Hi Yogis! Today’s post is from the fabulous Andrea Creel!
Hi everyone! I’m Andrea and I teach the Yoga 2 class at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday evenings!
When several class levels are offered on the schedule, it can sometimes be difficult to know which class is right for you. If you have been practicing yoga for a while, you may find that you want to take your practice deeper. If so, a Yoga 2 class could be the right fit for you! Here is a sneak peek into what to expect in a Yoga 2 class, to help your decision-making process.
1. Deeper Variations of Poses – In a Yoga 2 class, deeper variations of the foundational yoga poses are taught. That might mean learning how to find a full bind in a pose, moving from bridge pose to wheel pose, or moving just a little bit deeper into a pose you have been practicing for a while. Just like in any yoga practice, your body’s wisdom is always paramount, and child’s pose is still an option at any time.
2. Sun Salutations – Sun Salutations are a central part of most yoga classes of any level. One big difference between a Yoga 1 and Yoga 2 class, is practicing Chaturanga Dandasana and Upward Facing Dog in our Sun Salutations. In Yoga 2, we also learn how to jump forward from Downward Facing Dog to Standing Forward Fold, and eventually, how to jump back from Standing Forward fold to Chaturanga Dandasana. All of these poses and transitions are works in progress, so don’t feel like you need to already know how to do these poses perfectly before starting a Yoga 2 class – we will go over the poses together and learn correct techniques to keep your body healthy and happy in the poses.
3. Arm Balances – Once you have the alignment mastered in your Chaturanga Dandasana, it opens your practice to the world of arm balances! In a Yoga 2 class, we spend time practicing various arm balances, the most common being Crow Pose (Bakasana). Arm balances give you the ability to build strength, steady your focus, and find a sense of playfulness in your yoga practice! Just like all yoga poses, you start where you are and build from there.
4. Inversions – there are many inversions in yoga practice, but the two that are practiced most regularly in a Yoga 2 class are Headstand (Sirsasana) and Shoulderstand (Salamba Sarvangasana). In a Yoga 2 class, time is spent learning correct alignment and technique in the poses and practicing these inversions under the guidance of the teacher. Inversions are important postures because they allow us to experience a new perspective, face fears, build confidence, boost immunity, and reverse the effects of gravity on our body.
After learning more about what happens in a Yoga 2 class, you may have realized that you are already practicing many of the poses found in a Yoga 2 class! Or you may not know these poses yet, but have a strong desire to learn. If you’re still not sure if a Yoga 2 class is right for you, feel free to ask your teacher the next time you attend class if she thinks a Yoga 2 class might be right for you, or come join me for a Yoga 2 class and find out! I look forward to seeing you on the mat soon!
Namaste,
Andrea
Andrea teaches Level 2 on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM. Find out More about Andrea here!