Prenatal, Family, Chair, and More
Yoga is for everyone regardless of health, age, physical limitations, etc. From prenatal yoga taught by specially-trained instructors to family yoga to yoga for those with limited range and mobility, we offer yoga for every age and stage of life. Our specialty classes also include a specially-tailored course for our military/veteran community and finally, two very unique courses designed for more advanced yogis.
Specific Class Descriptions
prenatal yoga
A 75 minute class intended to benefit mamas-to-be inside and out. Beginning with a time of community sharing and discussion, we get to know one another and build our collective knowledge about pregnancy, labor and delivery, and after birth care. The class focuses on strength building and stretching poses especially designed for expectant mothers, as well as discomfort practices intended to challenge us all to manage our emotions and thoughts during challenging moments of our lives (labor!). Class ends with a restorative savasana. Appropriate for all stages of pregnancy and fitness levels. *Due to the subject matter covered in this class concerning all stages of pregnancy, this class is for females only.
family yoga
beginner/Intermediate Yoga for families to do together—for parents and children who are old enough to practice with adults. No prior yoga experience necessary. Recommended for children ages 3-12 but all ages are welcome. Ends with snuggly savasana.
chair yoga
a practice that modifies yoga poses so that they may be done while seated in a chair or standing near a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with mobility or balance concerns. While seated in a chair, students can do versions of twists, hip stretches, forward bends, and mild backbends. Depending upon the individual, poses may be also be done while standing, utilizing the chair for stability and balance. People who may benefit from Chair Yoga include seniors, those with curvier bodies, have limited mobility, physical/mental health, injuries, illness, chronic disease/pain, scoliosis. Helpful incorporation of other props as needed—folded blankets, yoga blocks, and belts. Also emphasizes the importance of pranayama, or breath work, in good health and fitness and healing. Ends with savasana.
kripalu moderate yoga
Inspired by yoga techniques practiced at the Kripalu Institute in New York and taught by certified Kripalu Institute graduate, Alana Weathersbee. In a Kripalu moderate yoga class, we build on core poses and start to establish more strength and flexibility throughout the entire body. We’ll experience longer holding times on the asanas with a focus on the vinyasa flow in-between poses. Well also explore both your internal and external awareness and witness conscious. Ultimately, we seek to find a deeper connection to our breath and the sensations of our body through BRFWA (breathe, relax, feel, watch and allow). Designed for those who have been exposed to yoga previously, these classes will move at a faster pace than the beginner practices and provide less instruction. We’ll move into the details of each pose and begin to build routines, in which the postures flow into each other. In moderate yoga, we’ll discover a strong emphasis on balancing poses, which require a degree of mental focus and physical stamina.
What to expect in a Kripalu yoga class: Classes begin with warm-up movements and breath awareness to prepare us for yoga postures. The heart of each class is a sequence of postures that stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. Each class ends with deep relaxation and meditation. Class level ranges from moderate to vigorous. This class is not recommended for beginners.
graceful strength
A strong practice is a graceful practice - flowing from one pose to the next with balance, control, and ease. This class teaches how adding strength based movements can build a strong graceful yoga practice. Wondering if you're ready for this class? We recommend a minimum of 3 months yoga practice for this class.
yoga for warriors
Yoga for Warriors is our signature weekly community class (free) Dragonfly has offered since the year the studio opened in 2013. The class is a partnership with the local Fredericksburg chapter of Team Red White and Blue which is a national non-profit that aims to increase the wellness of veterans through physical and social activities. Civilians are a critical part of the mission as Team RWB believes civilians can help veterans better integrate into their local communities. The class is designed with service members in mind and is open to active duty, veterans, retirees, their family members and civilians in the spirit of supporting the integration of military families into our community. Yoga for Warriors includes a wide range of breathing techniques, meditation and mindfulness and physical postures (asana). It is appropriate for students of all levels to include beginners. We keep the safety of our knees and backs in mind especially in this class as so many veterans report knee and back trouble. The fundamental belief behind this class is that through movement and awareness students can release stress and trauma at the source.
This class is unique in that we open each week with a community circle. In the brief community circle you'll be given an opportunity to share your name, any branch of service you're connected to and participate in the ice-breaker question if you choose. This brief opening circle helps us get to better know our fellow students and veterans and provides valuable opportunities for connection and building our social support.
The last Tuesday of each month is usually an opportunity to practice yoga nidra (sometimes described as yoga "sleep"). We practice yoga nidra with a long, guided and scripted meditation that is designed to relax, rejuvenate and improve sleep.
Whether you are a veteran of recent service or years ago, a family member or civilian wanting to make our community a welcoming place for our local service members we hope you'll join us. a free class designed for military service men and women, veterans, retirees, and their families and loved ones, but ultimately open to anyone. The class focuses on building community, developing strength of body and mind, and using the breath to quiet the mind and find peace. All levels are welcome. Helpful incorporation of props as needed—folded blankets, yoga blocks, belts, and chairs. Ends with savasana.
