Yoga and Movement Arts

(scroll down for current yoga programs)

Yoga is integrated into the massage therapy program, in the practice of asana (physical postures) at the beginning of classes for the purpose of self-care for bodywork, cultivating the focus, centering and grounding. These are hallmarks of conscious bodywork, and educate students in stretches to give their massage clients for selfcare. The ethical foundations of yoga and the ethics required of massage therapists are very similar and complementary.

T'ai chi and chi kung are interwoven into our program as well to assist in promoting focus and concentration and help students to consciously come into contact and work with subtle energies in the body. All of the move-ment studies that are part of the massage program promote cultivation of grace and flexibility, and help students be more present and attentive to the academic and experiential components of learning massage. We offer various movement classes to the public, and students who wish to participate are given a 15% discount on the cost of the classes.

Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training with Jeff Tiebout can be pursued independently of the medical massage program, or the two programs may be pursued simultaneously. The 250 hour program consists of 1 weekend per month and involves the physical practices (asana) as well as yogic philosophy, ethics, anatomy, teaching methods, restorative yoga for individuals with limitations and medical conditions, and use of yoga props (blocks, straps, chairs) for special populations. The program includes one week long intensive at Yoga Sport in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and another week long intensive at Indian Valley retreat center in Floyd County.

Laughing Yoga - 1st and 3rd Thursdays 6:00pm to 6:30pm - Free

Led by Tod Whitehurst

"Laughter yoga combines laughter with yogic breathing exercises. It is a perfect way to laugh and get exercise at the same time. It approaches laughter as a body execise so it's easy to laugh even if you're depressed or in a bad mood. I've tried it, and it works."  Oprah Winfrey

No registration required. For more information visit  laugh4u.org or email Tod  at tod@laugh4u.org

Sundays - Ongoing Sessions, 6pm to 7:15pm

$85 for 10 adult sessions, $45 for ten children's sessions

Walk-ins welcome - $10 per adult, $5 per child

Taught by Thea Vincenti

This is an Introduction to yoga class that may include the whole family.  Children above the age of 10 are welcome to join their parents in basic yoga class focusing on alignment and breathing. We welcome you to participate in a vinyasa style class that will introduce you to the fundamental sun salutations and beginner sequences of poses. You will be taught how to adapt and modify a pose using blocks and straps. Thea graduated from the Blue Ridge School of Massage and Yoga in 2005 and has taught yoga to people of all ages and stages since then.

To register contact Thea at massage.yoga@yahoo.com or call 720-291-9230

Jeff Tiebout and Victoria Stone
are
Yoga Alliance Certified Teachers