Workshops & Special Events

Fall 2019 Workshops & Special Events

Deconstructing a Sun Salutation: Bandhas, Chakras, + Chaturanga
September 5th @5:40-7:00pm

During this workshop students will learn how to tone and engage the bandhas (energy locks), which serve to control the flow of energy (prana) and correspond to the chakras (energy centers) in the body. Learning how to engage the bandhas can be transformative and instrumental in properly executing Chaturanga Dandasana. Chaturanga Dandasana is not a beginner’s posture. It is important that students are keeping their shoulders safe during strength training drills and in the full execution of the pose. Safe biomechanics of the shoulder girdle and execution of this posture will be thoroughly dissected and taught. After this break down is completed, we will review all other components of a sun salutation. We will discuss the quintessential role of sun salutations in every Ashtanga-Vinyasa class physically, energetically, and spiritually. (Eligible for YCEAP Credits).
*Normal Class // Drop-In & Package Rates Apply

Osho Active Meditation: Free Class
September 14 @10:10-11:40am

Join Jessie for an active meditation that unfolds in five stages. First stage (15 minutes): commences with rapid exhalation, pumping Agni (internal fire) within. Your arms help assist in this technique. Participants will feel the energy of the room begin to rise. Second stage (15 minutes): catharsis - anything goes. This phase is where you let all of your raw emotions free in a safe and sacred environment - primal noises, yelling, crying, howling, drumming, etc. Third Stage (10 minutes): communal ‘Hoo’ mantra. The group energy is reignited and yogis lightly jump with the arms raised overhead while chanting. Feel strong and empowered together. Fourth Stage (10 minutes): stillness in silence, where yogis allow the energy to pulsate throughout the body. Fifth Stage (10 minutes): celebration - expression of joy and zest for life through creative movement or ecstatic dance.
*FREE Class - First Come, First Served.

Mala Yoga: 108 Sun Salutations
September 23 @5:40-7:00pm

aUM Yoga celebrates the changing of the seasons by leading a Yoga Mala or 108 Sun Salutations. A group of people moving through Surya Namaskar together creates a beautiful, cohesive energy that honors our collective humanity. A Yoga Mala can be done at the change of a season (Spring/Fall Equinox & Summer/Winter Solstice), a holy day, or for any significant event. In this 90 minute class, the Yoga Mala is performed without pause. There is a quiet meditation at the beginning, at which time the yogi sets an intention for this moving meditation, followed by a traditional spinal warm-up before beginning. The breath is maintained throughout the practice (Ujjayi breath should be used if possible). The group moves and breaths as one. Practitioners are encouraged to rest if needed. Celebrate with us!
*Normal Class // Drop-In & Package Rates Apply

Aerial Inversions Workshop
September 29 @12:10-1:10pm

Aerial is a form of suspension yoga which combines traditional yoga poses done on the floor with a silk yoga hammock. Gravity helps alleviate pressure and stress on the joints. Inversions are easily accessed without stress or strain on the neck, back, or shoulders. The silks are great for core and arm strengthening - targeting different muscle groups from traditional yoga classes. Clients must wear t-shirts with sleeves (if a client wears a tank top or sleeveless shirt, they will be asked to put on a provided t-shirt). For the protection of the fabric, no jewelry or zippers may be worn.
*$25.00/Workshop

Poses That Challenge You: Arm Balance Workshop
October 19 @12:10-2:10pm

Arm balances are some of the most fun, exciting, and challenging postures in the yoga practice. Most require a degree of open hip flexibility! But, don’t let this deter you from starting this playful practice now. Using a refined and strong base of Chaturanga Dandasana, the Arm Balance Workshop will commence with a Vinyasa Flow to warm up the body and neuro-pathways of the mind. Afterwards, we will begin exploring arm balances on the back (supine) in order to understand optimal skeletal alignment before taking flight. On the backs, yogis will also develop a true sense of their core and how its location, stability, and strength correlate to our arms and legs. Yogis will learn building blocks and full expression of twenty arm balances and transitions between them. (Eligible for YCEAP Credits).
*$35.00/Workshop or $75.00/Series

Free Class + Yoga Teacher Training Open House
October 25 @5:40-7:00pm

Join us for a FREE all levels vinyasa practice. After practice, join Amanda Topping and Jessie Lipkowitz for an informational session about our upcoming Winter 2020: Demystify Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Program. We are a fully accredited program with the Yoga Alliance. The program runs from January 8th - April 23rd. We meet Thursdays from 5:30-9:30pm and Sundays from 12:00 - 6:00pm! For more information click here.
*FREE Class - First Come, First Served.

Hallow Glow Flow: Vinyasa with Glow Sticks
October 30 @7:10-8:10pm

Let's get ready for Halloween with a freaky flow (vinyasa level 2 practice w/ Jessie Lipkowitz) set to music that will make you shriek! Come early to paint yourself and adorn yourself with glow sticks. The room will be dark with disco party lights to add to the effect. This is considered a special class and is also a Michigan Yoga Club event. Pre-registration is recommended. We will be unable to guarantee a spot to those who have not registered.
*$20.00/Class

Poses That Challenge You: Inversion Workshop
November 9 @12:10-2:10pm

Learn powerful and effective techniques that can make even the most challenging transitions and inversions seem approachable. Jessie will share her knowledge of anatomy to help you understand how to activate musculature and align bone structure (scaffolding), for maximum efficiency when approaching static postures such as: chinstand, headstand, forearmstand, and handstand. This workshop will implement a ground-up approach, first learning to find ‘a-line-ment’ in a supported way before integrating strength training drills to develop muscle memory, leading up to deeper expressions of the posture. This workshop is for all levels. Leave feeling empowered, strong, and inspired. (Eligible for YCEAP Credits).
*$35.00/Workshop or $75.00/Series

Osho Active Meditation: Free Class
November 12 @8:15-9:30pm

Free Class + Yoga Teacher Training Open House
November 15 @5:40-7:00pm

Aerial Inversions Workshop
November 17 @12:10-1:10pm

Poses That Challenge You: Contortion Workshop
December 7 @12:10-2:10pm

This workshop will commence with a vinyasa flow practice - ensuring that yogis are warmed up and ready to delve deeper! After flowing, yogis will discover the joy of back bending through variations of camel, bridge, wheel, and drop-backs. Students will be taught the proper way to enter into both standing and seated binds (including twists, pigeon, and splits). These will be long holding postures which acclimate the body to stress adaptation. The Utthita Hasta Padanguthasna Series A-D will also be taught on the ground (supine), leading up to leg behind the head variations. (Eligible for YCEAP Credits).
*$35.00/Workshop or $75.00/Series

Aerial Inversions Workshop
December 8 @12:10-1:10pm

Yin Yoga Workshop
December 11 @7:10-9:10pm

Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues—the tendons, ligaments, and fascia—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A yin practice is meant to complement a yang practice, or more vigorous forms of exercise. Yin postures are passive, long-held postures wherein the muscles are relaxed so that the pose can work to go beyond stretching the muscle and works deeper within the body. Come learn more about the Yin Yoga methodology and it's benefits during this two (2) hour workshop with Amanda.
*$20.00/Class

Free Classes with Yoga Teachers in Training
December 14 + 15 @ Different Class Times - See Schedule for Details

Come out and support our Demystify Yoga Teachers in Training during their Final Practicum(s). Classes are FREE and open to the public. Plan to arrive to classes 10-15 minutes early. Classes are first come, first served. We have yoga mats available to borrow, if you bring your own yoga towel! Otherwise, a yoga mat/towel rental is $3.00.
*FREE Classes - First Come, First Served.