APRIL WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL!

We would love to have you join us in the future. Mark your calendars for May 12, 2024. Scroll down for sign up and more information.

Do you know that the amazing Leslie Wright, also teaches a class every Saturday morning called YOGA LAB? It starts at 11am and ends at 12:15pm. There is fun with props, work with Yoga Therapy Tune Up balls and plenty of rest. Leslie teaches you about how the body moves and works, so that you can take care of yourself and enjoy being in your body! Yoga Lab class is regular class pricing. You can sign up here 

Leslie Wright shares her deep interest in physical anatomy in her classes, and over time, her students strengthen their own understanding of how their bodies move. Leslie is also a certified Yoga Tune Up instructor—which means that her classes are creative explorations of yoga poses using a diversity of props: blocks, straps, blankets, half-dome rollers, and especially massage balls of various sorts and sizes. Her students routinely use all of the toys in the toy box to support their explorations.

With Becky Mingo

Wednesdays, 6pm - 7pm

April 10, April 17, April 24, and May 1.

Whether you are completely new to Ashtanga Yoga, or are familiar with the method through led classes, this Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga Series will be a great fit for you! Each week we will focus on one piece of the practice from breathing and sun salutations, to standing postures and seated postures. We will breakdown backbends and inversions, finding an approach to the closing sequencing that meets you where you are.

The first session, we will discuss the Mysore method history, origins, practice, and answer any questions you may have. We will then delve into the sun salutations of Ashtanga Yoga. The following sessions, we will break down the standing sequence posture by posture, begin the seated postures and teach closing postures of Ashtanga Yoga including inversions and backbends. Postures will modified and adjusted to design a “just right” practice for each student.

Class size is limited in order to provide more focused, individualized attention to each student.

$75 (free to Shala Members) Includes 4 one-hour sessions and 1 month of unlimited in-person and online yoga classes with The Shala. Month is activated upon first day of use, you may decide to try other classes during the series or wait until you have completed the full series. Unlimited month is valid for 6 months after purchase.The classes are taught in a workshop format, so you can easily ask questions, and can begin to cultivate an Ashtanga practice that is personalized to your needs.

Upon completion of this series, you will have a strong understanding of Ashtanga, a foundation to build upon, and you will be comfortable joining Mysore class or the Led Half Primary Ashtanga class. Many students will feel comfortable joining Led Full Primary Ashtanga class.

For more Information email info@theshalapittsburgh.com

 Cancellation Policy: We must receive cancellation notice in writing to info@theshalapittsburgh.com at least 72 hours prior to the workshop start date in order to issue you a refund. Otherwise, workshop is non-refundable. Workshop fee is non-transferable.

All classes in this series are copyrighted and property of The Shala of Pittsburgh Ashtanga Yoga.

Get Ready. Get Set. Go! A Massage Marathon!

April 7, 2024, 1pm-3pm

Self-Massage using Yoga Tune Up Balls for Athletes of All Levels.

No matter if your sport takes you to city streets, mountain trails, or pickle ball courts, you will learn strategies that will help improve performance, heighten proprioception, and reduce the possibility of injury in your legs.

As a group, we will work for about 90 minutes practicing self-massage techniques studying the structures of the lower body and their qualities: feet, shins, calves, quads, hamstrings, bum.

For the final 30 minutes of the class, participants will be encouraged to revisit the areas of their own bodies where they discovered massage techniques of particular value to them in their pursuit of their sport. During this time, the instructor will help participants clarify techniques and strategies so that each participant will feel confident to continue with explorations of self-care on their own.

Appropriate for all levels. All necessary props will be provided by the instructor. If you would like to purchase your own Yoga Tune Up Therapy balls, you may select that option at time of workshop registration or at the end of the workshop.

$40 for workshop OR $55 for workshop plus the purchase of your own Yoga Tune Up Therapy Ball(s).

Leslie Wright shares her deep interest in physical anatomy in her classes, and over time, her students strengthen their own understanding of how their bodies move. Leslie is also a certified Yoga Tune Up instructor—which means that her classes are creative explorations of yoga poses using a diversity of props: blocks, straps, blankets, half-dome rollers, and especially massage balls of various sorts and sizes. Her students routinely use all of the toys in the toy box to support their explorations.

Letting Go: Yoga Nidra Workshop w/Ashvarya Sinha

Sunday, March 24, 2024, 1pm-2:15pm

Embark on a transformative journey of deep relaxation and inner growth with our "Letting Go: Yoga Nidra Workshop."

In this 75-minute session, we'll explore yogic sleep techniques, writing exercises, and silent self-reflection practices designed to regulate the nervous system and facilitate profound relaxation.

Experience the remarkable benefits of deep relaxation as you release worries, tensions, and distractions, and connect with your inner tranquility through guided visualization and journaling.

Throughout the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to identify and release mental, emotional, and energetic blockages that obscure your inner radiance, allowing your true essence to shine forth.  Moreover, you'll cultivate greater self-awareness and compassion by observing and accepting all aspects of yourself with loving-kindness.

This workshop welcomes participants of all levels, including beginners, and requires no prior experience with Yoga Nidra. Simply come as you are, with an open heart and a willingness to explore the profound depths of your being.

Bring your own journal or paper and your favorite writing instrument. The studio has plenty of mats, blankets, bolsters and folding chairs or you can bring your props.

Sign up here for $40 (15% off for Members). Space is limited to 8 students. 

Ashvarya Sinha is a yoga teacher, astrologer, reiki practitioner and healer whose offerings are rooted in the Yogic tradition of the east while immersed in the scientific knowledge of the West. Her classes and personal practice draw inspiration from various styles of yoga but are centred around breath, mindfulness, and humour. Owing to her background in Psychology and Performing arts, she is always exploring the mind-body-breath connection. Ashvarya believes in the philosophy of ‘listen to your body, pause and do what feels good.’ She fosters an environment where students experience the therapeutic benefits of yoga as well as guided meditation.

SPRING INTO LA PRIMAVERA - SPRING EQUINOX PRACTICE

w/ Linda Meacci

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
6:30pm - 8:00pm
In studio & Online

Spring into La Primavera - let's welcome the spring equinox together! Perhaps you are ready to plant a seed or want to nurture that which you have already planted - either way, let this practice mark your intention of taking good care of yourself so you are connected to what you want to create.

We will explore stability in this practice through a series of asana including standing postures and clear actions that activate our bodies for balance and ease. We will explore organic breathing, movement and inspirational readings. We will finish with a restful Savasana. This practice both activates and calms our bodies, minds and spirits. Bring your springtime intentions and let's usher in La Primavera!

This practice is open to everyBody! Accessibility is important, we hope is to you too! Join yourself and the collective community to usher in the Spring Season

10% of proceeds go to Open Up Pittsburgh. “Open Up's mission is to teach mindfulness tools through movement and art practices that center people living with disabilities.” Find out more at www.open-up.org

Sliding-scale Pricing

$15 Community Price – For those with financial stress

$30 Full Price – For those able to pay

$40 Pay It Forward 1 – Helps provide the sliding scale

$50 Pay It Forward 2 – More help to provide the sliding scale

$100 Pay it Forward Plus $50 to 501(c)3

Cancellation Policy: We must receive cancellation notice in writing to info@theshalapittsburgh.com at least 72 hours prior to the workshop start date in order to issue you a refund. Otherwise, workshop is non-refundable. Workshop fee is non-transferable.

Find more about Linda Meacci here.

The Side Line - Temple, Jaw, Deltoid, Side Ribs, QL, IT Band, Shin, and Adductors

Sumptuous Sundays at The Shala offers participants a once-a-month opportunity to withdraw from the outward pulling, often multi-tasking, demands of their lives in order to enter into a peaceful space where they will be encouraged to do only ONE thing: They will be encouraged to turn their focus inward and to give themselves the gift of their own attention.

Each session will begin with leisurely self-massage explorations using Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls. These massage sequences are designed to both reveal patterns of tension as well as to soothe them. We will illuminate body blind spots - areas of stiffness or discomfort- in order to nurture them. Next, we will enhance the releases from the massage with slow, gentle movements followed by delicious stretches. Finally, the participants will be shown how to prepare for themselves sumptuous, supportive yoga structures using bolsters, blankets, and blocks.  And then, once the structures are prepared, everyone will be encouraged to lie down upon them and to settle into a state of deep rest. Wandering minds will be engaged with guided meditations.

All participants will leave the experience with ideas and techniques that they can explore at home.

Appropriate for all levels.

$40 for workshop OR $55 for workshop plus your own Coregous Yoga Tune Up Therapy Ball. 

Leslie Wright shares her deep interest in physical anatomy in her classes, and over time, her students strengthen their own understanding of how their bodies move. Leslie is also a certified Yoga Tune Up instructor—which means that her classes are creative explorations of yoga poses using a diversity of props: blocks, straps, blankets, half-dome rollers, and especially massage balls of various sorts and sizes. Her students routinely use all of the toys in the toy box to support their explorations.

Two spots opened up for the FEBRUARY WORKSHOP!

Do you know that the amazing Leslie Wright, also teaches a class every Saturday morning called YOGA LAB? It starts at 11am and ends at 12:15pm. There is fun with props, work with Yoga Therapy Tune Up balls and plenty of rest. Leslie teaches you about how the body moves and works, so that you can take care of yourself and enjoy being in your body! Yoga Lab class is regular class pricing. You can sign up here

Restorative Yoga with Becky Mingo

Friday, February 9, 2024 - 9am-10am

A slow, quiet practice of restorative postures using props to support and hold the body.  In this practice, we will set up blankets, blocks, belts and bolsters to bring to body to state of relaxation.  Some of the poses will be held for a long time. Expect some more "active" poses such as inversions and backbends.  Let yourself be still and steady.  Let go and be present.  Watch what the mind offers, settle the mind, settle the body, and take rest.

Beginners and long time practitioners are welcome.  Sign up in advance, class size is limited. Regular class pricing applies.

Yoga Sutras + Pranayama Workshop w/Ashvarya Sinha

This 90-minute workshop will begin with Yoga Sutra study and delve into the concepts of Prakriti, Purusha, citta, and vritti. Taking a look into their impact on consciousness, life, and asana practice.

Yoga Sutra 1.34 is Pracchardana vidhāranabhyām vā prānasya (Stability of the mind is gained by exhaling and retaining the breath). We will discuss the four types of Pranayama, covering: breath awareness techniques, balancing, tranquilizing, and vitalizing pranayama. The workshop will include demonstrations and practice of these pranayama concepts, concluding with a short breath-based seated meditation.

Students new to the study of the Yoga Sutras or breath-work and students with years of study will appreciate and learn from this workshop. Students will be sitting during this workshop. Blankets, bolsters and folding chairs are available.

Sign up here for $40 (15% off for Members). Space is limited to 8 students.

Ashvarya Sinha is a yoga teacher, astrologer, reiki practitioner and healer whose offerings are rooted in the Yogic tradition of the east while immersed in the scientific knowledge of the West. Her classes and personal practice draw inspiration from various styles of yoga but are centred around breath, mindfulness, and humour. Owing to her background in Psychology and Performing arts, she is always exploring the mind-body-breath connection. Ashvarya believes in the philosophy of ‘listen to your body, pause and do what feels good.’ She fosters an environment where students experience the therapeutic benefits of yoga as well as guided meditation.

Restorative Yoga with Becky Mingo

Thursday, January 25, 2024 - 9am-10am

A slow, quiet practice of restorative postures using props to support and hold the body.  In this practice, we will set up blankets, blocks, belts and bolsters to bring to body to state of relaxation.  Some of the poses will be held for a long time. Expect some more "active" poses such as inversions and backbends.  Let yourself be still and steady.  Let go and be present.  Watch what the mind offers, settle the mind, settle the body, and take rest.

Beginners and long time practitioners are welcome.  Sign up in advance, class size is limited. Regular class pricing applies.

JANUARY WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL!

We would love to have you join us in the future. Please consider signing up now for February Scroll down for sign up and more information or click here February 11, 2024 - SIGN UP HERE.

Do you know that the amazing Leslie Wright, also teaches a class every Saturday morning called YOGA LAB? It starts at 11am and ends at 12:15pm. There is fun with props, work with Yoga Therapy Tune Up balls and plenty of rest. Leslie teaches you about how the body moves and works, so that you can take care of yourself and enjoy being in your body! Yoga Lab class is regular class pricing. You can sign up here

With Ryan Oliver

Saturdays - 7am-8am

January 13 through February 3, 2024

Begin your Ashtanga Yoga practice with this 4-Week Series. This series is geared towards individuals who are new to Ashtanga Yoga and want to learn the foundations of the practice so they can ease into a Mysore practice.

We will break the Primary Series into 4 different groups: Sun Salutations, Standing Poses, Seated Poses, & Closing Poses. Each week we will focus on a different section.

The classes are taught in a workshop format, so you can easily ask questions, and can begin to cultivate an Ashtanga practice that is personalized to your needs.

By the time you have completed this workshop series, you will have a strong understanding of the Mysore method and be ready to join Mysore classes with the rest of the community.

Pricing is $75 and includes a month of unlimited yoga classes. Month is activated upon the first day of use, you may decide to try other classes during the series or wait until you have completed the full series. Unlimited month is valid for 6 months after purchase.

For more Information email info@theshalapittsburgh.com

 Cancellation Policy: We must receive cancellation notice in writing to info@theshalapittsburgh.com at least 72 hours prior to the workshop start date in order to issue you a refund. Otherwise, workshop is non-refundable. Workshop fee is non-transferable.

All classes in this series are copyrighted and property of The Shala of Pittsburgh Ashtanga Yoga.

Restorative Yoga with Becky Mingo

Tuesday, January 11, 2024 - 9am-10am

A slow, quiet practice of restorative postures using props to support and hold the body.  In this practice, we will set up blankets, blocks, belts and bolsters to bring to body to state of relaxation.  Some of the poses will be held for a long time. Expect some more "active" poses such as inversions and backbends.  Let yourself be still and steady.  Let go and be present.  Watch what the mind offers, settle the mind, settle the body, and take rest.

Beginners and long time practitioners are welcome.  Sign up in advance, class size is limited. Regular class pricing applies.

Restorative Yoga with Becky Mingo

Tuesday, December 26, 2023 - 9am-10am

A slow, quiet practice of restorative postures using props to support and hold the body.  In this practice, we will set up blankets, blocks, belts and bolsters to bring to body to state of relaxation.  Some of the poses will be held for a long time. Expect some more "active" poses such as inversions and backbends.  Let yourself be still and steady.  Let go and be present.  Watch what the mind offers, settle the mind, settle the body, and take rest.

Beginners and long time practitioners are welcome.  Sign up in advance, class size is limited. Regular class pricing applies.

“After the longest night, tomorrow we sing up the dawn. There is a rejoicing that, even in the darkest time, the sun is not vanquished. As of tomorrow, the days begin to get longer as the light of day grows. While the gentle winter sun slowly opens its eyes, let us all bring more light and compassion into the world.” (― Dacha Avelin)

WINTER SOLSTICE PRACTICE

w/ Linda Meacci

Tuesday, December 19, 2023
6:30pm - 8:00pm
In studio or Live Online

Winter Solstice Season is a natural time to slow the rhythm down, pause, listen to ourselves and place our attention on recognizing our Inner Light. As we embrace ourselves more fully - the light, shadows and what happens in between, we open ourselves to the intelligence of our own Life Force and our desire to evolve as human beings and spiritual beings. It’s a long journey - for lifetimes possibly.

This practice is open to everyBody! Accessibility is important, we hope you agree!

Join yourself and the collective community to usher in the Winter Season.

10% of proceeds go to a The Friendship Circle, a “a community-based program that brings together people of diverse abilities and interests”

Sliding-scale Pricing

$15 Community Price – For those with financial stress

$30 Full Price – For those able to pay

$40 Pay It Forward 1 – Helps provide the sliding scale

$50 Pay It Forward 2 – More help to provide the sliding scale

$100 Pay It Forward PLUS $50 donation to local charity

Cancellation Policy: We must receive cancellation notice in writing to info@theshalapittsburgh.com at least 72 hours prior to the workshop start date in order to issue you a refund. Otherwise, workshop is non-refundable. Workshop fee is non-transferable.

This class is copyrighted and property of Linda Meacci. Find more about Linda Meacci here.

DECEMBER WORKSHOP IS FULL!

We would love to have you join us in the future. Please consider signing up now for January. Scroll down for sign up and more information.

January 14: Lower Body - Hips, Buttocks, Thighs, Shins, Calves

Do you know that the amazing Leslie Wright, also teaches a class every Saturday morning called YOGA LAB? It starts at 11am and ends at 12:15pm. There is fun with props, work with Yoga Therapy Tune Up balls and plenty of rest. Leslie teaches you about how the body moves and works, so that you can take care of yourself and enjoy being in your body! Yoga Lab class is regular class pricing. You can sign up here

Leslie Wright shares her deep interest in physical anatomy in her classes, and over time, her students strengthen their own understanding of how their bodies move. Leslie is also a certified Yoga Tune Up instructor—which means that her classes are creative explorations of yoga poses using a diversity of props: blocks, straps, blankets, half-dome rollers, and especially massage balls of various sorts and sizes. Her students routinely use all of the toys in the toy box to support their explorations.

Restorative Yoga with Becky Mingo

Monday, November 27, 2023 - 9am-10am

A slow, quiet practice of restorative postures using props to support and hold the body.  In this practice, we will set up blankets, blocks, belts and bolsters to bring to body to state of relaxation.  Some of the poses will be held for a long time. Expect some more "active" poses such as inversions and backbends.  Let yourself be still and steady.  Let go and be present.  Watch what the mind offers, settle the mind, settle the body, and take rest.

Beginners and long time practitioners are welcome.  Sign up in advance, class size is limited. Regular class pricing applies.

Restorative Yoga with Becky Mingo

Monday, November 13, 2023 - 9am-10am

A slow, quiet practice of restorative postures using props to support and hold the body.  In this practice, we will set up blankets, blocks, belts and bolsters to bring to body to state of relaxation.  Some of the poses will be held for a long time. Expect some more "active" poses such as inversions and backbends.  Let yourself be still and steady.  Let go and be present.  Watch what the mind offers, settle the mind, settle the body, and take rest.

Beginners and long time practitioners are welcome.  Sign up in advance, class size is limited. Regular class pricing applies.

NOVEMBER WORKSHOP IS FULL!

We would love to have you join us in the future. Please consider signing up now for December and January. Scroll down for sign up and more information.

December 10: Periphery - Skin, Head, Jaw, Arms, Hands, Feet

January 14: Lower Body - Hips, Buttocks, Thighs, Shins, Calves

Do you know that the amazing Leslie Wright, also teaches a class every Saturday morning called YOGA LAB? It starts at 11am and ends at 12:15pm. There is fun with props, work with Yoga Therapy Tune Up balls and plenty of rest. Leslie teaches you about how the body moves and works, so that you can take care of yourself and enjoy being in your body! Yoga Lab class is regular class pricing. You can sign up here

Journey to Leg Behind the Head w/Ryan Oliver

Saturday, October 28, 2023 - 8:30am-10am

In this class, we will cover proper preparation, alignment, and technique, to work towards getting your leg behind your head. We will discuss key anatomy, and then you will be guided through a sequence of active & passive poses to lead up to Eka Pada Sirsasana. This class will be exploratory, and a great way to open up your hips!

All levels are welcome to attend, as there are accessible modifications to every pose, as we lead up to Eka Pada. You will receive a guidebook as a take-away to continue to practice this sequence and refer to in the future!

Regular Class Pricing Applies.

SOLD OUT FOR OCTOBER - SIGN UP FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER OR JANUARY

Yoga Self-Massage Workshop with Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls

Sumptuous Sundays at The Shala offers participants a once-a-month opportunity to withdraw from the outward pulling, often multi-tasking, demands of their lives in order to enter into a peaceful space where they will be encouraged to do only ONE thing: They will be encouraged to turn their focus inward and to give themselves the gift of their own attention.

Each session will begin with leisurely self-massage explorations using Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls. These massage sequences are designed to both reveal patterns of tension as well as to soothe them. We will illuminate body blind spots - areas of stiffness or discomfort- in order to nurture them. Next, we will enhance the releases from the massage with slow, gentle movements followed by delicious stretches. Finally, the participants will be shown how to prepare for themselves sumptuous, supportive yoga structures using bolsters, blankets, and blocks.  And then, once the structures are prepared, everyone will be encouraged to lie down upon them and to settle into a state of deep rest. Wandering minds will be engaged with guided meditations.

Each Sunday highlights a different area of the body. 
November 12: Core - Belly, Chest, Ribs, Muscles of Respiration
December 10: Periphery - Skin, Head, Jaw, Arms, Hands, Feet
January 14: Lower Body - Hips, Buttocks, Thighs, Shins, Calves

All participants will leave the experience with ideas and techniques that they can explore at home.

Appropriate for all levels.

With Becky Mingo

Saturdays, 7:00am - 8:00am

October 7, October 14, October 21 and October 28, 2023

Begin your Ashtanga Yoga practice in this 4-Week Series. This series is geared towards individuals who are new to Ashtanga Yoga, or those who have some knowledge but want to deepen their experience in the foundations of the practice.

New students start the traditional way that Ashtanga Yoga is taught – Mysore style. Mysore style is a way to practice yoga at your own pace, while learning the sequence of poses, one at a time. You do NOT need to know ANY of the poses to take this series. Throughout the class, you will be given individualized verbal instructions and physical assists, as needed, while in a supportive group setting.

Class size is limited in order to provide more focused, individualized attention to each student. Your first class will begin with breathing technique and linking your breath to movement, which you will continue to build upon. By the time you have completed this workshop series, you will have a strong understanding of the Mysore method and be ready to join Mysore classes with the rest of the community.

$75 Fee includes unlimited yoga for a month. Month is activated upon first day of use, you may decide to try other classes during the series or wait until you have completed the full series. Unlimited month is valid for 6 months after purchase.The classes are taught in a workshop format, so you can easily ask questions, and can begin to cultivate an Ashtanga practice that is personalized to your needs.

By the time you have completed this workshop series, you will have a strong understanding of the Mysore method and be ready to join Mysore classes with the rest of the community.

For more Information email info@theshalapittsburgh.com

 Cancellation Policy: We must receive cancellation notice in writing to info@theshalapittsburgh.com at least 72 hours prior to the workshop start date in order to issue you a refund. Otherwise, workshop is non-refundable. Workshop fee is non-transferable.

All classes in this series are copyrighted and property of The Shala of Pittsburgh Ashtanga Yoga.

GROUND AS THOUGH YOUR FEET ARE KISSING THE EARTH - FALL EQUINOX PRACTICE

w/ Linda Meacci

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
6:30pm - 8:00pm
In studio & Online

Ground as though your feet are kissing the earth.

Thict Nhat Hahn, Vietnamese Monk and Peacemaker, coined this idea and for me it rings true in how I approach my yoga practice. Each time I step onto my mat or onto a hardwood floor or onto the lush earth to practice, it feels like what’s underneath me and supporting me is sacred space. It feels like I’m kissing the earth with any part of my body that comes into contact with it.

As we come into Fall, Mother Nature brings us more wind and air elements. It is an important time to ground ourselves and keep our feet securely on the earth. It’s also a good time to gravitate toward wellness practices, such as going to bed earlier; drinking warm, spicy teas; eating hearty soups; practicing Pranayama like alternate nostril breathing; and playing in Warrior and balance shapes.

It is time to celebrate this colorful season of change. In a special autumn practice, we will build endurance and explore the grounding force of Goddess and Pranayam. Organically, this will lead us into variations of Sun Salutes, Warrior postures, and balance shapes such as Tree and Half Moon. We will interweave readings, personal reflection and mudras (meaningful hand gestures) throughout the practice.

As we move into the Autumn Season, let’s bring this imagery of kissing the earth with us, whether we are practicing asana, sitting in contemplation, or walking through our communities. Let’s treat it as a sacred space and opportunity.

This experience is for Everybody. Accessibility is important and options are always offered.

10% of the proceeds of this practice will be donated to the Trini Foundation. as part of National Recovery Month.  Trini Foundations supports those in recovery with monthly yoga tuition. Many people in recovery can not afford attend yoga classes. Trini partners with yoga studios across the globe. Our studio is a proud partner of the Trini Foundation. Find out more at https://www.trinifoundation.org/

Sliding-scale Pricing

$15 Community Price – For those with financial stress

$30 Full Price – For those able to pay

$40 Pay It Forward 1 – Helps provide the sliding scale

$50 Pay It Forward 2 – More help to provide the sliding scale

$100 Pay it Forward Plus $50 to 501(c)3

Cancellation Policy: We must receive cancellation notice in writing to info@theshalapittsburgh.com at least 72 hours prior to the workshop start date in order to issue you a refund. Otherwise, workshop is non-refundable. Workshop fee is non-transferable.

Find more about Linda Meacci here.

A Meet and Greet —for your Feet

Yoga Self-Massage Workshop with Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls

Sunday, September 17, 2023 - 10:30am-12:30am

When Barbie in Barbie discovers that her ankles can bend (spoiler alert!) at first she thinks this change is a FLAW! But as the film unfolds, we witness her newly flexible ankles take her into a world of discovery and growth. In the real world, many of us share some aspects of Barbie's foot and ankle issues — stiffness or instability — because we, like Barbie, tend use them in a very limited range. But unlike Barbie, we also overuse and abuse our feet and ankles—by asking them to move in ways they are unprepared for.

In this workshop, taught by Leslie Wright, we will spend time exploring and cultivating the possibilities of our own  magnificent real-world feet—and we will use TOYS to do so.  We will begin our investigation with a discussion about the general structure of feet, followed by a series of playful movements and stretches meant to awaken our awareness of the textures of our own unique feet, ankles, and shins.  Most of our time together will be devoted to practicing self-massage techniques, using Yoga Tune Up Therapy balls, techniques that are intended to stimulate, mobilize, and bring to life our lower limbs. Students will leave with a whole series ideas and strategies for continued exploration at home.

Come, step of your box and into this class of foot-forward fun. New, beginner and all levels of students are welcome.

$40.00 for workshop or $55 for workshop plus your own set of Yoga Tune Up Balls

Leslie Wright shares her deep interest in physical anatomy in her classes, and over time, her students strengthen their own understanding of how their bodies move. Leslie is also a certified Yoga Tune Up instructor—which means that her classes are creative explorations of yoga poses using a diversity of props: blocks, straps, blankets, half-dome rollers, and especially massage balls of various sorts and sizes. Her students routinely use all of the toys in the toy box to support their explorations.

Friday Night Restorative Yoga w/Kate Olson

October 6, 2023, 6pm-8pm

Start your weekend with Restorative Yoga!

Mindfully transition from the work week into the weekend through stillness and surrender in this two hour restorative yoga class with Kate Olson. This practice includes gentle opening and breath work followed by a nourishing, supportive, and rejuvenating restorative practice.

We will use all the props (bolsters, blankets, blocks, straps, sandbags, etc.) to create positions in the body that facilitate healing and balance the central nervous system.

This class is appropriate for everyone from beginners to seasoned yogis.

$60.00 for workshop. Shala Members get 15% off.

Kate Olson has been teaching yoga for over 15 years. She is known for her fun and intelligent sequencing, creative metaphors, and an ability to make EVERYONE feel welcome. Kate is one of the foremost Restorative Yoga experts in Western PA.  As a full time yoga teacher, most of her private clients practice restorative yoga, yielding hours of specific targeted yoga study. Kate is an E-RYT 500. She is also a certified Relax and Renew© Trainer, studying under Judith Hanson Lasater. Her teaching is influenced by the many teachers she has studied with over the years including Chrissy Carter, Christy Mackenzie, Richard Freeman, Rodney Yee, Doug Keller, and Leslie Kaminoff.

Find more about Kate at https://www.kateolsonyoga.com @kateolsonyoga

Core Strength and Arm Balancing Series

Tuesday, Sept 5, 2023, 6:00-7:15 PM
Tuesday, Sept 12, 2023, 6:00-7:15 PM
Tuesday, Sept 19, 2023, 6:00-7:15 PM
Tuesday, Sept 26, 2023, 6:00-7:15 PM

w/Marla Tortorice

Description:

One of the aspects I’ve appreciated the most about ashtanga is that it has brought up a lot of areas that I used to completely neglect. I was always focusing on the things I could do well and that came easy for me. The things that felt good.

Then I would become frustrated and question why I wasn’t able to do certain postures yet. Why did I still feel so heavy in arm balances?

One of the areas I was hugely neglecting was how to really understand what my “core” was and then how to start to use it. It’s been a nuanced, layered process. Our psoas and hip flexors are responsible for so much movement, and yet accessing them can feel elusive.

If we want to move gracefully, if we want to “float,” then we need to be thinking about the psoas. But for so long I wasn’t. I was trying to come at arm balances the only way most bodies know how: pure arm strength. And that just wasn’t going to be enough.

Join us in this series as we break down core strength, arm balancing, and chase that feeling of “lightness.”

All levels of students are welcome. Modifications and variations are always given.

Sign up here for all 4 weeks for $60 (Free to Unlimited Members)

Drop in for one class or every class - sign up under class schedule.

Led Half Primary Class - Fundraiser for Trini Foundation

w/Ryan Oliver

Monday, August 28, 2023, 6:00PM to 7:15PM

Support and make a donation at any level to the Trini Foundation. All funds from this class including the teacher’s fee will be donated to the Trini Foundation.

In this class, students will be guided through half of the Ashtanga Yoga Primary series, which includes sun salutations, and the standing, seated, and finishing sequences. This led format provides an opportunity to practice the traditional vinyasa count, as you move in and out of poses together as a group.

This class is an important complement to a regular Mysore practice, as it encourages you to maintain the pace, which builds internal and external strength. Along with the vinyasa count, the teacher will provide verbal cues, and physical adjustments.

All levels of student including beginners are welcome in this class. Modifications and variations will be suggested as needed for each student.

For more Information email info@theshalapittsburgh.com