Lakes Area Yoga Association

A nonprofit organization bringing quality yoga at affordable prices to the Brainerd Lakes area since 1995.

FEEL BETTER

Yoga Class Descriptions

Tuesday Morning Yoga
For those new to yoga, or experienced students. This class combines elements of Intro, Gentle and some Level I practices: basic asanas (poses), breathwork, relaxation, laughter and continuing education on many aspects of yoga. Appropriate for students of any age or ability.

Easy Yoga
This class is for you, if...
     You are new to yoga, have never had a class before, and would like to see what all the fuss is about.
OR
     You haven't been in class for a while, and you would like a refresher on the Basics of Yoga.
OR
     Tuesday evenings at 5:30 are a good time for you to get to class.
OR
     YOu are intimidated by difficult-looking yoga poses but would like to try some "easy stuff".
This class is open to all, regardless of experience, ability, age or size.

Intro to Yoga
Just what it says: an introduction to yoga technicques, including breathwork, gentle stretching, basic poses and relaxation. Open to all, regardless of experience, ability, age or size.

Intro to Yoga: Ashtanga-Style
For those new to yoga, or experienced students. This is a Vinyasa (flow) style of practice, both vigorous and serene. We will learn two Sun Salutes (Surya Namaskar A and B) and the basics of the Primary Series of standing and sitting poses (asanas) in Ashtanga-style yoga.

Continuing Yoga
This class provides progressively more complicated work for students who are ready to move on from Intro class, but are perhaps not ready to move into inversions. Preparations for Level II will be emphasized, including upper-body strengthening. These classes will open with a 15-minute discussion of anatomy, nutrition and yoga philosophy. Appropriate for students with at least six months yoga experience and no active injuries.

Friday Morning Yoga
For those new to yoga, or experienced students. You don’t have to stand on your head or twist yourself into a pretzel to receive the benefits of a regular yoga practice. Easily-accessible yoga poses can lead to increased mobility/flexibility, improved core strength and upper body conditioning, along with pain reduction in stiff or achy joints. Appropriate for all, regardless of age, ability, experience or size.

Gentle Yoga
A slower-paced class emphasizing gentle stretching and supported poses. Appropriate for students of any age, size or ability.

Level I and II
This class includes a greater range of asanas (poses) for students wishing to deepen their practice. This is LAYA's most "advanced" class, and includes inversions (shoulder stand, hand stand and head stand).

These two classes are not on our current schedule, but may return in the future:

Yoga for Men
This class is designed specifically for the most under-represented and under-served sector of our yoga community: MEN. Guys, if you think you are too stiff or too old or too shy/uncoordinated/overweight/out-of-shape, this is the class for you! Yoga will enhance your ability to participate in sports, hunting/fishing, gym workouts, weight training and everyday living. No experience required.

Yoga for Menopause
Ease the transition with Yoga. Enjoy and soft and sweet yoga practice to better handle the changes your body may be experiencing. We will work with asana (poses) and breath; open to students of all ages and sizes. No experience required.

Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is a gentle, therapeutic style of Yoga that uses props to support the body to deepen the benefits of the poses. This is a soothing and nurturing practice that promotes the effects of conscious relaxation. Restorative practice is used to tigger the parasypathetic nervous sytem, which lowers heart rate and blood pressure, as well as stimulating immune and endocrine systems in a healthy way. This class doesn't require flexibility or athletic ability and is appropriate for ALL ages, sizes and levels of experience

Intro to Yoga for Absolute Beginners
For students who are new to yoga and want to learn basic poses (asanas), along with fundamentals of posture, breath and stretching. Appropriate for students of any age or ability. If you are not an "absolute beginner" but this class fits your schedule the best, no problem: join us even if you have experience, or would like a refresher!

LAYA now accepts Credit Cards and PayPal