Basics/Level 1/Level 2/All Levels/Advanced/Super Advanced/Super Super Advanced+ — What the heck does it all mean? Where do I start?

At ZUDA, we really try hard to avoid getting hierarchical in yoga. Our employees don’t even have job titles. That said, it’s part of our nature to seek out “levels.” So, at ZUDA, we offer a Basics class as a place for people to begin their yoga practice and for others to reconnect with the roots of yoga. Let’s be clear, a Basics class is not any less challenging than any of the other classes. In fact, because the poses tend to be held and felt longer, it can be even more challenging on a physical and emotional level. What you’ll experience:

• A 75-minute class that moves more slowly than the All Levels experience
• Poses are held for 5 breaths or more
• Teachers offer suggestions for modifications to increase or decrease the intensity
• A focused breath and movement practice
• Some portion of class will link one breath, one movement
• FUN!
• Challenge — physically, mentally or emotionally
• Maybe some music, maybe not
• Permission to explore the yoga practice in any way that fits YOU!
• Acceptance, Gratitude and LOVE

ZUDA’s signature class: vigorous, dynamic, flow-based yoga where variance and creativity are the norm.  Each class differs from the last to help you find your edge.

• You will sweat
• You will be challenged
• You will have fun

This is the full expression of vinyasa as moving meditation. When linking breath with movement, the practice become dancelike — an interplay of motion and stillness.  Strength, flexibility, balance and cardio come into harmony. Described as “an awakening,” the only way to truly understand is to do it.  

We suggest you have a familiarity with Sun Salutations A & B before tackling an all levels class, or have previous experience.

Students of all levels of experience can practice together because everyone takes accountability for her own practice.  Ahimsa, or the idea of doing no harm, beginning with you, is a central tenant.

Explore the roots of our Vinyasa practice through a special Ashtanga Americano class. The teacher leads the class through (by modeling the poses as the class flows) a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga. Have fun in this interactive class that is taught with Sanskrit woven in throughout the flow. This practice will challenge your concept of Vinyasa, bringing new and greater awareness to your personal practice and life. An excellent class for experienced students interested in deepening their practice.

Bring some balance to your yoga practice by incorporating yin. Although ZUDA is a Power Vinyasa studio, part of finding equanimity is being in touch with the yin and the yang.

Whereas Power Vinyasa Yoga (yang) emphasizes activity, muscular strength and stamina, Yin Yoga focuses on stillness, lengthening the connective tissues and allowing gravity to do the work. Unlike the way we're accustomed to strengthening muscles, our ligaments & tendons answer to a slow, steady hold. By holding a yin pose for a long time, the body responds by making connective tissue longer and stronger.

ZUDA's yin classes are held in a non-heated, cool, room. This practice is still and quiet — there are minimal standing postures and little talking or music. This space provides students with the opportunity to listen closely to the messages the body has to offer. This class is open to all levels, including first timers.

Karma classes are our same Vinyasa-style classes, but we only accept donations for them. No class passes. Cash or checks made out to Tubman House. Suggested donation amount is $5. All proceeds go to Tubman House.

Through breath, play, body awareness and community, children establish the unity of yoga and daily life.

Children, ages 5-11, will leave these classes with:

• a deeper understanding of simple to complex yoga poses
• engagement of children's yoga gams, interactive yoga stories and partner play
• an introduction to body and mind connection and awareness
• tools gained from a breath-centered practice that encourage calm energy

Parents are required to remain on the ZUDA Yoga premises and are encouraged to attend the accompanying Vinyasa class while their children participate in the Kids Program.