Bethlehem Yoga - About Yoga & Class Descriptions

YOGA BASICS classes will help you to have a better understanding of the fundamental asanas. Learn how to practice postures by building from the "root" or base of the pose to create a balanced feeling of stability and freedom in your body. You will also begin to connect with your breath in a deeper way and better understand the pranayama (breath) techniques.

LEVEL 1 classes are for newer students to learn correct alignment and breathing in fundamental yoga postures. They are ideal for those who have completed the Intro to Yoga class, anyone who is new to yoga, or anyone with minimal yoga experience.

LEVEL 1&2 classes will pick up the pace a bit from Level 1 classes and work on preparations for intermediate poses including inversions such as shoulderstand and handstand. LEVEL 2 classes are designed to take students to the next level of practice. Further strength, stamina, and flexibility will be required as more advanced postures and sequences are introduced.

LEVEL 2&3 classes require previous yoga experience and offer challenging sequences. Inversions, arm balances and full backbends are some of the more advanced postures that are practiced regularly in these classes.

MIXED LEVEL requires some yoga experience, but students who have been attending Yoga Basics or Level 1 classes are welcome in Mixed Level. Learn surya namaskar (sun salutations) standing asanas (poses), balance, forward folding, back bending, and much more.

GENTLE YOGA is for those who would like to work at a slower pace, those recovering from illness or injury, or anyone who has not been physically active lately and would like to work more gently at first. The focus of this class is on gently building strength and flexibility, and using restorative postures and breath work for healing and relaxation.

RESTORATIVE YOGA is a class designed to relax and rejuvenate the body. These comfortable restorative postures are created by using blankets, blocks and other yoga props. Gentle breathing techniques are also utilized. Learn how to open your body, relax and relieve stress.

KUNDALINI YOGA is a dynamic blend of postures, breath, mantra and meditation. Ancient kriyas, or sets of exercises, have been passed down through centuries from yogi to yogi. Each kriya is designed to target specific issues allowing practitioners to focus on certain aspects of their physical, mental, or emotional state.

MEDITATION is a class that includes a Kundalini Yoga warm up, a specific 31 minute meditation, breathing exercises, and a relaxation period at the end. Meditation is a powerful skill for beginning to understand how our mind works. We learn to observe our thought patterns and how these thought messages shape who we are. We then we practice quieting the mind for greater peace, contentment, and to be able to hear the messages of our hearts.

PRENATAL YOGA a safe and supportive environment to practice yoga through all stages of pregnancy. You will focus on developing strength, flexibility, and proper breathing, and explore meditation techniques that create inner peace for birth and motherhood. Gentle, restorative asanas are also used for relaxation.

FIREFLIES MUSICAL YOGA FOR KIDS (AGE 3-6) is a fun, imaginative way for kids to engage in regular exercise while building body awareness, flexibility, self-esteem, confidence, strength and compassion in a playful nurturing environment.

TAI-CHI is often called a moving meditation and is a discipline that integrates mind, body, and spirit as you practice a series of slow moving martial arts exercises called "forms." Tai Chi increases overall strength, and promotes calm and harmony by improving the flow of energy in the body.

BELLYDANCE LEVEL 1, 2 & 3 in these classes you will learn exciting dances that utilize nearly every muscle and joint in the body, improving strength, posture, body control and awareness. Bellydance is an exhilarating way to exercise. Students who are new to bellydance, or new to Amala's classes, should register for Level 1. Level 2 and Level 3 registration is available with teacher approval.

BELLYDANCE STYLES is a mixed level class open to all students that explores special styles of bellydance with traditional costume, props and music. This class is a great way to expand your repertoire and challenge yourself to learn something new!