Class Descriptions

Offered twice each year. Suitable for all levels, these classes offer new students a thorough and safe introduction to the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. The Series builds the strength and confidence necessary to move into more advanced classes in the studio.  For more experienced practitioners, the course provides a tool for reviewing and strengthening the fundamental concepts that make the Ashtanga form so dynamic.  We recommend new students start at the beginning of the four week series, however, since this is an ongoing course students can drop in for any of the classes and make up the missed classes in the following cycle. Drop-ins are welcome. Subjects covered include but are not limited to: breath, energy locks, alignment, learning the primary series, inversions, opening and closing chants, etc. (new students welcome!)

Suitable for all levels, these weekly 90 minute yoga classes offer new students a thorough and safe introduction to learning the Ashtanga Vinyasa method. New students will build the strength, endurance, flexibility and confidence necessary to move into more advanced classes in the studio. For more experienced practitioners, the course provides a tool for reviewing and strengthening the fundamental concepts that make the Ashtanga form so dynamic. Postures are held in an effort to build strength, develop muscle memory and generate proper alignment. Invocation, Vinyasa and many standing series postures are introduced. (new students welcome!)

An intermediate Ashtanga yoga class that builds on the principles introduced in our Intro and foundation level classes. All standing postures are covered with the inclusion of many seated postures and a closing sequence. Emphasis remains on learning to move fluidly with the breath (vinyasa). Some knowledge of the Ashtanga yoga system is helpful but not required. Vinyasa (breath coordinated movement) will be emphasized as students investigate the primary series in greater detail. Students should have a basic understanding of the Ashtanga Sun Salutations A/B along with exposure to the standing sequence. Knowledge of the seated sequence is not necessary and students will be lead through a full closing. This class is tailored to beginning and intermediate students but everyone is welcome! New students may want to take 1 - 5 intro. Primary Series Classes. (new/intermediate)

Yoga Chikitsa, yoga therapy, is the foundation of Ashtanga yoga. Each class moves fairly rapidly and covers all standing, seated and closing postures. By practicing the Ashtanga Yoga primary series in the traditional way, using the rhythm of the breath and the continuous flowing movements of vinyasa between poses, we integrate the body, mind and spirit, allowing for a full and complete experience. These classes are intended for students familiar with the primary series through navasana. Students should also have familiarity with the Ashtanga Closing sequence, i.e. shoulder stands, head stands, etc. New students should consider taking 1- 5 Intro classes, followed by 5 - 10 Level 1 classes. In Level 2 classes many postures are called and the breaths are counted - with little or no discussion of how to get into or out of the posture. However, more difficult or advanced postures are described in detail. (intermediate/advanced)

Our Level 3 Classes are intended for students familiar with the entire ashtanga primary series. Each class covers the entire primary series and sometimes a portion of the secondary or intermediate series. Students should be adept at maintaining the primary principles of the practice, e.g. breath, bhandas, dristi, vinyasa, etc. Students wishing to explore a more detailed approach to alignment or other related structural issues, should start with our Intro. or Primary Series Level 1 classes. (Advanced/Intermediate)

This series is an ideal complement to a first series practice. The class starts and ends the same as a first series class but with an amazingly different selection of poses in the middle. Come do what you can and let the practice deepen over time. We encourage skipping things you're not ready for or working on modified versions of the poses that we'll suggest. Nadi Shodhana, the traditional title for this series (also known as the ashtanga intermediate series), refers to the results of the practice -- said to purify the subtle energy channels or nadis thus allowing the prana to flow freely throughout the body. First and second series are of approximately equal difficulty with hard poses and moderately tame ones in each -- it's just a different flavor of practice. Second series is an invigorating practice with lots of challenges. Some first series ashtanga experience is helpful for the standing pose sequence at the beginning and the finishing sequence. The poses in the middle are (for the most part) not related to anything in a first series practice. The best way to experience them (other than just coming to a second series class) is to go to a vinyasa or power yoga class where many of them cycle through the repertory. (advanced/intermediate)

An onlYoga original. These challenging but fun classes focus on building strength and flexibility in the low back and hips. Although a basic knowledge of yoga is helpful, it's not required. In each class a unique sequence of asanas are blended in an effort to reach toward the full expression of more intricate postures such as pigeon or eka pada sirsasana (one leg behind the head). All levels welcome. (all levels)

If you've ever thought "I'm not flexible enough for yoga" or "I wish I were more flexible", this is a class for you. This all levels class will explore targeted postures for systematically opening resistant areas of the mind and body. Combinations of the shoulders, back, chest, hips and hamstrings will be covered in each class to promote greater flexibility and strength. The mind/body relationship to tightness or resistance will also be integrated into the experience. Be ready for a dynamic, fun practice. All levels welcome. (all levels)

In Sanskrit the word "Vinyasa" means breath coordinated movement. At onlYoga our vinyasa flow classes are built around the concept of moving fluidly with the breath from one asana to another. The contiguous and continuous motion creates an intense heat in the body, producing sweat and melting mental and physical resistance (you also burn tons of calories!). Vinyasa flow classes are also designed to push muscles toward greater endurance through long, deep sets of postures. Students of all levels should come prepared for an original class designed to challenge on a multitude of levels! All levels are welcome but students new to yoga should be aware that some previous experience with yoga will be helpful. onlYoga was the first studio in Atlanta to offer Vinyasa Flow classes. (intermediate)

60 minutes of flowing, core strengthening vinyasa yoga. These fun, challenging vinyasa based classes are intended for students of all levels.

(peaceful abiding) is the most basic form of sitting meditation. By continually returning to the breath, we train the mind in stability, clarity and strength. All welcome. Donation only. (all levels)

Get balanced and rid yourself of low back pain. The muscles of the abdomen are key to virtually every posture in yoga. onlYoga Core Classes focus on strengthening this important muscle group ...making for a more fluid practice. Time is also spent working on handstands. These classes are open to all levels. (all levels)

An intermediate Ashtanga class that blends the first and second series. The class will consist of the traditional Sun Salutations and standing sequence followed by a blend of forward folds and backbends. Some familiarity with the primary series will be helpful but is not required. Students new to yoga should consider taking 1 - 3 intro level classes or the foundation series before taking this class (beginning/intermediate)

Tabata Training can be done with a number of different exercises, the idea is to use an exercise that gets the whole body involved or at least the major muscle groups. At onlYoga we primarily use bodyweight exercises in a circuit. Tabata Training was developed by Izumi Tabata at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo, Japan. He did a study that found participants performing short high intensity group sprint sets improved VO2 max by about 14% while anaerobic capacity improved by 28%. The study was done over a six week period. Tabata classes are comprised of a 5 minute warm-up, followed by multiple 20 second “sprint sets” or intervals (8, 16, etc.), 10 sec. rest periods and a 5 minute warm-down (30 minute total workout). Increased Metabolism - A study in Quebec Canada found that high intensity interval training burned up to 9 times more fat than comparable low intensity aerobic exercises. Cost $10 - All levels welcome.