Click here for the detailed current schedule.

Updated February 26, 2010 2:40pm.
For an update on class cancellations due to weather check here.

The detailed schedules include substitutions and changes to class times.
Please be sure to check before coming to class!

 

Deep Stretch Saturdays 10:30-noon
A quiet, slow-paced class ideal for all levels of students. This class offers the opportunity to gently and deeply unwind beneath the surface layers into the deeper connective tissues of the body by working close to the floor, practicing fewer poses and holding them for longer periods of time. Deep stretch can unhook and release enormous amounts of tension, heighten self-awareness and restore a feeling of spacious freedom in the bodymind. back to schedule

Meditative Yoga Wednesdays 5:30-7 pm
with Lynn

This class includes the practice of chanting, postures, pranayama and meditation to develop awareness of prana, the subtle energy that all yogic practice is based upon. With an emphasis on physical sensation and breath awareness this class is based on the tradition of Kripalu yoga. A slower pace and a few basic postures make this class appropriate for beginners as well as more advanced students seeking a more internal practice. back to schedule

 

Yoga 101
with Ken
The next Yoga 101 four week series will be in September 2010.
$44 Yoga 101 Pass

This 4-week class is designed for those who are new to the practices of yoga.
Our emphasis will be on developing body awareness - learning to notice and experience sensations in the body while doing basic yoga postures.

During each of the classes we will provide a context for the practices of yoga and leave time to answer questions. Over the period of 4 weeks we will cover all the basics so you can easily integrate into other alleyCat Yoga classes.
Please pre-register. Call 289-3007 or email.

alleyCat Community Yoga Sundays
11:15 am-12:15 and 4:00-5:00 pm

alleyCat Community Yoga is taught by a rotating group of talented teachers. This drop-in class costs only $5 or 2 credits and offers students an opportunity to experience a variety of teaching styles. Each class will be a unique expression of the teacher and the students who have gathered to practice together. back to schedule

Specialty Classes
Yoga passes are applicable for some of these classes, others require a separate registration.

Senior Yoga a.k.a. "Golden Yoga" Mondays 9-10:15 am
with Jan
For more information call 289-3007 or 356-4099 or email.
$40 for 4 classes.

A very gentle, slow-paced chair class designed to strengthen the body, improve balance and steadiness, increase range of motion and promote calming of the mind. All ages welcome. We'll breathe, relax and have fun! back to schedule

Kids Yoga Saturdays 12:30-1:30 pm & Thursday 11-11:45 am kids 3-6
with Susan
You must register for these classes directly with Susan.
Call Susan at 449-6068 or email.
Check out Susan's website.

Read Feb 3 '06 Tribune article!

These classes, offered by Susan Cooperstock an early childhood educator for the past 19 years, are a lot of fun while also helping kids learn how to focus, balance and feel good about their bodies.

They offer children a playful way to gain patience and self-confidence, strength and flexibility through yoga postures, breathing, stories, music and games.

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iRest Yoga Nidra: The Meditative Heart of Yoga

Yoga Nidra is offered on a drop-in basis Wednesdays 12-1 pm

Yoga Nidra, an ancient Tantric Yoga practice (literally "sleep of the yogis"), is a method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation while remaining totally alert and aware.

Yoga Nidra is practiced to reduce stress, overcome insomnia, solve personal problems, resolve trauma, and overcome fear, anger and depression. As well, it is an experience of inquiry and meditation designed to facilitate awakening to one’s true nature. Read more about yoga nidra.

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Yoga is the one type of exercise that the America College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends as safe and effective for pregnant mothers.

Visit Erica's website here.

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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Next MBSR course begins September 2010.

with Peter Holmes, PhD
Register directly with Peter. Call 875-0077 or send him an email.

This course is based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD at the
University of Massachusetts Medical Center and described in his best-selling book “Full Catastrophe Living”. The intention of MBSR is to give participants the tools to live a more mindful, aware life so that they can be more present in
the moment and remain calm, relaxed, and focused even when life is tough.

This particular program has eight 2 hour sessions and a full day retreat. Each session will consist of some combination of formal mindfulness practices (sitting meditation, walking meditation, body scan, gentle yoga), group discussion, and homework practice assignments.

Helping individuals to integrate regular mindfulness practice into their lives is the main goal of the program and the group classes are designed with this in mind. There will be a tentative outline for each class but this outline will be flexible and changed as necessary to meet the needs of the participants.
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Kirtan Second Sunday of each month, 5:15-6:30 pm

Kirtan is a form of devotional singing that offers "a direct way of reunification with the divine... It is our own heart singing to itself songs of love and devotion."
The word kirtan comes form the Sanskrit root "kirt" which means "to name, to communicate, to celebrate, to praise, to glorify." Traditionally, kirtans are done in a call and response style; the leader sings one line or verse and the group responds by singing the line back. No experience is needed.

One of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world, kirtan can carry us effortlessly to a place of quiet, to stillness. It moves us toward the state of Yoga. Although the kirtan involves music, the underlying art of kirtan chanting is not at all about musical ability or training—it is about the heart. Everyone can participate, regardless of age or cultural background. The purpose of this music is to get us out of our heads and into our hearts.
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Kirtan is offered free of charge and donations are gratefully accepted.

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