History of Yoga

Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy. It touches our life at every level, physical, mental, and spiritual. It is a practical method for making one’s life purposeful, useful and noble. (Taken from B.K.S. IYENGAR, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). The word Yoga is derived form the Sanskrit root yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke. It also means union. The stages of Yoga are detailed by Patanjali as the eight limbs of Yoga for the quest of the soul. They are
  • Yama. Morals and principles of right-living
  • Niyama. Personal practices and attitudes for pure mind and body
  • Asana. Physical postures
  • Pranayama. Conscious breathing
  • Pratyahara. Integration of senses
  • Dharana. Concentration
  • Dhyana. Meditation
  • Samadhi. Self realization

Benefits of Yoga
Greater strength, flexibility, balance
Increased energy
Enhanced memory and concentration
Better posture
A stronger immune system
Reduced stress
Prevention and healing from common problems like fatigue, back pain, hypertension, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint and muscle injury
And most importantly… inner fitness.


Inner Fitness?
As we all know, when we experience stress or depression we pull our family and community down with us.  But what is also true, is that when we dedicate a relatively small amount of time each week becoming more conscious and kinder human beings, while simultaneously improving our health and vitality, we elevate not only our own lives, but also elevate our family and community.  What we attempt in yoga is to leave the craziness of our lives behind to feel more vital, relaxed, and sane.  As we do this, what we cannot help but take from the yoga room is a kinder, more focused, more patient and of course, a more physically healthy sense of being.  Although yoga appears to be primarily physical, its benefits are far reaching. 

 [Top]

Styles of Yoga
  • Astanga   Astanga Yoga is based on a set sequence of yoga poses (asanas) which was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This challenging, vigorous practice focuses on the synchronization of breath with the continuous flow of movement. Participants move through a series of asanas, jumping from one posture to another to build heat, endurance, flexibility, strength and mental focus.   The  physically demanding routine is the same in every class.  Previous yoga experience is recommended.
  • Flow   Flow Yoga follows the breath and weaves postures together with uplifting music. Flow Yoga is designed to create heat in the body and increase circulation and heart rate. Each class is different and offers something new & challenging. Previous yoga experience is recommended.
  • Gentle  Open to all levels and recommended for young and old, injured and athletic alike, our soothing gentle class focuses on an exploration of basic yoga poses and how to connect them through attention to breathing, alignment and mindfulness.  Therapeutic in nature, you will learn techniques to help you gain flexibility, while immersing yourself in a relaxing class that moves at a perfectly slower pace - allowing ample time to enjoy each pose.  Expect lots of deep stretching & lingering in yummy floor poses.  Meditation and relaxation techniques will also be introduced, perfect for stress relief and overall well being.  All levels welcome.
  •  High Noon Yoga is the perfect mid day yoga break! Enjoy an afternoon on a Yoga High after taking our high noon classes. High noon classes are taught over the lunch break in a variety of styles. Please, check our schedule page online to see what might be in store each weekday for your afternoon escape! High noon classes are 60 minutes - in and out - smiling upon departure.
  • Morning Practice  Welcome the new day with this flowing and invigorating class. Experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of a disciplined early morning practice. Open your body, unfold your breath and awaken your mind while setting the tone for your day.
  • Power Flow    A vigorous and graceful practice of dynamically sequenced postures synchronized with the breath -  designed to strengthen the core, build purifying internal heat and increase circulation. Modifications are offered within poses and advanced postures such as arm balances and inversions are introduced. Power Flow Yoga is for intermediate-to-advanced students familiar with the Flow  vinyasa style. 
  • Restorative    Restorative Yoga is designed to soothe and calm the nervous system through a series of long poses focused more on flexibility than strength. Perfect for remedying stress and regaining focus, Restorative Yoga is recommended for times when more nurturing is called for, such as being jet lagged or feeling generally rundown and low energy. Yoga equipment such as bolsters, blocks, belts and blankets are used to more gently encourage the body into relaxing and restorative poses.
  • Urban Flow  Feel the urge to shake up your yoga practice? Looking for something that gets your pulse jumping and your body moving? Come breathe, move, meditate (and sweat!) to a dynamic sequence of postures set to upbeat rhythms of music that will liberate, energize, and revitalize every part of your being.
  • Yin/Deep Stretch   The Yin/Deep Stretch Class gives you the opportunity to linger with more attention and go more deeply into specific poses to open up major joints and lengthen muscles. Primarily focused on slow, mindful stretching and more gentle Yin energy, the stretching poses are designed to relieve emotional blockages and tension stored in your muscles. 
  •  Yoga Fundamentals is designed to introduce beginners to the basics of vinyasa flow yoga.  In Yoga Fundamentals you will begin to build the foundation for your yoga practice and receive individualized attention as you gain flexibility, strength, and balance.  In each Fundamentals class you will explore specific alignment of asanas (yoga poses)  and asana sequences including standing, seated, backbends and sun salutations;  as well as the relationship of movement and breath.   Yogic breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques will also be introduced, perfect for stress relief and overall well being.  [Top]

 

 

 

 

Smile with the flower and the green grass. Play with the butterflies, birds, and deer. Shake hands with the shrubs, ferns, and twigs of trees. Talk to the rainbow, wind, stars, and the sun. Converse with the running brooks and the waves of the sea. Speak with the walking-stick. Develop friendship with all your neighbors, dogs, cats, cows, human beings, trees, flowers, etc. Then you will have a wide, perfect, rich, full life. You will realize oneness or unity of life. This can be hardly described in words. You will have to feel this yourself.

—Swami Sivananda

 

 

 

 

 

Urban Yoga At Century Plaza – Phoenix, Arizona (AZ)
3225 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-277-YOGA(9642)  Fax: 602-277-4593
Email : info@urbanyogaphx.com
Join Our Email List
Email:  
For Email Marketing you can trust
Website design, hosting & hotel internet marketing by Milestone Internet Marketing, Inc.