The Power Yoga classes are rigorous, for sure. If it is your first time, you may want prepare yourself to be overwhelmed. If you need to rest, please do. If you are confused, please ask a question. If something hurts you, don’t do it. Yoga really is for everybody at every level of fitness, but power yoga asks you to take responsibility for working at a level that challenges you without struggling. If it doesn’t feel fun…don’t do it.
Because we often offer classes as “all levels,” it is rare, nay, impossible that I can make everyone happy in every class. I can insist you take care of yourself, to work between your challenge and your ease, but in the end what that means to you is very personal and varies from day to day.
Class begins with an OM. You don't have to OM if you don't want to. I consider the OM to be a kind of surrendering to the fact that all things have a beginning, middle, and end. Also, it is a wonderful way to commit ourselves to being there for each other for the length of class; to being a community.
I come from an Ashtanga and Power yoga lineage. In both of those practices you begin with a warm-up of sun salutations. We will then do a sequence of standing poses, seated poses, hip openers, backbends, and inversions--not always in that order! I will often teach a flow inspired by Baron Baptiste's Journey Into Power, as well as choreograph my own unique flows for you.
If I play music in class, it will be low-key, played at a low volume, and won't be pop music unless specified beforehand. I often teach without music at all.
As often as possible, I have another yoga teacher assist my classes. Being assisted does not mean that you are doing a pose incorrectly. The assistant is just trying to help you into a deeper expression of a particular pose. You certainly do not have to accept any assist! Just tap the mat, tap the assistant, or ask them to move on.
I think it bears repeating: this is your personal practice. Challenge yourself when you want to challenge yourself. Rest when you need to rest. Also, power yoga may not resonate with you. If you want to try a different kind of yoga or path to wellness, feel free to ask and perhaps I can refer you to some better options for you.
Email me with any questions you may have! alisonhinksyoga@gmail.com