Hatha Yoga for All Level Practitioners

Morton Center, West Lafayette, Indiana

There are many physical benefits to practicing Yoga. However, Yoga is more than a form of exercise. Yoga is an ancient Indian art, science, and philosophy. The word “Yoga” comes from Sanskrit and is usually translated to mean union because Yoga unites the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is a spiritual practice, but it is not a religion. Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of religious beliefs, or physical limitations.

In the first written account of yogic philosophy, The Yoga Sutras, Indian sage Patanjoli defines Yoga as a vehicle for stilling the mind. Focusing on a single point can silence our thoughts and calm the mind. One of the most common focal points is the breath. Patanjoli describes “eight limbs” of Yoga. Hatha Yoga traditionally focuses on only two of these: Asana, or the physical postures, and Pranayama, or yogic breathing.

Hatha Yoga

The breathing techniques and postures of yoga increase strength and flexibility, essential for both a healthy body and mind.  Discover a profound sense of relaxation and wholeness unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. 

Classes offered at the Morton Community Center in West Lafayette

Location: Morton Center Room 200
Ages: 14 & older (*Instructor permission required for those under age 14.)
Students may take a portion of a session or an individual class, but must pay a higher fee per class to do so - $12 per class for Beg., Cont. and All Levels Yoga and $10 per class for Gentle Yoga

Summer 2008 Class Schedule

Most class periods are one hour and fifteen minutes.

Class sessions are generally five or six weeks per session.

Beginning Yoga

This class is for the novice, or students interested in a review of the fundamentals.

Continuing Yoga

Prior experience is preferred.

Location: Morton Center, Room 200
Ages: 14 & older (Instructor permission required for those under age 14)

All Levels

This class is appropriate for all levels of experience.

Location: Morton Center, Room 200
Ages: 14 & older (Instructor permission required for those under age 14)

Gentle Yoga

For students who have difficulty getting up and down or holding poses.

Location: Morton Center , Room 200
Ages: 14 & older (Instructor permission required for those under age 14)

Class Policies

• Make-Ups are encouraged. If you miss a class, you may make it up within the current session at one of the other regular classes. Or a friend could come in your place or join you for another class. You may attend any of the current yoga classes offered. Check with the instructor of the class you wish to attend for space availability. Guests under age 13 need instructor permission to attend.
• Show consideration for the other students. Should you be late please come in quietly. Should you have to leave early please leave before final relaxation (approximately the last ten minutes of class.) Turn off cell phones.
• Yoga should not be practiced on a full stomach.
• Wear layers and be able to have bare feet.
• Yoga is not competitive. Be patient and compassionate with yourself.

Class Registration

Registration for all Yoga Balance classes is easy! Classes are held at the Morton Community Center, part of West Lafayette Parks and Recreation. All registrations are done through West Lafayette Parks and Recreation. You may also call (765)775-5120 for more information. Mail-in registrations are given first priority each session.

Yoga Together: Family Yoga Fun
Please visit our Fun for Kids and Teens section

Yoga Two Week Workshops

Location: Morton Center, room 200
Ages: *14 & older
*under age 14 needs instructor permission
Instructor: Shari Gass

Beginner
This two week class offers the opportunity for first time students to try yoga and for anyone wanting to review the fundamentals.

Day                  Date                 Time                             Fee     
Wed                 Jun 18-25         1:00-2:15 pm               $20                           

All-Level
This two week workshop will focus on combining Yin Yoga, postures held for several minutes to increase flexibility, with Yang Yoga, flowing postures to increase strength.

Day                  Date                 Time                             Fee     
Thu                  Jun 19-26         12:00-1:15 pm             $20                             

Continuing
Hip Class on 6/18 – a two hour class that will focus on stretching and strengthening the hips in all of its ranges of motion

Core Class on 6/25 – a two hour class that will focus on all areas of the core; front, sides, and back

Day                  Date                 Time                             Fee     
Wed                 Jun 18-25         10:00 am -12:00 pm     $40                            

A Yoga Sampler

Instructors:  Lisa Nail, Shari Gass, Sam Royer, Susanne McConville
Yoga is an ancient Indian teaching with many traditions.  Come experience our four terrific teachers and sample four different styles of yoga.  Lisa Nail will begin with Flowing Yoga, and then Shari Gass will follow with Partner Yoga.  Then Sam Royer will teach Vini Yoga with Susanne McConville ending with Restorative Yoga.  This class will be appropriate for all levels of yoga experience.

Day:  Saturday
Date:  April 12, 2008
Time:  9:30-11:30am
Fee:  $20

Instructors

Lisa Nail

Lisa began studying and practicing Yoga in 1986. She apprenticed for three years with her principal teacher, Janet Bhuyan, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, before becoming a Yoga teacher. Lisa continued to study with Janet while teaching in Kalamazoo, until 1991 when her family moved to West Lafayette.

She taught Yoga at the YWCA for one year and then began teaching at Morton Community Center, where she remains. Lisa also studied teacher training with Erich Schiffmann and Judith Lasater. She belongs to both the Indiana and Michigan Associations, and continues her education by attending several workshops a year. She describes her style as an eclectic blend of all her wonderful teachers combined with her personal practice.

Lisa obtained a Bachelors degree in Biology from Purdue University and her Masters degree in Science Education from Western Michigan University. She was a high school Chemistry teacher and a Research Assistant before pursuing teaching Yoga as her true vocation.

Susanne McConville

Susanne is a certified yoga instructor from the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago and a registered teacher with the Yoga Alliance. She is also a Certified Massage Therapist and is working on a Bachelor of Science degree at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, in Miami, Florida. Susanne provides a non-competitive environment in which students can explore the postures, connect with the breath, create peace of mind, and simply become more comfortable in their bodies. She strives to help students cultivate an awareness of sensations in the body, thoughts of the mind, feelings in the heart, and freedom of the spirit.

Shari Gass

I look at yoga as a journey to be approached in a joyful way. I like to teach in a light-hearted style. My approach is an eclectic blend of Hatha yoga influenced by a variety of styles and teachers.

I love the people drawn to yoga.Sharing and experiencing the transforming effects of yoga asanas (postures), with others provides the motivation for my teaching and continued study.

I love introducing yoga to new students and sharing the journey of continuing students as we discover the benefits for each individual. I continue to devote myself to the study of yoga, both physical and spiritual, by attending workshops and teacher trainings.

When I began taking classes twelve years ago, I loved learning the asanas and moving my body in different ways. I was attracted to the physicality of yoga.As I have moved along my yoga path, I have also learned to love the wonderful benefits of working with pranayama (breathing exercises) and the value of creating awareness about my body, my mind, and my feelings.

During the past three years, I have been teaching in the Lafayette area at Newtone, SIA Fitness Center, The Morton Center, and privately. Two years ago I began the yoga program at McAllister Center in Lafayette.

I am happy to announce that I just received by certification in the Living Yoga Program. This is a 200 hour teacher training program. This program has helped to shape my philosophy and style of teaching and has exposed me to many styles of yoga. It also has given me an in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of yoga and its physical benefits. During the program, I met some great people who share my love of yoga!Through the Living Yoga Program network, I now have the experience of a whole yoga community at my fingertips.

Whether you take classes with me or anyone else, I would encourage you to develop the practice of yoga in your daily life. I am convinced of the positive spiritual and physical benefits of yoga. Yoga has enriched my life beyond expectations and can do the same for you.

Sam Royer

Sam took his first yoga class in January 2000 and was amazed at the demands the postures required both mentally and physically. For a year he attended student/teacher training sessions with Jyoti Hansa in Indianapolis, IN.

In November 2002 he completed YogaFit Level 1 Certification. He has also attended workshops with Gary Kraftsow, Steve Jacobsen, and Kriota Wilberg. He has taught beginning yoga for the past 5 1/2 years.

The body awareness from practicing yoga has carried over into his everyday living. He has realized that yoga is about being more aware of yourself with regard to what you do to your body (mentally and physically).

The Morton Community Center is conveniently located in the heart of the Chauncey Village neighborhood adjacent to the Purdue University Campus. On the National Register of Historic Places, the two story red-brick building was the site of West Lafayette's first public school. The school remained in use until 1976 until town's population outgrew the building. Sold to West Lafayette Parks & Recreation in the 1980's, the Center has gradually become a focus point for recreational activities in the community. Yoga is one of the many classes offered in recreational wellness classes. Art and dance classes, along with community club meetings and low-cost meeting spaces are all offered to the public.

Directions

The Morton Center , located at 222 Chauncey Ave. West Lafayette , IN. 47906 can be reached easily from either Salisbury Street, Northwestern Avenue , or State Street .

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Links

Indiana Yoga Association
West Lafayette Parks and Recreation/Morton Center

Contact

Please contact us through the Morton Community Center at (765)775-5120.