Yoga Classes in Ann Arbor

 

Join us for interactive, livestream yoga classes from MOVE Wellness Studios. These classes are designed to meet a variety of client needs and represent a practice that speaks from the teacher’s heart. Meet your mat and challenge your body from the comfort of your own home. At MOVE, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming environment, whether it’s in-person or online, and empowering each client on their personal path to fitness and wellness.  

MOVE offers a variety of livestream yoga classes for all experience levels, as well as special programs, retreats (when able) and member classes like our Solstice classes. Click below to view descriptions of our current yoga classes and check back as new classes are added.  Please visit our Schedule Page to see yoga class times and reserve your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga

 

 

What Is Yoga?

 

The word yoga means to yoke or bind and is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation.

 

What are some of the benefits of yoga?

 

Stress reduction, increased blood circulation, flexibility, strength, improved sleep patterns and relaxation are just a handful of the benefits of yoga.

 

 

What makes MOVE Wellness Studios yoga different from other yoga practiced within the community?

 

MOVE Wellness Studios is committed to constantly evolving our yoga class offerings in order to match the needs and desires of our students, teachers and community. While there are many effective yoga systems, we strive to offer diverse classes that are accessible to all people. 

 

 

I am new to yoga. Which class should I take?

 

MOVE Wellness Studios has created an environment in which all levels and abilities can practice all classes offered on the schedule. However, we encourage beginners to try our Introduction to Yoga or Gentle Yoga classes first. This will create a solid physical base and an intellectual understanding that will eventually help build strength, focus, stamina and flexibility. Please click here to see our current schedule and yoga class offerings.

 

How often should I practice yoga?

 

A regular practice – at least three times a week – can possibly help reduce the symptoms of many chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders) and ease the nervous system. However, even if you practice for one hour a week, you will experience profound benefits. At MOVE Wellness Studios, we encourage a well-rounded fitness routine customized to your individual needs and goals. This  could include yoga,other class offerings like pilates, and/or personal training. Let us help you put a customized plan together for you.

 

What should I wear for a yoga class?

 

Wear clothing that makes you feel most comfortable as you move through poses. In general, tighter-fitting clothing helps promote sweating and stays put (so while in a shoulder stand your shirt doesn’t fall down over your head). Also, fabrics that wick away sweat also help to keep the body cooler, which is especially important during our heated yoga classes. No special footgear is required because you will be barefoot.

 

What do I need for a livestream yoga class?

 

You’ll need a mat and a device to stream Zoom from. Optional props include a towel, bolster, and yoga blocks.

 

Should I refrain from eating before a yoga class?

 

It is common to twist from side to side, turn upside down and bend forward and backward during a yoga class. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it could become uncomfortable. As such, it is recommended that you not eat 2-3 hours before class. If you are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during class, experiment with a light snack – such as yogurt, a few nuts or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.

 

Is yoga a cardiovascular workout?

 

It depends on the class you choose to take. Some forms of yoga were developed to improve the flow of energy through the body while others have a more spiritual focus. MOVE Wellness Studios yoga classes can be very gentle and relaxing or they can be physically challenging.

 

How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?

 

Unlike stretching or other kinds of fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Yoga is unique because it connects the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of breath. Connecting the mind, body and breath helps direct attention inward, and through this process, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling, judging or trying to change them. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed.

 

Can I practice yoga if I am not flexible?

 

Yes! Yoga is not about how flexible you are, but about strengthening and stretching your body and spine in all directions – at your comfort level. You will notice as you continue to practice, your body will become more flexible.

 

Can I practice yoga if I have any injuries or illness?

 

Consult your doctor first if you are concerned about how yoga might impact your condition. And if your doctor approves, discuss your condition with your yoga instructor, who can help customize the practice to your needs. Yoga is beneficial for the healing process as well as prevention. If you would like support in unraveling your postural issues, please consult with the desk and schedule a private session with one of our expert trainers who can help you learn how to support your issues in class.

 

Can I practice yoga while pregnant?

 

Consult your doctor first if you are concerned about how yoga might impact your pregnancy. And if your doctor approves, discuss your condition with your yoga instructor, who can help customize the practice to your needs. Many pregnant women find that practicing throughout their pregnancy aids the physical discomforts of pregnancy and supports them mentally and physically for birth and the post-natal period.

 

For those interested in classes aimed specifically at those who are pregnant, MOVE Wellness Studios also offers prenatal pilates classes.

 

What does Namasté mean?

 

MOVE Wellness Studios Yoga instructors commonly end class with the traditional acknowledgement of Namasté. “Nama” means bow; “as” means I; and “te” means you. Therefore, Namasté literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.” This gesture is a deep form of respect.

 

What Does Om Mean?

 

Om is a mantra or vibration, that is occasionally chanted at the beginning and/or end of MOVE Wellness Studios yoga classes. It is said to be the sound of the universe – having high spiritual and creative power. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. Chanting Om allows us to recognize our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves and connects with everything else.