Best Aerial Yoga Classes near Chicopee, MA

Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

You probably have a comfy pair of stretchy pants to wear to class, and for most of our classes you would choose a tee shirt, and maybe another layer for comfort, especially when seasons are changing. In our Ashtanga, Flow, or heated classes, it is good to have a more form fitting athletic style of clothing, stretchy leggings and a tank or fitted tee. We are barefoot in yoga classes. Guys can wear compression shorts under shorts, or other athletic style pants. For hot yoga classes, wear a tank or lightweight athletic jersey.

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This new found agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

Yoga is not a religion. It is a philosophy, science, art and lifestyle that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. Ancient yoga scriptures provide a framework for spiritual growth and mastery over the physical and mental body. We love share the philosophy and historical context of yoga, called the "Deeper Practices" and we often brings in poetry or uplifting readings from wise spiritual leaders and teachers from around the globe. It is not necessary to surrender your own religious beliefs to practice yoga.

Eat lightly or not at all before class. This is because of the folding, twisting and bending of the practice, a full belly does not feel good when we do yoga! If you are a person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.