This yoga class will be for all levels (beginners +) and will be in the slow flow/vinyasa style. Slow Flow typically means there is a flowing sequence to the poses, and each pose could be held for 1-5 breaths before moving on to the next pose. There are challenges in holding the poses and moving between them.
This yoga class will be taught by Cindy Spires (certified yoga teacher since 2012) and will last approximately 45 minutes. It will focus on establishing and maintaining an intentional breath that becomes paired with progressive movements and poses throughout the class. With time permitting, a final guided or silent meditation may close the class after savasana (resting pose). Participants can expect to be instructed on how to do the pose using verbal cues (and physical demonstration, when possible) and to experience both stretching and strengthening. It is common in a slow flow class to experience an increase in intensity during parts of the class as well as some sweating.
Because this class is taught virtually, there is no guarantee that visual contact between you and the teacher is possible, so it is advised that you “pin” the teacher’s video on your screen so it’s prominent, and listen for the verbal cues. If you aren’t sure if you’re doing something correctly, start over trying that pose again and do your best. Technical issues abound with online meetings, so please keep that in mind if issues arise that cause the class to not go perfectly due to video, audio, wifi connection, etc.
How to prepare:-dress in comfortable clothes-have props you need available (yoga mat, pillows, yoga block, yoga strap/neck tie, chair, etc.)-alert Cindy before class begins if you have any injuries or mobility issues (knees, back, wrists, etc.)-Try to use Teams on your laptop vs. phone, and use the APP vs. the web-based platform. Please have your camera/mic turned on so I can see you during class in case I need to make suggestions to avoid injury or strain.
This class may utilize props to assist poses, such as a strap/neck tie for stretching the legs, a block or chair for assists with forward folds, etc. If you do not have these props, that’s okay. Just do your best with the cues and/or feel free to hop up and grab something to use from your home, as needed. It’s fun to improvise with a wall, chair, or desk/table nearby. All yoga poses are shapes that can be done in multiple planes of reference. For example, a down dog can be done on the floor as usual, against the wall, and UPSIDE down against the wall! Who knew?! So, if you have injuries or needed modifications, repeat the shape in a different plane of reference. This is why letting me know before class is important, so I can be ready to offer options to you, as needed.
Feel free to enter the class if you are running late (though beyond 10 minutes late is not advisable), but please keep in mind that I will not back-track on what was previously covered. If you must arrive late, it’s advised that you take 2-3 minutes to establish a deeper, longer and calmer nostril breath and do some basic movements to warm up like cat/cow, seated twists or side stretches, hamstring stretches, sun salutations, etc. Then join in wherever we are, making sure to always do both sides.
Class will begin no later than 4:05pm to allow reasonable time for people to show up.
Please feel free to invite anyone in UDM’s email system to this. It is advised that anyone joining should test their equipment before class because technical help cannot be provided during the class. This particular calendar event is set to repeat through Friday, May 1, 2020.
By joining this class, you acknowledge that you are personally responsible for your own choices with regard to exercise and injury, and you do not hold the instructor (Cindy Spires) or University of Detroit Mercy liable for any injuries that may occur as a result of this online yoga class. If you have been advised by a doctor to not do physical exercise, please get approval before starting any exercise routine.
Email Cindy at spirescc@udmercy.edu if you have any questions!
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