Santa Monica Yoga / home
Class Descriptions

Yoga Classes

Class times are listed for your convenience, please check schedule more detailed information.

Hatha yoga is the traditional form of yoga in which postures are practiced to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also commonly practiced.  All classes on the schedule are hatha yoga, unless otherwise noted.  Classes are held every day, check schedule for times.

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and challenging form of hatha yoga. Each pose is linked to the next through a series of connecting movements called vinyasa, allowing the body to create heat and leading to more flexibility. Smooth, deep breathing (ujjayi), gaze (dristi) and locks (bandhas) are synchronized with the movements. This powerful and vigorous practice purifies and realigns the body, cultivating a feeling of inner peace, and leading to a natural state of meditation.

Iyengar yoga, devised by B.K.S. Iyengar and refined over his lifetime is a system of hatha yoga postures (asana) and breathing (pranayama) for people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life. Iyengar yoga stresses (1) precise movement and action, and correct alignment in all postures; (2) the use of props which enhance and enable the correct action of the poses and makes them accessible to any type of body, flexible or stiff, healthy or ill; (3) precise sequencing of poses, allowing the teacher and/or practitioner to respond to particular physical, physiological, or psychological needs, combined with (4) timing and pacing of the poses, which can be carefully altered, varied and adjusted according to need. Iyengar yoga teaches purity of intention and integrity of process.

Kundalini yoga is based on the chakra system and focuses on the healing of specific areas of the mind, body and emotions. Its "sets" incorporate dynamic movements, breathing, meditations and guided relaxation. 

Mixed Level Flow/Trance Dance
End your week with this popular experience, which begins with 45 minutes of sweaty Flow Yoga followed by 45 minutes of ecstatic Trance Dance and culminates in a 10-minute blissed-out Healing Breath savasana. DJ YogiJulian spins tribal grooves, remixes of old favorites and contemporary dance music. Think KCRW's “Metropolis” meets tribal yoga ritual. The class will include occasional guest appearances by acoustic musicians and singers. 

Pre- & Post-natal Yoga
Moms to be with little or no yoga experience and those with an existing yoga practice are equally welcome. The class focuses on strengthening and opening the body, learning how to relax, and breath awareness, in order to experience a comfortable pregnancy, and prepare for birth and recovery.

Yoga Playdate

For toddlers and older children and their caregivers, the class consists of more active poses for the kids and lots of rhymes and singing. The adult practice is a bit more challenging and toys are provided for the kids.  The class aims to provide socialization time for the kids and community building for adults.  (Please don’t bring personal toys or food. It’s a good idea for kids to have a snack right before class.)

Restorative utilizes a series of supported poses designed to relax the body and soothe the soul. 

Slow-Deep-Stretch emphasizes flexibility in the major muscles as well as those surrounding the primary joints. Emphasis is placed on the breath to open space through the body and relieve physical and mental tension.  Slow-Deep-Stretch is influenced strongly by Taoist Yoga, a form of Chi Kung, an ancient Chinese art comprised of various techniques for developing and directing vital energy, known as chi or prana. 

Yoga-Friendly Classes

These classes make a great addition to your routine.   Explore new ways of working with your body and breath, then take that awareness back to yoga class, for an even deeper experience.

Class times are listed for your convenience, please check schedule more detailed information.

Pilates Mat Class is a popular training program created and named by Joseph Pilates and has become a key influence in mind/body movement.  Originally part of a private session on equipment, the mat work has evolved into a class of its own.   While a group setting allows for less individualized attention, this class will emphasize good technique.   Proper form allows one to build strength balanced by flexibility, and is important in preventing injuries and promoting overall health.  Concepts from other bodywork methods are incorporated into class when applicable.  Emphasis on strengthening the abdominals, flexibility of the spine, coordination, and using the mind to control body actions are some core concepts of the method.  Breath is integrated to facilitate ease in the movement.

GYROKINESIS® methodology works the entire body through seven natural elements of spinal movement as well as all other joint articulation. Postures are smoothly connected through the use of breath, making exercises appear and feel more like a dance than traditional yoga. GYROKINESIS® training elongates the musculature and shapes the body; strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles; articulates the spine; develops greater mobility in the joints; improves balance, coordination and neuromuscular control; and increases stamina with minimal impact to the joints. 

(GYROKINESIS is a registered trademark of Gyrotonic Sales Corp. and is used with their permission.)

World Dance is fueled by Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, and West African Live Drumming. Come sweat, celebrate, and love yourself!  Explore embodying nature’s elements and releasing tension in a safe community environment.  Come play in guided movement and ecstatic free dance.