Katonah Yoga Center - Class Descriptions

Katonah Yoga
Katonah Yoga has been developed by Nevine Michaan and her teachers over the last thirty years. It is both spiritually refined and eminently practical. As an egalitarian yoga, it works for novices as well as advanced body workers. One needn't have a mystical or "Eastern" orientation to benefit. By synthesizing traditional Hatha yoga postures and meditation with classical Taoist Chinese theory, it provides a clear yet powerful understanding of the mechanics of the body while encouraging increased awareness of the self. The essence of all Hatha Yoga practice is the postures (asanas). Once the basic posture is achieved, the form of the posture can then be deepened through study and through the work of the breath.
Katonah Yoga
A balanced Yoga practice has to be grounded in theory which takes the work beyond the personal to the sublime. Since yoga is meditation in motion it is a tool for self observation and personal evolution. Yoga is not merely physical exercise, it is concious action dependent on concious motivation. One's practice is most balanced when the physical postures,the breath and the whole chemistry of the body are integrated. This organic balance is achieved through the alchemy induced by a conscious practice.
Katonah Yoga - Teachers Class

Anusara Yoga with Osi Mizrahi
Developed by John Friend, Anusara Yoga is a powerful Hatha Yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with universal principles of alignment.
Hatha Yoga
Gail Greenstein's Hatha Yoga classes are general, accommodating to beginners as well as experienced practitioners. All joints and muscle groups are worked in a thorough and effective series. Each class is different and fun!
Hatha Yoga with Tracey
Focused and well-rounded instruction presented in an easygoing and accessible style. Whether you're new to Yoga or a seasoned yogi looking to refine and deepen your practice the Mixed-Level class offers something for everyone. A perfect way to end your day!
Insight Meditation
Insight Meditation (known as Vipassana in the Buddhist tradition) is a simple technique that has been practiced in Asia for over 2,500 years. Beginning with the focusing of attention on the breath and developing awareness of all phenomena, the practice concentrates and calms the mind. It allows one to see through the mind's conditioning and thereby to live more fully present in the moment. Gina's teaching is non-sectarian, although the ethics and traditions of Buddhist psychology are included for guidance. There is no requirement that any beliefs or rituals be adopted, although an open mind is requested. The practice develops clarity of seeing which allows grasping, judgment and fear to fall away. One discovers and cultivates qualities such as peace, vitality, compassion, equanimity, wisdom, joy and moral integrity. The ultimate aim of the practice is the ending of suffering in the discovery of an unconditioned and complete freedom. Each session includes 45 minutes of sitting meditation (detailed instructions are given), 15 minutes of walking meditation, a talk and discussion. It is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators and everyone is welcome.
Iyengar Yoga (all levels)
Iyengar Yoga is a methodical approach to classical yoga poses and breath regulation. This results in improved alignment, strength, vitality and serenity for the practitioner.
Kundalini Yoga
Developed some 4,000 years ago, Kundalini yoga awakens the kundalini energy and consciousness through the system of chakras and the eight energy centers in and around our bodies. Known as the ‘Yoga of Awareness’ it truly lives up to its name by developing a more intricate and responsible connectedness to the self, the surroundings and the interpersonal relations. Kundalini yoga teaches one to energize one’s physical life through the glands and organs, nerves, respiration and circulation; and your mental life through breathing and meditation. It creates a bonded relationship between intentions and performance. In Kundalini yoga classrooms, although there are levels of proficiency, there is often no actual separation between advanced students and beginners. Practitioners do what they can and (without judgment) feel good about that; we are not in a Kundalini class to prove anything. Attending class, one can expect to become calmer, more flexible, energetic, inspired and focused. Each class consists of warm-ups, stretching, rapid diaphragmatic breathing (known as ‘breath of fire’), long deep diaphragmatic breathing, alternate nostril breathing, movement, asana, mudra (hand positions) and sound. Class ends with a deep relation to the sound of the ancient gong.
Mother/ Daughter

Pilates + Yoga
This 1.5 hour class is a unique combination of the Pilates method mat exercises and Katonah style yoga. Utilizing the Pilates magic circle, basic yoga poses and principles of breath, concentration, precision and flow, students will be challenged to explore and deepen their awareness of their core or “Powerhouse”, as well as acquire insight about themselves and personal biomechanics.
Pranayama
Pranayama is a practice of breath observation and manipulation. The Taoists refer to prana as space dust- the ions, ores and minerals in the universe. Pranayama is a technique used to consciously extract these minerals from the atmosphere and to transmute this universal energy into food for the body and mind. Using the breath as the focus of the meditative experience, different breathing techniques are engaged with the goal of increasing elasticity of the lungs, breath capacity, awareness and efficiency. Pranayama is the heart of the hatha practice. The refinement of breathing ultimately informs and transforms the mind and body.
Restorative
"restorative yoga might best described as a supported, conscious body/mind relaxation practice. When supported with props, the body relaxes and opens, releasing tension and stored-up toxins that can cause illness. Restorative poses offer benefits to both the body and mind, for conditions ranging from insomnia to asthma to chronic pain to migraines to depression."
Slow Qi Gong
This class will focus on breath dynamics and nervous system development. Employing the Katonah Yoga principles, Taoist pranayama, meditation and exercise techniques will be taught to strengthen both the foundation of the physical body as well as the nervous system.
Taoist Healing Yoga
In this class, basic Taoist yoga postures will be taught with the Katonah Yoga principles of alignment and structure. The goal of this class is to build the body into a proper container in which to hold and direct life force. The goals of this class are to increase strength and flexibility, to reduce chronic pain symptoms, and to gain a greater understanding of Taoist medicine.
Teen Yoga
Mauri Cramer Pioppo's yoga for teens class blends different styles of yoga including Hatha, yoga nidra, and Pranayama. This is a class geared especially for teens and is fun and focused.
Vinyasa Flow Level 2/3
Join Colleen in a joyful and vibrant dance of the Hatha Yoga practice. Explore the full syllabus of Yoga postures in a carefully organized sequence, designed to open your body & deepen your awareness. Each class will offer pranayama and meditation before savasana. Be prepared to invert and balance, an intermediate to advanced Yoga practice is advised.
Yoga for Kids 8-12 years
In Jennifer's class, children will learn how to focus and center themselves through a variety of visualization and breathing exercises. They will begin flowing sequences, balancing poses and partner poses which encourage positive peer interaction. They will also develop a better sense of how their bodies work through cooperative yoga games and basic anatomy.
Yoga for Kids, 6-9 years
In Jennifer's class, children will channel their natural energy through yoga poses, breathing exercises, cooperative games and relaxation techniques. They will develop flexibility, strength and coordination.