Welcome, yogis! This one-week camp introduces classic yoga poses (asanas) and the basics of sun salutations. A great option for those who want to learn the basics of yoga before joining an ongoing yoga class, or for those looking to try something new. Each day of camp follows a fresh theme, building from basics to a flowing practice by the end of the week. Beginners are always welcome -- This is a safe and comfortable place to explore movement and balance. Modifications are offered for students to explore range of motion, balance, and personal preference in poses.

Day 1: Monday Mountain
Focus Pose: Mountain Pose
Overview: Mountain Pose (Tadasana) is the foundation for our practice this week. Before we begin stretching, twisting, and flowing from one pose to another, we must establish a strong base. Mastering Mountain Pose improves alignment, brings awareness to posture, and prepares us for the next poses to come. Our first day of camp also introduces students to the warm-up series we’ll use throughout the week, gently preparing us for a final flowing yoga practice on Friday.

Day 2: Tuesday Tree
Focus Pose: Tree Pose
Overview: We’ll build upon Mountain Pose and experiment with balance in Tree Pose today. Be ready to laugh and have fun as we explore balance-based poses. It's okay to topple -- That's part of learning your balance!

Day 3: Wednesday Warriors
Focus Poses: Warrior I, Warrior II, Reverse Warrior
Overview: Building upon the balance and stability from our first two classes, we’ll explore various Warrior poses common in Sun Salutations. We’ll also begin learning how to flow from one pose to the next in preparation for our final day of camp.

Day 4: Thursday Twists
Focus Poses: Adding a Twist
Overview: Today we’ll modify our daily warm-up and familiar poses from earlier in the week to include twists, such as the seated Marichi Twist and the standing Rotated Wide-Legged Forward Fold. Depending on balance, we’ll bring it all together with the fun yet balance-challenging Eagle Pose (Garudasana).

Day 5: Friday Flow
Focus Poses: Sun Salutations
Overview: We’ll bring everything together in our final day of camp, starting with our routine warm-up series and learning the basic poses of Sun Salutations. This is a flowing yoga class in which one pose moves smoothly into the next, giving students a chance to experiment with rhythm and breathing at their own pace. After our final Namaste together, you’ll be ready to continue with your newly established daily yoga routine!

No Yoga Experience or Props Required
New to yoga? Welcome! This camp is designed to welcome yogis of all levels, whether you've never reached for the sky before or can already wrap your arms around your ankles and wish to return to basics for alignment.
Don't have yoga props? That's okay! We'll learn to use household items like stuffed animals, books, and coffee tins to modify poses. You do not even need a yoga mat to begin a healthy daily practice. In fact, I'll often practice and demonstrate poses without a mat to show students that you can do yoga with absolutely no props at all.

Focus on Form, Not Sweat
This is not meant to be a workout class. Rather, this is a safe space to learn and explore yoga poses and build a strong foundational practice. Our goals focus on personal understanding, acceptance, and calm.

Daily Regular Practice for One Week
Class meets at the same time Monday-Friday to encourage yogis in establishing a regular yoga/movement routine. Students will be muted during practice and are invited to use the chat feature to ask questions for the instructor, otherwise keeping the practice space quiet of background noise while the instructor verbally guides yogis through poses and modifications. I will demonstrate every pose and modification for students and will repeat any pose requested to further guide students. Regular rest and reflection are built into each day's practice, giving students ample opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences with fellow yogis.

English Instruction with Sanskrit Vocabulary
Class is taught entirely in English with occasional Sanskrit vocabulary introduced for common yoga poses. This way students will feel comfortable and prepared to take more advanced yoga courses in the future.

Scaffolded Approach
Each day of this course builds upon knowledge and skills from the previous day's class. Therefore, it is highly recommended that students to commit to attending all five consecutive days of camp.