Schedule: Amherst Studio

UPDATED 5/3/12.  Children under age 14 are not allowed in classes. New students and drop-ins are always welcome. Just show up for any appropriate level class. Space is limited to 20; arrive early to ensure a space.  New students should arrive 5 minutes early to sign in. All students should do their best to arrive on time; if you must be a few minutes late, please be sensitive to others by entering quietly and choosing a mat close to the door. Studio is on 2nd floor of building; enter through center door.

Visit our Class Rates & Specials page for fee information and money-saving coupons.

Mondays:
9:00-10:15am Yoga Beginners welcome. B/AB
w/ Margaret
4-5:15pm Yoga Beginners welcome, gentle and restorative postures. B
w/ Katherine
5:30 -7:00pm Ultra Vinyasa Yoga Played Loud! Non-stop strengthening moves set to an uplifting soundtrack. Not suitable for beginners or anyone with injuries or requiring modifications. (ytt tech) AB
w/ Ruth Anne
7:00 - 8:15pm Yoga beginners welcome. Margaret teaches 5/21 B
w/ Tracy
Tuesdays:
9:00-10:15am Flow Beginners welcome B/AB
w/ Jennifer
5:30 - 6:45pm Yoga beginners welcome (ytt obs) B
w/ Josh
7:00 - 8:30pm Yoga Not suitable for beginners (ytt tech) AB
w/ Josh
Wednesdays:
9:00-10:15am Yoga beginners welcome B/AB
w/ Margaret
5:30-6:45pm Yoga not suitable for beginners AB
w/ Kathy
7:00-8:15pm Yoga Beginners welcome B
w/ Mary
Thursdays:
9:00-10:15am Flow Beginners welcome B/AB
w/ Jennifer
4-5:15pm Yoga beginners welcome. Easy-Gentle Yoga. B
w/ Katherine
5:30-6:45pm Flow Vinyasa mixed with classic hatha style. Katherine teaches 5/24 B/AB
w/ Tracy
7:00-8:15pm Yoga Beginners welcome! Mary teaches 5/3 B
w/ Brian
Fridays:
9:00-10:15am Yoga beginners welcome B/AB
w/ Katherine
4-5:15pm Flow Power Vinyasa, strong beginners welcome. Karen H. teaches 5/18 B/AB
w/ Tracy
Saturdays:
9:00 - 10:00am Pilates beginners welcome. B/AB
w/ Josh
10:15 - 11:30am Yoga beginners welcome (ytt obs) B/AB
w/ Josh
Sundays:
10:00-11:15 Yoga beginners welcome B/AB
w/ Margaret
4-5:15pm Yoga Beginners welcome. B/AB
w/ Julia

Our Cell Phone Policy

Mama Nirvana's is a ringtone-free zone! No phone should ring inside the studio or office.

If a student is on call and must be available to pick up their phone during class:

  1. They must set the phone to vibrate and keep it next to them.
  2. They must take a mat next to the door.
  3. They must walk out into the hallway before answering a call. No one is allowed to answer a phone inside the office or studio.

We are committed to protecting everyone's right to a quiet and undisturbed class. Your cooperation is appreciated.

FAQ

What do I wear?
Comfortable stretchy clothes. T-shirt, sweatshirt, leggings with shorts or sweatpants.

What do you provide?
We provide sticky mats, all the necessary props, bottled water, and a place to change and hang clothes.

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Class Descriptions

Yoga:

Traditional style Hatha yoga. Includes yoga breathing, meditation, relaxation and postures.
Use of props: Moderate to high
Technical instruction offered: Moderate to high
Sweat Factor: Low to moderate
Flexibility benefit: High
Relaxation: High
Strength benefit: Moderate to high
Pacing: Slow and deliberate to moderate
(Beginner level yoga is appropriate for individuals who have health problems, have minor injuries or who are very stiff.)

Flow:

(Or "Vinyasa") Postures linked in a choreographed sequence. Breath is coordinated with movement to a high degree. Relaxation is included. Meditation may be offered as well.
Use of props: Low to Moderate
Technical Instruction offered: Moderate
Sweat Factor: High
Flexibility benefit: High
Relaxation: Moderate
Strength benefit: High
Pacing: Moderate to fast.
(This class is not appropriate for individuals with serious health problems, who have painful injuries or who are extremely stiff.)

Pilates:

Pilates mat class, including exercises to maximize strength of the abdomen, back and pelvis. Special breathing is performed during the exercises.
Use of Props: Low
Technical instruction offered: Moderate
Sweat factor: High
Flexibility benefit: Low to moderate
Relaxation: Low
Strength benefit: High
Pacing: Fast
(This class is appropriate for individuals with most types of injuries. Contact the studio via phone or email if you have serious injuries.)

Yoga/Pilates Fusion:

Yoga postures alternate with pilates exercises. Yoga breathing and pilates breathing are both taught. Focus is always on form and alignment. This class builds strength and stability of the spine, abdomen and pelvis. Short meditation and relaxation periods punctuate the session. Anatomical and philosophical background information provide insight into these two systems.
Use of Props: High
Technical instruction offered: High
Sweat factor: Low
Flexibility benefit: Low to moderate
Relaxation: Moderate to high
Strength benefit: High
Pacing: Slow and deliberate
(This class is appropriate for those recovering from illness or injury. If the case is serious, call or email the studio to find out if you should attend.)

CoreFlow Yoga:

Strong Vinyasa (Flow) yoga accompanied by deep Hatha. Special emphasis is on stability and mobility of the core. Yoga breathing, deep relaxation and meditation are included. Bolster work may also be taught. For experienced yoga practitioners who are strong and flexible.
Use of Props: Low to high
Technical instruction offered Moderate to high
Sweat Factor: Low to high
Flexibility benefit: High
Strength benefit: High
Relaxation: Moderate
Pacing: Slow and deliberate to fast
(This class is not appropriate for individuals who are inexperienced with yoga or have injuries.)

Yoga and Meditation:

A classic complete practice, including held postures, pranayama (yoga breathwork) yoga nidra (meaning "yogi's sleep" or ultra deep relaxation) and meditation.
Use of props: Low to Moderate
Technical Instruction offered: Moderate
Sweat Factor: Low
Flexibility benefit: High
Relaxation: High
Strength benefit: High
Pacing: Slow
(This class is not appropriate for individuals with serious health problems, or who have painful injuries. Must be comfortable with most poses to attend advanced beginner level.)

Ultra Vinyasa:

Yoga Played Loud!
70 minutes of non-stop yoga conditioning moves choreographed to highly motivating upbeat soundtrack.
Use of Props: Low
Technical instruction offered: Low to moderate
Aerobic Benefit: High
Sweat factor: Very high
Flexibility benefit: High
Relaxation: Low
Strength benefit: Very High
Pacing: Fast
(Yoga experience absolutely necessary. Not appropriate for anyone recovering from injury. Need to be comfortable and familiar with sun salutations and standing postures.)

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Class Levels

Beginners (B):
This level consists of fundamental yoga techniques to stretch, tone and relax each part of the body. Students learn basic warm-ups, postures, and exercises. Correct breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Beginners and individuals with injuries and physical limitations should start at beginner level.

Advanced Beginners (AB):
In addition to the material offered in Beginner's level, this class offers increased challenges to those who have become comfortable with beginner's level material. Students practice holding postures longer to build greater strength and stamina. Alignment and form are studied in more depth at this level. 6 months minimum experience required. Must be comfortable and familiar with sun salutes, standing and seated poses.

Intermediate (INT):
Includes highly challenging postures including inversions, backward bends and arm balances. Study of alignment is subtle and refined. Students should attend Advanced Beginner classes regularly for several months minimum before attending Intermediate level. This level is appropriate for yoga teachers, teacher trainees and long-term yoga students who are both strong and flexible.

Beginners / Advanced Beginners (B/AB):
Beginners are welcome; modifications are provided for all., backbends and inversions may be explored in this class.

Advanceb Beginners / Intermediate (AB/INT):
Advanced beginners are welcome; modifications are provided.

All Levels (ALL):
All levels are welcome.

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