Class Overview

In our yoga classes together we will move through our practice with a meditative awareness, bringing mindfulness to each posture.  We will also experience the powerful effects of traditional yogic breathing, body locks, mantras, and kriyas.  We will learn how to live a more awakened life by reflecting on the wisdom tradition teachings from ancient sages such as Pantanjali and Buddha, to modern day teachers such as Ram Dass and Eckhart Tolle.  In each class we will explore how we can apply these teachings to our yoga practice, and to our every day life.  

The physical benefits of yoga have been well documented in scientific studies. Our classes take our yoga practice to the next level; working with not only the body, but with the mind, heart and spirit to help us live an enlightened life.  This is the way yoga has been practiced for centuries, and we continue in this time-honored tradition.

Beginner Level Hatha Yoga

This holistic yoga class teaches the fundamentals of yoga; including the body postures (asanas), yogic breathing (pranayama), meditation, and an understanding of the philosophy of yoga and how to be more present in our lives.  In this class we will develop our strength, flexibility, balance, clarity, and compassion; improving our overall sense of well-being.  This practice is perfect for people who are new to yoga, or those who prefer a gentler practice.

Beginner Level Hatha Yoga & Insight Meditation

This is a Beginner Level Hatha Yoga Class (described above), with the addition of a 15 minute seated and guided meditation to complete the class.  We practice the techniques of Insight Meditation (Vipassana), working with body sensations, thoughts and emotions in order to gain wisdom and insight into our true nature.  No experience is necessary.

Intermediate Level Hatha Yoga

This holistic yoga class builds on the basic body postures (asanas), teaching more challenging and complex combinations of asanas, further developing our strength, flexibility and balance.  We will engage in more advanced breathing techniques (pranayamas), body locks, and meditation techniques using kriyas and mantras.  We will also develop a deeper understanding of yogic philosophy and what it means to live an awakened life.  This practice raises our life force energy (prana) and consciousness, helping us to feel physically and spiritually uplifted. 

All Levels Yin Yoga

This slow-paced, meditative form of yoga uses long-held poses to stretch the connective tissue in the body which improves flexibility, circulation and energy flow.  This class uses contemplative meditations to nourish the mind and spirit.  The postures activate pressure points in the body improving our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

All Levels Yin Yoga with Recovery Meditations

This is an All Levels Yin Yoga Class (described above), with the contemplative meditations being focused on the addiction recovery.  We study recovery from an Eastern Philosophy perspective, giving us new insights into our healing process.

Please note:  Each organization has their own unique way of labeling classes.  Please refer to the information in parentheses for the level and style of yoga being taught in each class.

Harriet and Joe Foster YMCA

1234 West 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018 / 713-869-3378 / ymcahouston.org (Membership-based classes)

Mondays 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Yoga I - Holistic (Beginner Level Hatha Yoga)

Wednesdays  7:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Yoga - Slow Deep Stretch (All Levels Yin Yoga)

Weekley Family YMCA

7101 Stella Link Blvd., Houston, TX 77025 / 713-664-9622 / ymcahouston.org (Membership-based classes)

Mondays 10:30 am - 11:30 am - Beginner Yoga (Beginner Level Hatha Yoga)

Tuesdays 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Beginner Yoga (Beginner Level Hatha Yoga)

Thursdays 10:30 am – 11:30 am - Yoga (Intermediate Level Hatha Yoga)

Fridays 11:30 am - 12:30 pm – Slow Stretch Yoga (All Levels Yin Yoga)

The Council on Recovery

303 Jackson Hill St., Houston, TX 77007 / 713-914-9556 / council-houston.org (Donation-based classes)

Tuesdays 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm - Slow Stretch Yoga for Awakening (All Levels Yin Yoga)

Thursdays 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm - Mindful Yoga and Meditation (Beginner Level Hatha Yoga with Yogic and Buddhist Meditations)

Saturdays 10:30 am - 11:30 am - Slow Stretch Yoga for Addiction Recovery (All Levels Yin Yoga with 12 Step Meditations)