalini yoga develops your relationship to your mental potential. You learn to use clarity of the neutral, intuitive, comprehensive mind. From your very first class you'll start reaping the rewards, which include relief from back pain, stress, addiction, depression, insomnia, and weight control. Plus, Kundalini Yoga can help keep you young. Everyone can do it!! Kundalini differs from the other traditional approaches, in that the focus is on rapid, repetitive movements, coordinated with a rapid "breath of fire" breathing practice.
For more information about Kundalini, check out www.3ho.org. All levels welcome!

Men's Yoga
This class is geared towards men, introducing them to Yoga as an outlet for stress. Al Macchi's approach to the class is Simple Yoga: emphasizing deep relaxation in the postures, and a calm uncluttered focus in the practice. Women are also welcome.
All levels welcome!
Prenatal, Postnatal & Baby&Me Classes
Sivananda Yoga

This method of classical hatha yoga practice follows a basic sequence of pranayama (breathing exercises); the Sun Salutation (a graceful series of twelve positions performed as one fluid movement, coordinated with the breath); 12 basic postures (including inversions, forward, backward and side bending, twists and balance poses); and Savasana (relaxation).
Postures are held for a longer period of time than in a Vinyasa or Ashtanga class, and there is time to rest, in-between the poses. For more information about Sivananda Yoga, check out www.sivananda.org.
Joanie Schwarz Photography
Slow Flow Yoga
As in vinyasa, slow flow is a sequence of postures connected through the breath. The movements will be slow and mindful with special awareness to alignment and spinal integrity, encouraging the body's subtle healing energy channels to open. You will leave this class feeling energized, yet very relaxed.
This class is appropriate for all levels, and beginners are welcome.
Yoga & Somatics
Somatic Yoga brings somatic awareness to your yoga practice. We will explore the basic elements of yoga poses in order to improve breath and flexibility through introspective muscle control. The class begins with the basic Hanna Somatic cat stretch, followed by a series of mindful standing and sitting yoga poses, closing with meditation and savasana.
This class is appropriate for all levels, and beginners are welcome.
Sunrise Yoga
Joanie Schwarz Photography

An abbreviated (1 hour) class in the Sivananda Style for yoga students of all levels. The session will include, variably, pranayama (breathing exercises); surya namaskar (sun salutations) and leg exercises; different asanas (yoga postures) and a guided final relaxation. You will leave the class feeling relaxed yet energized, and able to start the day with a well-grounded center, clarity and stillness of mind, and a focus that will improve your productivity, efficiency and concentration. A great way to start the day!
All levels welcome!
Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Joanie Schwarz Photography

Vinyasa Flow Yoga is based on the Ashtanga system of Vinyasa or flow, but does not follow a set sequence of postures. It integrates breath with movement, strength with flexibility, and brings an awareness to alignment. A continuous dynamic flow of postures, connected through the breath, brings an energized and balanced effect that opens the body's subtle energy channels ultimately creating a sense of peace and harmony.
Yoga & Meditation Joanie Schwarz Photography
This class blends a flowing sequence of yoga postures with meditation instruction and practice at the beginning and end of class. Inspired by the work of Erich Schiffman, Julie aims is to infuse an attentiveness to spirit into the entire yoga practice, and to share a way of doing yoga that you can apply to any posture you do, whatever your level of proficiency.
Kids Yoga |