Group Classes: Hatha Yoga (Foundations and Flow)
GROUP CLASSES ON ZOOM!:
- Join any class from your mobile device or computer
- No membership with zoom is required
- No commute time – Log on and you’re in class!
- Zoom links are sent approximately 1-hour before class start time
- Create the space for physical and mental space to practice
IN PERSON or LIVE STREAM:
Most group classes are offered simultaneously as a livestream class and in-person, often referred to as a hybrid class. Some classes are in-studio only or livestream only. In-studio classes are held and the newly opened, Mukunda Studio in SOMA, SF, CA.
We provide small group classes aka semi-private group classes in order to support a more personal learning experience. Direct access to the teacher’s guidance and closer connection with fellow students makes for a more rewarding class time together.
TYPES OF CLASSES – All noted in PT:
Hatha Foundations with Marc
–>Saturdays: 9:30am-10:45am
- The class offers a deep, moderately challenging practice with balanced focus on ease & relaxation.
- Includes poses to help with balance, strength and flexibility based on the Integral Yoga system.
- Includes focus on breath and movement, deep relaxation and a brief practice of concentration and meditation.
- The sequence will vary each week but will maintain a general order that will become familiar over practice time.
Hatha Flow Variations with Marc
–> Hatha Flow: Tuesdays: 9-10am
–> PM Hatha Flow: Thursdays: 6-7:15pm
–> Hatha Rise & Shine: Sundays: 9:30am-10:45am
- Based on Hatha Foundations, adding in more poses and less rests per class.
- More challenging class with more focus on transitions and breath and body coordination.
- Open to all, particularly energizing for those with a regular Yoga practice seeking holistic fitness.
- Offers the concept of flow in all areas of life to consider how we can “flow” through life on and off the mat.
What is Hatha Yoga?
It is widely understood that yoga comes from India, but it’s not always widely known that yoga is 3000-5000 years old and is much more than a series of postures for the body to negotiate. It’s a full, body/mind science (not religion) that ultimately unifies the body/mind/spirit towards equanimity and clear understanding of universal truth. While this can seem like a leap to imagine going from stretching on a yoga mat to becoming a liberated and enlightened being, this is precisely the path that ancient yogis recognized would emerge as a timeless longing for spiritual seekers at some life-stage or another. It is also true that any level of practice is beneficial and not all of us are meant to follow one path. There are various types of yoga practice and the asanas (yogic postures) are just one of eight that are explained in yogic philosophy. (Read more from yogajournal.com HERE)
Hatha Yoga simply refers to the overall path of yoga dealing with strengthening, cleansing and purifying the physical body by way of postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama) and purification practices (satkarma) to name a few. All of the many and different styles that are offered in yoga studios fall under the umbrella of hatha. When a class is defined solely as “hatha” this typically means the focus of the class points to the balance of effort and steadiness, moving with ease to develop inner and outer power and strength. Sometimes, hatha is labeled as a gentle, easier style of yoga and as with the phrase “abstract painting,” there are many interpretations which may be subjective and may or may not be to your liking!
Some would define Hatha in this way: “ha” to mean sun and “tha” to refer to moon. Hatha yoga being a practice that balances feminine/masculine, the yin/yang, receptive/active. It is the play of the dualistic realm that our human body is governed by and which teaches us the laws of this life and being in this material world. But hatha can also be interpreted as ‘effort’ and ‘force’ which relates to the activity of the poses to affect the spine and abdomen where healthy maintenance offers graceful aging, aiming to counter the side-effects of daily physical and emotional stress. Though this has looked different through the centuries and results will vary from person to person, the human form still battles imbalances that are relative to the time and place of each person’s existence.
Dos:
- Plan ahead and book your class online/mobile here or at Mukunda Studio
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting or athletic clothing. (best without socks)
- Plan for parking and arrive at least 5 minutes ahead of class time to get settled.
- Bring your mat, towel, cushion, etc. (Also available at studio so not to worry if you don’t have)
Don’ts:
- Avoid eating at least one hour before practice and 30 minutes after a practice.
- If you have uncontrolled high-blood pressure or are pregnant, these may not be the right classes for you.
- If you’re thinking you won’t know what to do, know that’s just your mind playing tricks on you – don’t give in to negative thoughts!
- Yoga is a practice that leads to improved health and wellness over time. Think slow and steady versus fast and irregular.