The different types of Yoga and Pilates taught at Yoga Space in Hyattsville Maryland


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Anusara Yoga and Anusara Inspired Yoga	Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga? is a powerful hatha yoga system that unifies a Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment. Anusara embodies an uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a ?celebration of the heart,? that looks for the good in all people and all things. Consequently, students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. This life-affirming vision sets the basis for a yoga system in which the harmony and joy of a tightly knit community is exulted. Not only is Anusara an elegant system of alignment principles and non-dual philosophy, but it is also a community of highly trained teachers and fun-loving students.

Belly Dancing	(From Wikipedia): Raqs Sharqi belly dancing consists of movements that are executed throughout the body. The focus of the dance is the pelvic and hip area. It is, fundamentally, a solo improvisational dance with its own unique dance vocabulary that is fluidly integrated with the music?s rhythm. Raqs Sharqi dancers internalize and express the emotions evoked by the lyrics and the music. Appropriately, the music is integral to the dance. The most admired Raqs Sharqi dancers are those who can best project their emotions through dance, even if their dance is made up of simple movements. The dancer?s goal is to visually communicate to the audience the emotion and rhythm of the music. Raqs Sharqi translates from Arabic as "dance of the Orient" or "Oriental Dance". This is the oldest dance in the world. Belly dance is a misnomer as the all parts of the body are involved in the dance, and the most important body part is the hips. The dancer?s goal is to visually communicate to the audience the emotion and rhythm of the music. Many see Raqs Sharqi as a woman's dance, celebrating the sensuality and power of being a mature woman. A common school of thought believes that young dancers have limited life experience to use as a catalyst for dance. Sohair Zaki, Fifi Abdou, Lucy, Nagwa Fouad, and Dina are all popular Egyptian dancers above the age of forty. Despite the fame of female dancers, men often perform Raqs Sharqi as well, however, not in public in Arab countries.

Hatha Yoga	Hatha Yoga encompasses gently stretching the body and breathing exercises which help the student become more aware of his/her internal states. Many of the postures (or Asanas) practiced in Hatha Yoga massage and tone internal organs which facilitates in the prevention, management and treatment of certain ailments such as diabetes, arthritis and hypertension. Breathing exercises taught in class can also help patients of asthma and bronchitis. A regular Hatha Yoga practice is a great way to cope with stress, relieve tension and deal with anxiety and depression.

Kripalu Yoga (not offered this session.)	Inspired by Sri Kripalvananda, also know as Bapuji (1913-1981), Kripalu Yoga was founded by Amrit Desai and his students. It is a challenging approach to asana practice that emphasizes meditation and breathwork, encourages inward focus and spiritual attunement. Practicing Kripalu Yoga can initiate a gradual process of physical healing, psychological growth and spiritual awakening. Kripalu Yoga attracts people who want to transform their lives.

Pilates	The Pilates Method (sometimes simply Pilates) is a physical fitness system that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. For the most accurate information on Pilates, refer to the two books that Joseph wrote himself. One is called Return to Life through Contrology, and the other is Your Health: A Corrective System of Exercising That Revolutionizes the Entire Field of Physical Education. Pilates called his method The Art of Contrology, which refers to the way the method encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles. It is an exercise program that focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of neutral alignment of the spine and strengthening the deep postural muscles that support this alignment, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain.In recent years, many Pilates students have seen important parallels with the Alexander Technique, and the discoveries of F. Matthias Alexander. Pilates has been used to train dancers in flexibility and physical strength. The first official Pilates Studio was opened in New York in 1926. In recent years it has become a popular fitness modality, with many stars attributing their successful weight loss and increased muscle tone to Pilates.

Vinyasa Yoga	If you've ever watched a wave roll towards the shore, build to an apex, fold, dissolve and build again, you understand Vinyasa--a progressive sequence that unfolds with intrinsic harmony and understanding. In Vinyasa yoga, fluid movements blend breath, awareness and alignment to warm, stretch, cleanse and shape the body. The practice of Vinyasa leaves the practitioner feeling energized, grounded, revitalized, and deeply relaxed. Over time students learn to apply their practice to all the rhythms of their life as they build physical strength and suppleness, mental concentration and inner balance.