What is yoga?
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. It aims to promote overall health and well-being by improving flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and anxiety. Through the practice of yoga, individuals can cultivate mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner peace. Yoga is a versatile practice that can be adapted to suit individuals of all ages and fitness levels, making it accessible to a wide range of people seeking to enhance their physical and mental wellness.
I am personally certified in 3 forms of yoga, providing a wide range of movements for all types of goals - Power Yoga, Sculpt or YoStrong Yoga, and Yin Yoga.
What are these types of yoga?
Power yoga is a vigorous and dynamic style of yoga that focuses on building strength, flexibility, and stamina. Rooted in Ashtanga yoga, power yoga incorporates flowing sequences of poses that are performed at a faster pace, making it a more intense and challenging workout. The practice typically includes a combination of standing poses, arm balances, inversions, and core exercises, emphasizing breath control and mindful movement. Power yoga is designed to push practitioners to their physical limits while also promoting mental focus and stress relief. The Baptiste method of power yoga serves as the foundational approach at Hammer & Flow Yoga. This dynamic and physically challenging practice is rooted in a powerful vinyasa flow that encourages yogis to explore their edge through breath, movement, and mindfulness. By integrating traditional yoga poses with strength-building exercises and endurance, we aim to create a comprehensive experience that cultivates physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional balance. The Baptiste method not only strengthens the body but also fosters individual growth and inner transformation, making it a cornerstone of our practice at Hammer & Flow Yoga.
Sculpt yoga (or YoStrong) is a dynamic and challenging style of yoga that incorporates strength training exercises into traditional yoga sequences. This practice aims to build muscle, increase endurance, and improve flexibility simultaneously. Yogis use light or heavy hand weights and bodyweight exercises to intensify the practice and engage different muscle groups. Sculpt yoga classes often include a combination of yoga poses, cardio bursts, and core exercises to create a full-body workout. By blending yoga with strength training, sculpt yoga offers a holistic approach to fitness, promoting physical strength, mental focus, and overall well-being.
Yin yoga is a slow-paced yoga style that involves holding passive poses for an extended period, typically around 3 to 5 minutes, or even longer. The aim of yin yoga is to target the deep connective tissues in the body, such as ligaments, bones, and joints, as opposed to the more superficial muscles. By holding poses for an extended period, practitioners can improve flexibility, increase circulation, and release tension in the body. Yin yoga is often described as a meditative practice that helps calm the mind and cultivate awareness of one's inner experiences, and usually incorporates yoga props such as a bolster, yogi blocks (normally 2), a thick blanket and of course your mat.