Mind & Body

In addition to the numerous group exercise classes we offer, Midlothian Athletic Club also has a secluded mind/body studio where we offer yoga classes that will provide you with an opportunity to stretch and work on flexibility, to train strength in all muscle groups, and to quiet the mind. While all mind/body classes are by definition “all levels” classes, we do offer a variety of formats as described below.

Yoga has many benefits, but perhaps the greatest benefit is that regular practice can help individuals manage their stress. Stress can have devastating effect on the body and mind and can reveal itself in many ways, including back or neck pain, sleeping problems, headaches, drug abuse, and an inability to concentrate. Yoga can be very effective in developing coping skills and reaching a more positive outlook on life. Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing can help improve a person’s mental well- being. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity and calmness; increases body awareness; relieves chronic stress patterns; relaxes the mind; centers attention; and sharpens concentration.

The many physical benefits of yoga include:

Increased flexibility
Increased muscle strength and tone
Improved respiration, energy and vitality
Maintaining a balanced metabolism
Weight reduction
Cardio and circulatory health
Improved athletic performance
Protection from injury

Vinyasa Flow: Vinyasa (translates to “flowing with breath”) is a dynamic style of Hatha yoga which joins physical postures, or asanas, with inhales and exhales, creating a steady internal rhythm for the practice. Flow classes are designed to cultivate heat in the body with creative sequences involving sun salutations, standing and seated postures, back bending, arm balancing, and a strong focus on the power of breath awareness. Flow yoga classes tend to be more vigorous and aerobic, and classes can have a variety of music and themes. All levels.

Anusara Yoga: Anusara means “flowing with grace,” “going with the flow,” “following your heart,” and this practice focuses on experiencing bliss and joy in your yoga practice and your daily life. Anusara emphasizes the Universal Principles of Alignment as the focal point of its practice, which underlies all of the physical asanas. These principles are important in the practice of yoga as they give you guidelines on how to align your body, heart, and mind in a way that provides integration, fostering optimal circulation, strength, good health, and wellbeing. Anusara follows a Vinyasa Flow style, holding some (key) poses for a longer time while connecting you to your breath as a guide in your asana practice. Vinyasa flow warms up the body and links the focus of the class to the physical expression. Holding the poses allows for more explanation of the key alignment principle and the linking of the spiritual intention to your body. The class ends with meditation and relaxation. All levels.

Yin Yoga: Class uses typical Hatha poses, however, the poses are held 2-5 minutes in order to allow the full facilitation of the stretching of the fascia and joint tissue. All levels.

All Levels Yoga: links physical postures, concentrated breathing, and mindfulness in a format appropriate for beginner to advanced yogis. Participants are encouraged to listen to their bodies and take options that work best for their desired yoga experience. Class ends with a relaxation time designed for stillness and reflection. All levels.

Fitness Yoga: Yoga for the fitness industry. Basic Hatha Yoga utilizing a combination of traditions. Participants will benefit from having some previous yoga experience. All levels.

Power Flow: is a vinyasa style flow designed to improve muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. This practice includes modifications for all levels.

Chair Yoga: A gentle yoga class that is practiced sitting in a chair or standing using a chair for support. Chair yoga is a general term for practices that modify yoga poses so that they can be done while seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people who cannot stand or lack the mobility to move easily from standing to seated to supine positions. Many of the basic body mechanics of the individual postures are retained, no matter the stance of the practitioner. While seated on chairs, students can do versions of twists, hip stretches, forward bends, and mild backbends. In addition to a good stretch, chair yoga participants can also enjoy other health benefits of yoga, including improved muscle tone, better breathing habits, reduction of stress, better sleep, and a sense of well-being. All levels.

Pilates: Classic Pilates to strengthen the core and improve balance. All levels.

Pilates Fusion: incorporates a series of exercises that are low impact in nature but have a high focus on strength, endurance, and cardio. Pilates exercises will be infused with traditional strength training and cardiovascular movements. A strong emphasis will be placed on postural alignment, core strength, and muscle balance. Exercise modification is included to meet all exercise levels. Participants gain heightened body awareness, improved mobility, stability and strength and find that the changes to their bodies enhance other aspects of daily living and other activities or sports. All levels.

Les Mills:

Body Flow™: is a workout combining Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates that builds flexibility and strength and leaves you feeling centered and calm. Controlled breathing, concentration and a carefully structured series of stretches, moves and poses to music create a holistic workout that brings the body into a state of harmony and balance. Like all the LES MILLS™ programs, a new BODYFLOW™ class is released every three months with new music and choreography. All levels.