Community Fundraising: Family Yoga Day Benefit

Is there a Class for me?
Down Under Yoga offers a variety of class styles and levels so there is a class for every age and stage of life, every body shape, size and energy level. Read about the different levels below and see Schedule descriptions.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU COME:

What to wear and bring with you
Bring a yoga mat if you have one - yoga mats are available if you don't. If you come regularly, then for your home practice and hygiene reasons, we expect you to bring your own mat.
Wear comfortable easy-moving clothing (athletic pants, shorts, sports tops, swim trunks - no jeans!)
Feel free to bring water with you.

Location and Parking
There is free 2 hr parking on Forrest & Lake Street, off Walnut Street, Newton Highlands

Other Tips
Arrive ten minutes early so you have time to set up your mats and gets props.
Please turn off cell phones and anything that rings or beeps.
Please don’t wear perfumes or colognes.
Ask lots of questions in class- the instructors are there for you and everyone benefits from questions

Food
Don't eat too much before class since the classes get active. Practice yoga on an empty stomach or eat lightly before. Feel free to drink lots of water and you are welcome to bring water to class.

LEVELS & STYLES OF YOGA:

What level should try?
We let you self-select the level class that feels appropriate. Read the descriptions of each level on the Schedule Page to get a good idea of the difference. If you've only done a little yoga or none at all, start with a level 1 class to build a solid foundation to your practice. Anyone with back or neck issues should attend a level 1 class before attending level 2. The higher the level, the more active the class and the less details you'll receive on how to do a pose. Level 2 assumes you know basic poses and level 3 requires competence in inversions and aerobic sequences. If you decide the class is too easy, move up a level. Physically fit beginners and those with some yoga experience who don't mind diving in deep, feel free to attend level 2 or 2/3 and please make sure you've read the class descriptions before attending level 3.

Feel free to chat further about appropriate levels with Justine at 617-928-6080 and we highly recommend a private yoga session if you are nervous about joining class or wish to address any physical injuries or issues before leaping into the class environment.

Private Yoga Classes:
Each body is unique and had different strengths, weaknesses and issues - a good instructor can accommodate every body in class and will teach you modifications for poses that prove difficult or painful. Private yoga sessions are particularly useful to address any special concerns or physical issues you may have. Held at your home or the studio, the instructor will work with one or two students (max. four students). If you are hesitant to leap into the class environment or have physical injuries or issues you would like to know how to work with, please call 617-928-6080 to schedule a private class.

What is Iyengar Yoga?
The Iyengar method of yoga is known for it's eloquent explanation of yoga poses, emphasis on alignment and posture and deep opening of the body. The style is named after BKS Iyengar, recently named by TIME magazine as one 'the 100 most influential people on the planet' because of his extraordinary knowledge of the body,his masterful teaching and for codifying poses that have been passed down in India for centuries.

What is Vinyassa Flow and Yoga?
Flow yoga emphasises the beauty of movement and breath. A more aerobic style of yoga, the yogi 'flows' from one pose to the next. The body grows strong and the mind grows quiet as the practitioner focuses on the rhythm of repetitive patterns of movement.

What are the benefits of Yoga?
YOGA....
-cultivates deep strength
-develops flexibility
-reduces stress and calms the mind
-strengthens the abdominal and core muscles that support the spine
-helps many of the body systems (supporting the nervous and digestive systems, improving circulation)
-improves concentration
-steadies the emotions
-teaches the student about their own body
-opens the heart to feeling fully alive

Payment
We take personal checks and cash.

Heating
Is Down Under a ‘hot yoga’ studio?
No. Down Under Yoga classes will allow your body to open and transform at it's normal, natural pace in a warm room. We do not ascribe to the philosophy that by artificially cranking the heat till the body sweats heavily, the body can go into deeper stretches than is normally possible.