Galena Yoga Center Class Descriptions

(all classes taught by Jeff Wright or Tracey Roberts)

Vinyasa Yoga – Go with the flow! Vinyasa Class focuses on the elements of breathing and movement in yoga. There is less detailed instruction and more activity than in the Gentle Yoga and Level 1-2 Classes. Jeff and Tracey lead students through series of poses, each sliding to the next at the speed of smooth, deep breath. Be prepared to sweat a little and leave class buoyant, refreshed, and calm. Because of the more active, less monitored nature of this class, students should be moderately fit and have some prior knowledge of basic yoga poses. Many people find that the rhythmic breath/body work of a Vinyasa session prepares them for effective meditation practice.  (Occassional short course offered at GYC and in Platteville, WI)

Yoga Workout – Be ready to sweat … and smile.  This on-going class focuses on the delights of full movement and deep breath.  With a minimum of analysis and instruction, students can enjoy an unbroken flow of yogic experience.  Students are therefore expected to be moderately fit and to be familiar and comfortable with the 10-15 basic yoga poses. (Students must complete our Foundations of Yoga series or equivalent as a minimum)  (Occassional short course offered at GYC and in Platteville, WI)

Foundations of Yoga – This five-six week course introduces students to Hatha Yoga.  We will explore physical postures and breathing techniques within the context of the larger yogic system. We will challenge our balance and our stability, gain better focus and improve our flexibility throughout the course.  Students will be introduced to principles and strategies which will allow them success within their personal capacity. (Occassional short course offered at GYC and in Platteville, WI) It is also offered in a one-day workshop format in Galena.

Gentle Yoga (Level I Yoga) – (For women only)   This on-going class is geared toward yoga students who have completed the Foundations series or who have recent yoga experience. It will continue with the themes established in the Foundations course but will introduce many new poses, ways to gain greater flexibility and stability and introduce other healthful yogic techniques. This class is geared toward individual needs, taking into account past injuries or chronic joint pain/stiffness to allow students to feel ease in their bodies. (On-going weekly class offered in Galena).

Hatha Yoga (Level 1-2) This on-going class, meeting once a week in Galena, challenges students in their stability and increases focus in the breath. Students know their limitations and abilities. New ideas are presented and students find new ways to approach their yoga. Instruction is given on proper alignment, safe ways to increase strength and flexibility, and pre-yoga exercises and activities to increase overall health. This class assumes a deeper interest in yoga practices, a willingness to try new things, and an established, on-going home practice.

Basics of Meditation – This four-week course will help students enjoy the practice of meditation. Students will learn proper physical alignment, special breathing procedures, the sophisticated use of sound, walking practice, and many other techniques which can leave you calm yet full of vitality. (Occassional short course or one-day workshop offered in Galena)

Yoga for Men – (Five-week beginner’s class) Traditionally the intent of yoga was to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of men. Yoga for Men emphasizes the principles that more fully address the male experience in yoga. Your instructor, Jeff Wright, brings to class over 20 years of teaching experience, over thirty-five years of yoga practice, and just over 60 years of joy and tribulation as a man. Join Jeff for this unique class. (Occassional short course offered in Galena).

De-Stress Yoga (Level 1-2)   (Not a beginner’s course)  Yoga has the capacity to heal and make whole. This course is for yogis who have had a minimum of the Foundations course and are ready to go deeper, not harder. Build strength and stability in the joints, learn health-giving twists, slow vinyasa, and practice a quiet and peaceful yoga to feel refreshed and renewed. Great for after work! (Occassional short course offered in Platteville).

Yoga from the Chakras (Level 1 -2 )    The Chakra system has been described in the yogic texts for at least two thousand years. This system is related to the “subtle body”, or the “energy body”. By identifying the physical location of each of the 7 chakras in the body and using our yoga knowledge and practice, we can learn to allow our efforts to flow smoothly to encourage better all-around health. Using visualization, yoga poses, and breathing exercises we will come to better know our own bodies and bring ease to areas that seem stuck.