Course Descriptions
Community Classes
Community classes are mixed level, one-hour asana classes taught by a rotating selection of Unity Woods teachers. Offered from 6:00-7:00pm every Friday at our Bethesda studio, these are $5 cash-only drop-in classes.
Asana (Posture)
Please know that most classes are progressive, with instruction in each class that builds on material from previous weeks. Students will achieve best results with regular attendance from the beginning of each session. For some special classes, such as Gentle I or Seniors’ Yoga, joining any time is fine.
Introductory Series – This is a four-week course that introduces students to the fundamentals of yoga as taught at Unity Woods. Appropriate for those wanting to start classes in mid-session, or who are interested in a brief introduction to our method. (This is not a prerequisite to Level I.) Please note: Because of the brief nature of these courses, no make-ups, discounts or refunds are available for Introductory Series.
Gentle I classes are for new or continuing students who, because they may be stiff, not very strong, or have a particular limitation, would prefer and/ or benefit from a more slowly paced, less rigorous class. Appropriate for pre- and postnatal students as well. May be joined at any time.
Gentle II classes are for students with some yoga experience who have physical limitations requiring special care, but who are capable of progressing beyond the beginner syllabus. No new beginners after the fourth week of the session.
Level I classes introduce beginning students and students new to Unity Woods’ approach to the fundamentals of posture and breath.
Level I/II classes are for students who have completed Level I and prefer a gradual transition to Level II. This level is also ideal for those with previous yoga experience who are new to Unity Woods.
Level I/II Mini-Session is a four-week class series for students who have had some yoga before. Ideal for students who may be new to Unity Woods’ approach. This class bridges Levels I and II. Please note: Because of the brief nature of these courses, no make-ups, discounts or refunds are available for Mini-Session classes.
Level II classes are for the students who have completed the introductory (Level I) course. The basic poses will be refined with an emphasis on all the standing poses. Inverted poses (headstand, plow, and shoulderstand) are introduced.
Level II/III classes are for students firmly established in their practice who are ready to move beyond the basics. Inversions are a regular part of these classes.
Level III classes are for students with previous Iyengar training who are strong in standing poses and can do headstand, shoulderstand, and plow with confidence. Please see individual class notes for teachers’ particular prerequisites.
Advanced Asana classes are offered periodically and are limited to students who meet the listed prerequisites for each topic. See “Workshops” page for advanced classes offered this session.
Pranayama Classes
Pranayama I affords those interested in working with the breath an opportunity to move beyond the elementary levels incorporated into regular asana classes. Prerequisite: one year of study and practice of asana in the Iyengar Method.
Pranayama II, III, IV classes are for students who have completed the preceding levels.
Pranayama V classes are for students who have completed Level IV or have received extensive Iyengar training in pranayama elsewhere. See “Workshops” page for advanced pranayama classes offered this session.
Pranayama VI classes are for students who have extensive Iyengar-style pranayama training and who have been practicing digital pranayama for two years or more. See “Workshops” page for advanced pranayama classes offered this session.
Special Classes
Back Care, for those with back injuries or conditions, emphasizes poses that improve stability and flexibility of the spine and hips by lengthening and strengthening supporting muscles groups. Correct postural imbalances and use breath awareness to reduce stress and pain. Physician’s approval strongly encouraged.
Seniors’ Yoga is a gently paced class designed specifically for seniors. It approaches asanas in ways that enhance strength, suppleness, and balance and covers a wide variety of poses. Classes also cover restorative poses and guided breathing. This class may be joined at any time.
Teen Yoga is for ages 11-17. This class helps students strengthen and stretch their bodies, gain self-confidence and learn to relax deeply. Yoga training during adolescence can build a foundation for a stress free, happy, healthy life!
Yoga and Meditation seamlessly combines two practices that enhance our capacity to appreciate life and weather its storms. Each class will combine physical practice of asanas with a period of seated mindfulness practice. Level I/II and up.
Prenatal Yoga offers safe and supportive poses suitable for pregnancy, emphasizing asanas that strengthen the pelvic muscles and reproductive system and maintain physical and mental well-being. May be joined at any time. Physician’s/midwife’s approval recommended.