The Wellness Center offers a variety of yoga classes that are free for our members to attend. In order to meet the needs of our members we’ve labeled the classes according to levels. This will allow members to choose classes that are suitable for their current fitness levels.
Level 1
- A level 1 class will be introductory or beginners class. Instructors will explain thoroughly how to get in and out of each pose and the proper alignment for each pose. Level 1 classes will move more slowly than a higher level class and will offer you lots of modifications in each pose to fit your fitness level.If you can comfortably walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes or more you should be fine in a level 1 class.
Level 2
- A level 2 class will generally be more challenging as you move from pose to pose. If something is too challenging you are welcome to rest or modify the poses to fit your fitness level. A level 2 class will also begin to incorporate more advanced poses. You can always modify or choose not to do a pose if you feel uncomfortable. This class requires a good amount of both strength and endurance.
Level 3
- A level 3 class will be advanced. There will not be as much instruction on proper alignment as the teacher will assume that students know and understand the correct position for each pose. The class will be more fast paced and move very quickly. A level 3 class requires a good amount of strength, endurance and experience. This class is not recommended for beginners or those new to yoga.
Our Instructors
Hope Brawley
A dancer, choreographer, yoga teacher and practitioner(CYT), herbalist, and mother. Her classes are a Vinyasa flow style where the breath guides the movement. She seeks to create a playful, lighthearted and explorative class with fun and inspiring music that helps encourage the breath as her student unlocks her/his expressive inner self and touches upon wisdom.
Susan McKenzie
Yoga has been a part of my fitness routine for over 14 years, and practicing has helped me grow stronger, more flexible and compassionate. I love to inspire us to move beyond what we may feel physically and use our breath and attention to experience yoga as a tool for greater fitness. I enjoy bringing a fun mix of vinyasa flow with influences of Ashtanga. Additionally, my classes usually introduce a few challenging poses, like “baby grasshopper” or “skater pose” to keep us all striving to improve beyond what we think we can accomplish.
Laura Price
Laura Price has been practicing yoga for five years. She is certified with over 200 hours of teacher training from the Asheville Yoga Center. She is also a trained dancer and choreographer and loves to incorporate yoga is all aspects of her life.
Besty Harris
I teach a Vinyasa flow style of yoga. This means that the various poses (asanas) are connected in a fluid manner, almost as a dance. I emphasize breath, flexibility, strength, and balance. My classes are accessible to all through modifications and the use of props such as blocks, straps, and blankets. I am especially sensitive to the needs of those with specific challenges to mobility, endurance, and balance.
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Brad Ratay
I really enjoy connecting with the community & sharing a collective movement practice. My classes are a playful and lighthearted vinyasa flow. You may hear cues such as “move & groove,” “give it a lil wiggle,” and “gyrate the hips.” I also teach a restorative yoga class, which is intended to make yoga accessible for all ability levels. Here are some fun facts about myself:
Biggest inspiration – Richard Simmons
Favorite food – Fancy toast
Favorite yoga pose – Happy baby