In Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), the word "yoga" translates as "union." Yoga is the integration, or the union, of mind and body to create a greater connection to one's own essential nature. While the practice of yoga had the initial sole purpose of spiritual enlightenment, yoga classes today offer a place to pursue physical fitness, stress reduction, and/or the opportunity to delve into the deeper spiritual aspects of the practice.

Yoga classes, as offered at Charm City Yoga, primarily teach the physical discipline of yoga, or "hatha" yoga, which focuses on the asanas (postures) and breathwork. Mind and body start to harmonize by bringing the focus to the breath, coordinating breath with movement, pulling awareness to different parts of the body, and listening to the body with acceptance as you bring it into any posture, however easy or difficult. Most of the classes also offer introductions to some of the more internal, meditative aspects of yoga.

All classes are drop-in. No need for pre-registration (although it is an option).

• Drop-in...$15
  
• Community Class...$6 (see description below)
  
• Five-Class Card...$70, save $1 a class
  
• Ten-Class Card...$125, save $2.50 a class
  
• Monthly unlimited...$150, save a lot if you come often
  
• Annual Membership...$1300

The Five-Class and the Ten-Class expire 4 months after the date of purchase.

Hot Vinyasa is the signature style of Charm City Yoga. The room is heated to approximately 90 degrees. As your body warms up, the muscles, tendons and ligaments become softer and more flexible, thus, allowing for a deeper stretch. The heat also promotes sweating and circulation, both which are considered to be methods of cleansing the body. The asana practice itself is dynamic, focusing on the movement of the breath and the body and the synchronization of the two. The word vinyasa means flow. Flow is attained by setting a personal intention for the practice, linking the breath to the movement of the body and staying mindfully connected to the body not only in the postures, but also in the transitions.

A question commonly asked is how does Hot Vinyasa differ from Bikram Yoga? Bikram yoga is taught at 105 degrees. The routine, consisting of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, is followed every session and taught uniformly by its teachers. The temperature in Charm City's Hot Vinyasa classes is set at 90 degrees to help you break a sweat, but is a slightly less intense dose of heat than that experienced in Bikram. Each Hot Vinyasa class is tailored by the teacher, allowing his or her individual style to inform the structure of the class.

Beginners and all levels of students are welcome. Even if you have not done yoga, postures can be modified according to your ability. Yoga is learning to listen and work with your body as it is!

Please bring water and a towel. Towel rental available for $2, bottled water for $1.

Astanga Yoga is a system of vinyasa yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. It is a dynamic series of postures, practiced in a flowing sequence without interruption. In between most postures, a vinyasa, or connecting posture, is performed. The connective posture in Astanga consists of a forward bend, plank, low plank, upward dog, downward dog and a jump through. Beyond connecting the physical postures, flow of the practice can be attained by coordinating the movement of the body with one's gaze, breath and internal sensations. In Astanga, just as important as the physical postures is bringing the mental focus to the internal aspects of the practice, which include the breath, the bandhas, mudras, and dristis.

• Ujjayi breath is maintained throughout an Astanga practice. This breath involves directing the inhale and the exhale over the back of the throat. If done properly, it will make a soft hissing sound. As one works to maintain an even, steady sound, the breath is slowed and the mind is focused. For more information go here.
• A mudra, usually a held gesture of the hand, is helpful for inducing a meditative state of awareness. It is also believed to lock and guide energy flow.The bandhas are energetic locks in the body, places where muscle contraction can be used to channel or retain the flow of prana. Prana can be understood as energy or breath.
• A drishti is a point of focus. In Astanga students are directed focus on one of nine different points which are called drishtis. For example, in triangle pose, the student will be asked to gaze at the outstretched hand. In asana, or the physical practice of yoga, the prescribed drishti assists concentration, aids movement, and helps orient the pranic (energetic) body. For more information.
• The harnessing of breath, the use of mudras, the activation of bandhas and the focusing on drishtis, help to both guide the physical movement and to align the internal aspects of the self with the practice.

The Series itself, the sequence of postures, does not change and once mastered can be practiced anywhere. The body, however, will change with your practice. Involvement in the Series will become deeper; one's flexibility, strength and stamina will increase, as will concentration and body awareness. Astanga is a challenging practice, and it is said that where there is no effort there is no benefit. As Pattabhi Jois says, "Do your practice and all is coming. "

Of the various different formal Series, Charm City Yoga offers the Primary Series (the least difficult, but plenty challenging!). While all are welcome, Astanga is best for those who have had some experience with yoga.

Beginner Yoga. These classes focus on the first time student. They are taught at a slower pace, with more verbal description to accompany each posture. Breath awareness, mental concentration and formal relaxation are also introduced in Beginner Yoga.

We offer a repeating Beginner Series at each of our three studios. A series consists of five sessions taught by the same instructor, each session focusing on a different set of postures. These five class series are a perfect introduction to yoga; they offer a generous amount of instruction and guidance for the new student.

Hatha Yoga. Hatha, as mentioned above, is the word used to denote the physical aspect of yoga. All yoga classes, then, are considered to be "hatha" yoga. A Hatha Yoga class at Charm City Yoga, however, stands apart from the other classes because students will spend more time concerned with each iindividual posture. Students will work on both postures and breathwork to achieve strength, balance and flexibility in their practice. These classes are not heated.

Beginners and all levels welcome. Even if you have not done yoga, postures can be modified according to your ability. Yoga is learning to listen and work with your body as it is!

Lunchtime Yoga is a 45 minute class designed to accommodate day workers and give a well rounded yoga class during the lunch break. Put balance, strength and flexibility, plus a little peace of mind back, into your busy work day.

Come to 5 lunch classes and the sixth one for free! Beginners welcome!

Pre-natal Yoga. In a prenatal class, the yoga instructor will teach poses tailored to you, as a mom-to-be. Your instructor will be able to suggest modifications appropriate for your changing body and growing belly. Yoga helps one to relax through intensity, to release tension from the body, and keep a steady mind in the face of change. For both the physical and mental benefits, prenatal yoga is a perfect practice for pregnant women. In addition to these health benefits, the class offers a place of community for women facing the exciting process of birth.

Rock and Roll Yoga is all-out garage psychedelic, Brazilian 60's rock-n-roll. Jump, jive, and harmonize! Music, sweet music. This is a vinyasa flow style yoga. Beginners are welcome!!!

Yin Yoga: In Taoist philosophy, yin and yang are relative terms that can be used to describe all phenomenon. Yin is the stable, though hidden, internal way of things. Yang is the changing moving, apparent aspect. In terms of yoga, yang is used to describe the active aspects, while yin describes the passive elements. Of our physical practice, movement and muscular contraction are yang, while relaxation of the muscle and stretching of the joints' connective tissue are yin. Both are very important for the vitality of the body. A yang practice stimulates the vital energy of the body (or qi, according to Taoism) and the yin practice keeps the body open and flexible, allowing for the flow of energy.

Yang activities can become limited if one does not keep the yin elements supple. If you try to flex a knee, for example, after years of underuse, the motion will be limited because the connective tissue has tightened and shrunk. In a yin class, by holding poses for much longer periods of time, the muscles more fully release and the stretch can, then, penetrate to the connective tissue around a joint. Yin yoga is designed to access, and work with, the internal aspects of the physical practice. For more information go here.

As with all types of yoga, the practice of Yin Yoga culminates in the ability to comfortably sit in an upright posture for an extended period of time, enhancing one's ability to sit in meditation, the mind free of physical distractions.

Yoga Sculpt: Yoga Sculpt emphasizes the slimming and toning properties of yoga. If you are looking to sculpt your body through the physical benefits of an asana practice, then this class is for you!

Community Classes: Our community classes (Community Hatha Yoga, Community Hot Vinyasa, Community Rock and Roll Yoga) offer the same exceptional experience as you will find in all of our other classes. They are offered, however, at a "community" rate to encourage you to join us with very low financial risk. Only $6! Cash only please.

Beginners and all levels welcome. Even if you have not done yoga, postures can be modified according to your ability. Yoga is learning to listen and work with your body as it is!