All classes except Yoga Therapy, Workshops and Yin Yoga, will cover the classic yoga instruction and fundamentals of yoga along with some pranayama (breathe work). Descriptions below.

Kim is an Iyengar inspired teacher with extensive knowledge in therapeutics, Ayurveda and catering your practice to your present needs. She will adapt the classes to the seasons and the complaints/issues of the students.

Joanna is certified in Hatha Yoga and will get you deep into your body with her own perspective of healing in mind.

Prenatal Yoga

Click here for more information.

Tiny Tots Yoga

Click here for more information.

Yoga Therapy/Restorative

This combination class will introduce both Yoga Therapeutics & Relaxation. 

Yoga Therapy: You will be taught techniques that target specific areas of the body. This will help those with ailments or injuries or to relieve chronic aches and pains. We use preparatory postures with the help of props to enhance your flexibility, strength, increase range of motion, open the joints and improve circulation. You will also be introduced to the fundamental uses of iYoga's unique "Yoga Bar System," which offers support in poses to deepen the stretch, maximize the impact and generally help practitioners get the most out of their practice.

Restorative:  Also known as Relaxation. A great compliment to the yoga therapy, this part of the class is designed to help rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. With a combination of restful poses and breathing techniques (pranayama), these poses counteract the effects of stress and daily life. Restorative poses are generally held for longer periods of time.  

Yin Yoga Primer

Yin Yoga is revolutionary in its quiet stillness. As opposed to most styles of yoga, which deal with muscle flexibility and activity, a Yin style focuses on stimulating the “chi” in passive connective tissues like ligaments and bones. In particular, a Yin yoga practice reverses the effects of aging on the shoulders, spine and hips. Richard will guide you through a quiet Yin practice. The workshop will conclude with breathing practices to assist in harvesting our awareness.

Click here for Yin Yoga Primer registration form. This class is held on the 3rd Sunday of every month from February 17th until May.

Private Sessions
(by appointment only)

Private Sessions

Private sessions offer students individual attention with instruction and sequences that meet their specific needs and goals. Through private study, students are able to address injury and illness issues, acquire skills to deepen personal practice, and gain general understanding of yoga. It is for anyone interested in working to improve their health through yoga in a private setting.   

Private Group Classes

Available by appointment. Please call for pricing.

Massage
(by appointment only)

Joanna Papa RYT, MT, invites you to bring your aches and pains, tension, anxiety, insomnia and depression. You may leave these, and other unwanted conditions, in the beautiful and peaceful space she has designed entirely for your comfort. The massage room is serene, fully equipped, and private from the rest of the studio.
Call Joanna at 412. 715. 4235 to schedule a massage session.

The types of massage offered are:

Swedish
A full body circulatory massage that uses light to medium pressure. Gliding and kneading strokes are primarily used. It can also incorporate some gentle stretches and joint mobilizations depending on your specific needs. If you are new to massage, Swedish is a wonderful first time massage. It is also used regularly to manage and decrease pain symptoms.

Neuromuscular
Is a deep tissue massage that uses static pressure applied to trigger points ( highly irritated points in the muscle fibers which can refer pain to other parts of the body). When pressure is applied to the trigger points the muscle fibers are able to relax, tension and pain is released. The amount of pressure used during a neuromuscular session should always be within your comfort level. Continuous communication between the client and therapist is necessary during this type of massage. Pressure beyond your comfort level is counterproductive, as it causes the body to guard itself and tense up further.

Pregnancy Massage
Is for expectant mothers after their first trimester, who are not considered 'high risk' patients. This massage is done with the client in the face up and side lying positions, with extra pillows and bolsters for added comfort. Some benefits of pregnancy massage include:

• More oxygen and nutrients traveling to the cells of mother and fetus, which means mom has more energy and the fetus receives better nourishment.

• Reduced muscle tension, including headaches,backaches and sciatica.

• Improved sleep!!

• Relaxation of the muscles to improve rotation of breech presentation.

• Preparation and loosening of the pelvis before birth / realignment of the pelvis after birth.

• Better milk production and easier breastfeeding due to a reduction in stress and tension.

• Faster postpartum healing.

Hot Stone Massage
Is done with smooth basalt stones, that have been heated in an electrical heating unit. The therapist uses some of the stones to actively massage the client, then stones are laid directly on the client or sometimes over the clients blanket or sheet. The therapist always handles the stones first to ensure they are an appropriate temperature ( not too hot). Hot stone massage is beneficial for those people who do not like deep pressure as it allows the muscles to relax gently as a result of the heat. It is also good for those who want a deep massage. After the muscles are relaxed and warmed the therapist can do deeper work. This type of massage improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Gemstone Massage with Reiki
Natural gemstones have beneficial properties that can enhance your well being on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. This massage begins with some Swedish techniques. Natural gemstones such as rose quartz, amethyst, tigers eye ect... are then laid upon the client. The type of gemstones used will depend upon your your unique needs. Reiki is spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit, creating many benefits including relaxation, feelings of deep peace, security and well being.

Thai Yoga Massage
(by appointment only)

Zen Shiatsu & Thai Yoga Massage, by Peggy Shaw

Also called assisted Hatha Yoga, Thia yoga massage combines yoga, Ayurveda and meditation with martial arts moves, rhythmic motion, palming and thumbing along energy lines, gentle stretching and breathing. Thai Yoga Massage targets practitioners' physical body and mental condition. It can improve circulation, relieve tension in muscles, speed up metabolism, boost the immune system and balance the body's energy to calm the mind.

Contact Peggy Shaw with questions or to schedule an appointment at 412.302.5086 or email at pjshaw3@comcast.net

Reiki
(by appointment only)

Reiki is an ancient Japanese practice brought to modern times and terms by Usui Mikao. The term can be translated as “life force – energy”. Reiki is a holistic process and focuses on the body’s chakras. It involves quietness, relaxation, a light touch and/or hovering of the hands over the chakra areas. No harm can ever come from Reiki. A spirit of healing, kindness and happiness ideally results for the client and the practitioner. 

Reiki is generally practiced with the client lying on a massage table, completely clothed and warmed by blankets. No oils are used for this process.

The effects and purposes are:

• To support the body’s ability to heal itself naturally

• Revitalize the mind, body and spirit

• Balance the body’s energies / Chakras

• Release toxins

• Helps aid in release of unwanted emotions

• Over all total relaxation for self nourishment