Getting Started

Free Introductory Classes

Anahata Yoga Center of Williamsburg offers one FREE Introductory yoga class to beginning students who want to learn basic breathing techniques and yoga poses. Our FREE Introductory class allows you to participate in an ongoing yoga class and learn about our philosophy and style of teaching. After class, we can answer your questions about the Iyengar method of yoga teaching and you can register for one of our Introduction to Yoga courses.

You can choose one of the following class times for your FREE introduction:

Tuesday or Thursday 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday 7:15 - 8:30 p.m.

Click here if you would like to send an email to register for one of our classes or call us at 253-0080 to reserve your space.

Please wear comfortable clothes that are not too baggy such as sweat pants, tights or gym clothes. Avoid eating a heavy meal 2 to 3 hours before the class. Allow time for completing our student waiver and forms. See General Information.

*** Note that our building has a secure entry system that locks at 7 p.m. If the door is locked when you arrive, please ring the bell on the outside doorframe, and someone will greet you at the door.

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Yoga For Beginners

To begin, we recommend that you attend one of our FREE Introductory classes to learn about yoga and try some basic poses. Then, we suggest that you register for one of our Introduction to Yoga courses.

View our current class schedule to find a day and time that works best for you. You can register for one of our Introduction to Yoga courses to learn basic poses and philosophy in a small class with other beginning students. We recommend this course as a way for you to learn basic information and safely build your strength and stamina for our ongoing classes. You can also join one of our Beginning classes at any time during the month. Our beginning classes include students who have been practicing for several months or more and they provide ongoing instruction in basic poses. If you choose our ongoing classes, we recommend that you pre-register for 8 weeks at the reduced rate of $9 per class to get a full introduction to the benefits of a yoga practice.

You can remain in beginning classes as long as necessary for you to develop strength and confidence in yourself and your body. As you feel stronger and more flexible, you may want to try our Level I classes to learn additional poses and beginning inversions. Your teacher can talk with you about the class and level that matches your style, strength and flexibility.

Beginners may also start in “All Levels” or “Gentle” classes. View our current Class Offerings for additional classes or contact us for information about a class that meets your schedule and abilities.

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Yoga For Seniors

Yoga is the perfect exercise for people over 60 years old. Research has shown that yoga exercises reverse the aging process by moving the joints through their full range of motion and improving blood circulation. Yoga can decrease the rounding of the spine and improve overall health. B.K.S. Iyengar is a famous yoga teacher who still practices yoga at age 88.

He developed a system of yoga that uses props such as

Blankets

Blocks

Chairs

Belts

Ropes

to achieve the beneficial effects of yoga poses without too much frustration or fatigue.

This system is particularly well-suited for seniors. Teachers trained in the Iyengar style of yoga teaching can help you to learn new ways to appreciate your body so that you can focus on the considerable wisdom and strength that you possess. This change in perspective can increase your sense of well-being and confidence so that you can enjoy your body well into your old age.

“Yoga for Seniors” (PDF) by Jennifer Daly provides general information about yoga for older adults and recommendations for class days and times.

View our current Class Schedule or contact us for additional information.

 

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Yoga For Athletes

Research shows that many injuries associated with activities like running, biking, swimming and golfing are a recurrence of a prior injury rather than a new problem. This recurrence suggests that many injuries are due to ongoing problems, such as training errors and/or physical imbalances, rather than short-term problems such as fluid intake or bad luck. It also suggests that the key to injury prevention may lie in strengthening and balancing injury-prone areas to reduce the risk of re-injury.

In our opinion, Iyengar yoga is better than any other style of yoga for addressing problems that lead to injuries among athletes. The Iyengar style of yoga is based on a principal of balance between strength and flexibility. Students of Iyengar yoga build endurance while attending to physical alignment and the subtle aspects of body and breath.

Iyengar classes teach you about the anatomical and physiological aspects of yoga poses. This instruction allows you to explore the inner structures of your body to discover your particular areas of strength, weakness, tightness and misalignment.

Props such as chairs, blocks, blankets, belts, and ropes are used to align your body for maximum benefit and improvement. This individualized approach means that no matter what your imbalances or limitations are Iyengar yoga can teach you how to move in a way that is appropriate for your body.

Articles for Athletes

• Yoga for Runners (PDF)
• Yoga Is More Than Stretching (PDF)
• Preventing Injuries with Yoga (PDF)

View our current Classes for Athletes.

 

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General Information

• Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to remove your shoes, sign in at the desk, and set up your mat.
• New students should arrive 15 minutes prior to their first class to register and sign forms.
• For your safety and security, we lock the front door approximately 5 minutes after the start of each class. If you arrive late, please knock lightly on the door to the right or left of the reception door and someone will let you into the studio. Avoid disruption by waiting until after our initial “Om” to enter the classroom.
• Turn off all cell phones when you enter the studio.
• Keep your voice quiet in the halls and the studio when classes are in session.
• Please do not come to class if you are sick or you have a contagious condition. We all use the same blankets, bolsters and belts and we exercise together. Be considerate by not spreading illness.
• Remove your shoes before entering the classrooms.
• We recommend that you do not eat 2 to 3 hours prior to class. For morning classes, eat a light breakfast (e.g., fruit, toast). Bottled water is available in the studio before or after your practice. No food or drinks in the classrooms please.
• Wear comfortable clothes that are not too baggy so that we can guide you in your alignment.
• We recommend that you participate in a yoga class at least once a week to receive guidance and adjustments. We also recommend that you practice at home as often as possible. It is only when yoga is practiced regularly that it can become the foundation for your physical, psychological and spiritual transformation.
• Note that our building has a secure entry system that locks at 7 p.m. If the door is locked, please ring the bell that is located on the outside doorframe and someone will arrive to open the door for you.
• All classes are ongoing; you may register at any time. Full session fees require registration for the entire session. If you join us after the beginning of the session, individual class fees or class passes may be required.
• Missed classes may be made up at any time during the session that they are missed. Please check with staff or your teacher for information about making up classes. Click here to review our make-up class policy.
• Only cash or check please.

View our current Classes & Events.