Best of Columbia Yoga Studio

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‎'Now' is just what is happening--minus everything you think. -Adyashanti

Please join us.


Kripalu yoga teacher Sudhakar Ken McRae

find your center in downtown columbia with Kripalu yoga teacher
Ken McRae






Schedule at a Glance

alleyCat Yoga detailed schedule - here

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
 

6:30-7:30
Sunrise Yoga
Rebecca

 

6:30-7:30
Sunrise Yoga
Rebecca

     
 

9:15-10:30
Kripalu
Susan

9:15-10:30
Yoga Basics
Susan

9:15-10:30
Hatha Flow
Rebecca
  9-10:15
Hatha Flow
Rebecca
9:30-10:30
Community
Yoga

Meagan

 

  10:45-11:30 Kids 3-6
11-11:45 Parent Child to age 3
starts
March 15
  10:30-11:45 Deep Stretch
Ken
11-12
Community
Yoga

Meagan
   
12-1:00
Yoga Nidra
Jan

12-1:00
Kripalu Moderate Flow
Susan

  12:30-1:30
Kids 6-10

 

   

 

   


2-4
Workshops

 
     

 

4:30-5:45 Kripalu TGIF
Ken
  4-5:00
Community
Yoga

Rebecca et al
5:30-6:45
Gentle
Jan
5:30-6:45
Kripalu Moderate Flow
Susan
5:30-6:45
Yoga Basics
Rebecca

5:30-6:45
Kripalu
Ken

   

 

7-8:15
Dharma Yoga
Olivia

7 - 8
Yoga Nidra
Jan

7-8:15
Deep Stretch Restorative
Rebecca

7:30-8:30
Student Yoga
Meagan
7-8
Third
Friday
Kirtan
   
 

Detailed Schedule: Substitutions and even class cancellations sometimes happen.
To see the detailed PDF schedule check here.
Last update was made February 19, 1:06 pm.

Class Descriptions

yoga nidra teacher Chris DavidGentle Yoga with Jan
Mondays 5:30-6:45 pm
This class includes gentle stretches, breathing, relaxation, and asana practice sequences so that all can participate. Gentle Yoga is appropriate for new students or for students who simply prefer to move at a slower pace. 
Asanas are sequenced so that students can easily move from pose to pose.  Modifications are given to accommodate students with chronic symptoms such as muscle or joint pain, stiffness, weakness, or fatigue.



Dharma Yoga teacher Olivia Foss Dharma Yoga with Olivia
Mondays 7-8:15 pm
Dharma Yoga is traditional Hatha Raja Yoga.  This class starts with the classical warm-ups followed by a series of flowing postures that will warm the body, bring flexibility to all muscles and joints, and wake up the nervous system. 
Afterward the stationary poses (balancing, stretching, back bending, twisting and inversions) will be taught.  The series is designed to ignite the entire body and unleash the life force within it.
With regularity, one can bring an end to weight problems and disease, and attain improved health and stamina.  Poses are followed by a period of healing relaxation, and the class concludes with a few minutes of traditional breathing and meditation exercises that are sure to leave the practitioner feeling refreshed and relaxed.  This class is suitable for all levels of yogis and variations will be given for the absolute beginner through the advanced practitioner.



Yoga teacher Rebecca PetersSunrise Yoga with Rebecca
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-7:30 am

Start your day with an energizing practice that begins with gentle posture flows to awaken and lubricate the joints of the body, leading into a focus on learning and practicing pranayama (breathing exercises).  Each class will conclude with guided meditation and savasana.  
All levels welcome!






Kripalu Yoga teacher Susan CooperstockKripalu with Susan - Tuesdays 9:15-10:30 am
This class is an energy awakening class; a journey through the breath, body and mind utilizing the breath and sensations in the body.  A combination of breathwork and postures allows the student to explore states of energy and deep meditation simultaneously. 
Class begins with pranayama (breathing) to bring each participant fully present and open for exploration. Students then prepare for posture flows, opening the body through deep stretches and pratapana (building energy).  Posture flows move slowly and purposely, allowing the body to awaken to the energy and explore the sensations of each pose. 
All students are encouraged to move with the breath and explore each pose within their own physical limit and strengths, making this class appropriate for all levels of student.

Moderate Kripalu Yoga with Susan -Tuesdays 5:30-6:45 pm and
Thursdays 12 noon-1 pm

This class is an energy awakening class; a journey through the breath, body and mind utilizing the breath and sensations in the body.  A combination of breathwork and postures allows the student to explore states of energy and deep meditation simultaneously. 
Class begins with pranayama (breathing) to bring each participant fully present and open for exploration. Students then prepare for posture flows, opening the body through deep stretches and pratapana (building energy).  Posture flows move at a moderate pace,  allowing the body to awaken to the energy and explore the sensations of each pose. 
In this moderate flow class, students explore more physically challenging postures and energizing pranayama practice.  This class is designed for experienced students looking for a more physical practice or new students who are in good physical condition.

Yoga Basics with Susan - Wednesdays 9:15-10:30
Yoga Basics is designed for those who are new to yoga or experienced students desiring a slower, easier paced class.  In Yoga Basics, new asanas (yoga poses) and yogic practices are introduced each week and then integrated into the practice flow.   Each class covers the use of pranayama (breath work), simple alignment principles, and instruction to the foundational postures of yoga.   Detailed posture instructions and props make yoga accessible to all students as they ease into the practice.  Questions and discussion are welcome at the beginning and end of class


yoga nidra teacher Chris DavidYoga Nidra with Jan - Tuesdays 7-8 pm
Wednesdays 12 noon
-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.


Yoga teacher Rebecca PetersAll Levels Hatha Flow with Rebecca -
Thursday 9:15-10:30 am, Saturday 9-10:15 am

An invigorating yet steady flow that will awaken total mindbody connection and ease of motion.  All levels welcome.  
Beginners will be led gently and advanced enthusiasts will be given opportunities to deepen the practice.  Each class includes gentle flow sequences as well as time to ‘just be’ in the poses - new focus postures will be explored in each class and then woven into the flow.  Focus and attention to proper alignment during flow is taught with specific and individualized attention for each participant, giving you freedom to do your version of the poses.  Conscious breathing and awareness of energy are emphasized throughout.

Yoga Basics - Wednesdays 5:30-6:45 pm
Students will be introduced to the basic principles and postures of a yoga class in a safe, supportive and open environment. We'll go step-by-step through the fundamentals to provide you with a solid foundation on which to build a safe and intelligent yoga practice.
Besides increasing flexibility and developing strength, a regular yoga practice will awaken the mind-body connection which allows you to release unnecessary stress and experience deep relaxation. This class is perfect for brand-new beginners or anyone who feels they have never learned proper alignment of the basic yoga postures and their truest purpose.  Start anytime!

Deep Stretch Restorative - Wednesdays 7-8:15 pm
This class will have a contemplative, restful energy and aim to enhance freedom in the body while calming the nervous system and grounding you energetically.  A way to bring balance to yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, you will experience a rejuvenating practice that includes gentle backbends and hip openers, forward bends and twists. 
The class will incorporate longer held stretches to work deeply into connective tissues, as well as supported restorative poses. .


Kripalu yoga teacher Ken McRaeKripalu Yoga with Ken - Thursdays 5:30-6:45 pm, Fridays 4:30-5:45 pm, Saturdays 10:30-11:45 am
Often I teach variations on the same class for a few days in a row with minor changes to accommodate those who show up. I also tend to lead very deep, inwardly focused sequences that draw upon a repertoire of over 80 poses. I only choose postures that everyone can do comfortably.

My classes often have 20-30 poses with appropriate warm-ups and pre-stretches specific to the class planned. My basic teaching philosopy is to encourage students to; 1. do their version of the pose, 2. take full deep breaths and 3. be as present for the experience as possible. - then the magic of yoga happens. Non dual yoga philosophy is often introduced. Beginners are very welcome to join those who have been practicing with me for years.


yoga teacher Meagan CieslaStudent Yoga with Meagan
Thursdays 7:30
-8:30 pm
This class is designed for those who need the time and space to step away from their books and move into their bodies. This energetic class melds a contemporary soundtrack with traditional hatha yoga to enliven the body, loosen the breath and re-establish one's intention both on and off the mat.

Special fee for this class is $5 for FULL-TIME students with a local student ID card that must be shown.
Read more here about Student Yoga.



Kripalu Yoga teacher Susan CooperstockKids Yoga with Susan -
Susan delights in sharing the joys of yoga, movement and children in her classes. As an early childhood educator for the past 19 years, Susan has a deep understanding of a child's natural desire for exploration and movement.

Her kids classes are centered around teaching yoga through play and imagination. Stories, songs, and games will help children explore simple relaxation and meditation exercises and will offer yoga as a playful and enjoyable experience. Registration for the Fall Kids Yoga is now open. Get more information here. Read about kids yoga in the Tribune article here.


Kripalu Yoga teacher Lynn Maloney Meditative Yoga with Lynn M - Second Saturdays 2-4 pm
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.


Community Yoga - Sundays 9:30-10:30, 11-12 noon, & 4-5 pm
alleyCat Community Yoga drop-in classes cost only $5 or 2 credits and offer students an opportunity to experience yoga at a deeply discounted price. This is our opportunity to support our community and thank you for supporting our studio.