No matter your level of yoga, you most likely will see benefits in a very short period of time. In one study, participants had up to 35% improvement in flexibility after only eight weeks of yoga. Some potential benefits of yoga may be hard to study scientifically. For instance, yoga has been said to increase spiritual awareness. Nevertheless, there is an abundance of anecdotal claims for what yoga can do. Go to any yoga studio and listen to students after class. Some will even tell you that yoga can help improve marriages and relationships at work.
The only way to be certain of all that yoga can do for you is to try it for yourself and see.
Allyn teaches the following styles of yoga:
BEGINNERS
A beginners class is suggested for those who have never taken a yoga class before and for those who may not have been physically active in years. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat, towel, bottle of water and an open mind! They may also choose to bring yoga blocks, blanket and strap.
VINYASA FLOW
The word Vinyasa means breath-synchronized movement. Vinyasa Flow yoga is a vigorous style of Ashtanga-based yoga linking breath and movement through Sun Salutations and postures. You can expect to feel physically challenged; to sweat and elevate your heart rate; to gain strength, flexibility and balance; and to improve your immune system. Mentally, you will practice how to breathe through life’s challenging situations; release old emotions, stress and thoughts that no longer serve you; and create a deep connection with your essential, true self or spirit through this 5000 year old practice of meditation in movement. Vinyasa Flow classes are best if you are already physically active, comfortable with the basic yoga postures and appreciate a healthy sweat. Depending on the level, Vinyasa Flow classes can include advanced postures such as handstands, arm balances and backbends, however, you will always be encouraged and guided to practice at your own personal level. Allyn tends to teach a challenging yet accessible Level 1/2 class, while offering advanced options for more experienced Yogis and modifications for newer Yogis, making her classes approachable for all levels of practitioners.
POWER YOGA
Power Yoga is actually the same exact thing as Vinyasa or Vinyasa Flow Yoga…a vigorous style of Ashtanga-based yoga linking breath and movement through Sun Salutations and postures!
AFFIRMATION FLOW ™
Affirmation Flow™, developed by Yoga Teacher and Mind Body Mentor™ Allyn Cioban, fuses Vinyasa Flow yoga with powerful intentions, visualizations and positive affirmations. Once the breath and movement have created that beautiful meditative state, Allyn suggests Affirmation Statements (positive, present-tense declarations) for students to either repeat in their own mind, or to just hear as she speaks them. Either way, while the brain is in the meditative state that yoga so gracefully promotes, these positive thoughts are being imprinted on the mind, conceivably taping over old, negative, untrue thoughts or beliefs that may have unwittingly been there perhaps since childhood. Along with the many benefits of a regular Vinyasa or Power Yoga session (strength, flexibility, balance, improved immune system and reduced stress), Affirmation Flow offers the added benefit of building and strengthening new neuropathways in the brain. As you strengthen these pathways in the brain, positive thoughts and actions will feel easier and inspired from within. There will be a subtle shift of energy frequency within the body and mind, and as like attracts like, positive things desired (vibrant health, perfect weight, ease from pain, a balanced life, creative clarity, joyful happiness, loving relationships, abundant wealth, deep spiritual connection, etc.) can begin to manifest!
RESTORATIVE
Restorative Yoga utilizes a series of supported poses designed to move the spine in all directions with the intention of providing relief from pain and to support optimal function of the joints, muscles and organs. Yoga Props are used (bolsters, blankets, blocks, straps) to modify poses and to create deep relaxation in the body and mind. Restorative Yoga is very gentle and poses are held for anywhere from five to ten minutes as students focus on the use of the breath to deeply relax and restore the body to its natural state of well-being. Seniors and students working with injuries or chronic illness can benefit greatly from this style of yoga.