WELCOME
Get a glimpse of what makes Yoga Mandali a safe, inviting space to nurture your practice.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a more experienced student, you’ll find a class that suits your needs.
We are proud to offer a variety of classes and levels. Students of any level are welcome to all of our classes. Our experienced instructors are here to support you and will show you how to adapt the practice to your personal needs.
The below are general guidelines to help you find the class that best fits your needs!
About Our Classes
The word Yoga is derived from the sanskrit root yuj, which means “to yoke”; the yoking of the individual soul (Atman) or sense of self with the external, universal soul (Brahman). Yoga embraces a wide range of disciplines whose ultimate goal is the joining of body, mind and spirit, a conscious unification into Oneness. Many yoga styles are derived from Hatha yoga sequencing, which is the physical practice of yoga. There are many types of physical practice, such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Anusara, Kundalini, Kripalu, and Bikram. Below are some basic descriptions of the different yoga styles primarily offered at Yoga Mandali.
Class Types
VINYASA
Students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next. Vinyasa is also the term used to describe a specific sequence of poses, or asanas, (commonly Chaturanga to Upward-Facing Dog to Downward-Facing Dog), along with Sun Salutations, which help warm up the body for deeper opening and longer holds. Ashtanga, Baptiste Yoga, Jivamukti, Power Yoga, and Prana Flow could all be considered vinyasa yoga.
KRIPALU
A gentle approach to asana practice that emphasizes meditation and breathwork, and encourages inward focus and spiritual attunement. It begins by understanding your body, and figuring out how it manages in different poses, as all bodies are different and we must take this individuality into consideration always. There is a focus on "press points" that are attuned to your body, so that you will gradually learn not to do poses in the ways prescribed by the books and experts, but in a way that best suits your body.
RESTORATIVE
A restorative yoga sequence typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends. Most restorative practices are based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.
YIN
A slow-paced style of yoga with asanas that are held for longer periods of time, which often ranges from 1-5 minutes, depending on the practitioner. Yin yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body (the tendons, fascia, and ligaments) with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A more meditative approach to yoga, yin aims at cultivating awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality.
ASHTANGA
Ashtanga Yoga features a series of poses connected by flowing movements. This class will feature instruction in the Primary Series, with accessible options for the more challenging movements and postures. Students will be able to participate to the extent of their own abilities in a supportive, encouraging environment.
PRE + POSTNATAL
Practices uniquely designed to support pregnant moms-to-be and new moms, both emotionally and physically. With an emphasis on breathing, stamina, pelvic floor work, restorative poses, and core strength, Prenatal Yoga can help you become more resilient during and after pregnancy. While Postnatal Yoga helps restore your body and relieve the tightness that comes after pregnancy and labor. These classes are also designed with an emphasis on helping you reclaim your body!
Your First Class
Don’t know what to do? Just show up! Like anything you do for the first time, you may feel a bit uneasy. This feeling will disappear quickly as you realize that one of the great things about yoga is that you always participate from where you are, from your own ability. There is no sense of competition or judgement in a yoga studio. You learn to listen to your body's own innate wisdom and truth (satya). Breathe, move, and respect your limitations. Yoga is a personal practice and experience. Let go of your ego and enjoy!
— Yoga Etiquette —
Please try your best to arrive 10-15 min early, giving yourself time to sign in and change. Entering a class late is not advised; however, if you are granted late entry, please do so quietly and without disrupting others. If you know you are going to be a few minutes late, please call the studio so we can setup a space for you.
If you need to leave a class early, please inform the teacher beforehand. Kindly set up your mat near the door and sneak out quietly to respect the peace of your fellow yogis.
We encourage a sense of camaraderie + community, however we ask students to practice awareness by keeping their voices down when leaving and entering the studio, to be respectful of those in other classrooms.
When entering the room, please be aware of the space around you. If the class size is full, please be accommodating about making enough room for everyone and being respectful of where you place your props.
We ask that shoes please be left outside the studio entrance and not worn on the hardwood floors.
In an effort to keep belongings out of the way, we ask that they be stored inside the Studio I prop room; on the hooks behind Studio II; or in the office (simply ask the teacher or front desk help to assist you).
Cell phones must be turned off or on silent so as not to disrupt the class, and should preferably be left out of the studio with your other belongings. We want you to create space from all of the busyness of life!
Please come prepared with your yoga mat and comfortable clothing. Mats are available for use or to purchase (we have a small selection available).
There is a changing room available, and our small lounge area is open to hang out in if you arrive early for class. We invite you to make our space feel like home, but we ask that you please act with respect and care.
Thank you for helping us preserve a sacred space of integrity, mindfulness, and compassion!
Namaste
— Where to Find Us —
Yoga Mandali is located on the second floor of the Downstreet Marketplace, on Broadway between Caroline St and Lake Ave. Our door is one door north of the actual Marketplace entrance. Find directions here. Please note there is no elevator.
Depending on the time of day, you can sometimes find parking on the street (test your parallel parking skills!). The closest parking areas are the Woodlawn Garage, located behind Putnam Market, and the Public Parking lot on High Rock Avenue.
For additional questions, please contact the studio directly:518-584-0807 or info@yogamandali.com