Evanston Yoga Classes
Current Classes
- New series began May 7 and run until June 9 (5 weeks).
- BASICS with Nick
- Wednesdays, 10-11:30am
- ALL-LEVELS with Lela
- Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm
- INTERMEDIATE with Nick & Lela
- Thursdays, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
- ALL-LEVELS with Lela
- Fridays, 11:45-1pm
- Space available in all classes for drop-in or series registration.
- Please note that series are not cumulative - you can join at any time.
- WHERE?
- The Heartwood Center
1599 Maple Ave, Evanston
Across the street from Bennison's Bakery, through a red door. We will give you the door code when you register.
- REGISTRATION
- $75 for a 5-week series. Please email us to register. If a class is close to full, we will ask that you pay in advance to reserve a space.
- If space is available, you can drop in for $17 per class. Let us know if you'd like to be on the waiting list for space in individual classes.
- Student discount: High school and college students with ID get $10 off a series, and only pay $14 for a single class.
- We encourage you to sign up for the full series both to ensure your space and to help yourself make a commitment to regular practice. Once a week is the minimum for yoga to really have an effect on your life - but twice a week is better!
- SNOW/CATACLYSM POLICY
- If it's snowing like crazy and the roads are terrible around class time, or there's a tornado, we may cancel. We will post cancellation notice on the home page of this site - check before coming to class if you have any doubts.
Hatha Yoga and Meditation
Are you looking for a yoga class that emphasizes introspection and insight? Are you interested in working with more than just the physical aspects of yoga? Our Hatha yoga classes are inspired by the Kripalu tradition.
What is Kripalu Yoga?
Kripalu means "being compassionate" in Sanskrit. Kripalu yoga incorporates traditional asana and breathing practices with mindfulness of sensations, emotions and thoughts, and encourages modifications based on individual needs. The roots of Kripalu Yoga trace back thousands of years to India, but it took its present form in North America under the guidance of Swami Kripalu and Amrit Desai, and continues to evolve at the Kripalu Center in Massachusetts.
How does it work?
Each class begins with a breathing and warm-up series that gives the body time to transition into the asana practice. Kripalu yoga is taught in a way that allows individuals to choose the level of intensity that is appropriate for them. Our goal is not to perfect the external form of the postures. We allow time for students to enter and experience each posture fully within a Vinyasa framework of Sun Salutations and posture sequences. We view the poses as tools to release chronic tension, stretch and strengthen the body, calm the mind and increase self-awareness.
Why meditate?
A Kripalu yoga practice leads naturally to meditation. When the body is comfortable and the energy is balanced, the mind becomes clear and calm. When the mind quiets, we can gain insight into our patterns and see ourselves with greater clarity. Our classes offer students a chance to sample a number of different meditation techniques to find what works best for them. After relaxation, the last 5-10 minutes of class are reserved for seated meditation.
Levels
- Basics: This class welcomes students of all ages and abilities. Expect a gentle yet invigorating challenge in this class that explores the foundations of yoga. No prior experience is necessary.
- All-Levels: Somewhere between Basics and Intermediate, newer students will gain a fundamental understanding of the poses while more experience yogis will be encouraged to go deeper. Start to explore the Sun Salutation and flowing posture sequences. Lela can provide prenatal and postnatal students with appropriate adaptations.
- Intermediate: New meditators are very welcome, but some previous yoga experience is recommended. More advanced balancing postures and longer holds.
Details
Please refrain from eating 1-2 hours before class, wear comfortable clothing, and bring a mat if you have one. Blocks, cushions and straps are provided. The center has bathrooms where you may change your clothes, and a water cooler.
Make up policy
If you know in advance you will miss one class in the series, you may either pay $10 less for the series, or come to one of the other classes we teach at Heartwood.
If you have any questions about these classes, please call, email or use this form.
