Advanced Yoga Practice

Catalog description

Students who enter Advance Yoga Practice ( KINES 77A ) have experience with yoga but are introduced to a deeper and more detailed knowledge and practice of this ancient philosophy now practiced in all contemporary societies throughout the world. Advanced Yoga is designed to deepen the student's understanding and practice of yoga, including yoga postures (asana), breath-work (pranayama), anatomy, philosophy, meditation, sequencing, and applied personal practice. This course involves basic postures (asanas) building to advanced postures, workshops and partner work, readings and discussions, development of restorative and active home practices, and personal reflection to deepen one¿s practice and overall wellness throughout one's 'lifespan. Students become familiar'with the research that supports the benefits of yoga to the body's systems while exploring the power of changing the mind. Movement-based sessions focus puposeful practicing of yoga postures with the knowledge of their specific benefits. For instance, when learning the bridge pose students will learn that the bridge increases flexibility in the back and shoulders, strengthens the leg muscles and stimulates thyroid function. Students learn to integrate such knowledge into their personal practice of yoga. In addition to the physical practice, students will explore mindfulness, the eight limbs of yoga, restorative practices, the seven chakras, use of breath, use of bandhas, and chanting during the course. The course emphasizes connecting to the core, proper alignment, anatomy, functional movement, intelligent and interesting sequencing, moving fluidly with the breath, mindfulness, and compassion. There are opportunities in Advanced Yoga Practice to understand Sanskrit, the historical language of yoga, in relationship to meditation techniques, energy center practices, temperament determination and application of specific yogic activities.