Classes

We are offering the best deal on yoga classes ever at our studio. Now you can purchase a years worth of unlimited yoga classes for $1000 Details here

We have moved and expanded, see details.

New donation based classes
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May 2012

Mothership Studio at 211 S. Liberty St.

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Interested in our Donation Studio?

Click here for the Schedule and Details.

New To Yoga?

Suggested classes for beginners

No pre registration necessary.. Just drop in a few minutes early to get acquainted with the studio.

PLEASE BE ON TIME!.. All classes begin and end promptly. The doors lock 15 minutes after class begins. Come a few minutes early and unwind before class.

Be prepared to practice barefoot with loose/stretchy comfortable clothes for all classes.

Mats and props are provided, although owning your own mat is strongly recommended. We sell a large variety. aver. $26-30

For your comfort do not eat a large meal 2 hours prior to a class. Bring your own water if attending a HOT class.

Please do not wear heavy cologne, perfumes, essential oils or large jewelry to class.

If you have a heart condition or any other serious ailment, please let your instructor know BEFORE class begins.

HOT yoga and some dynamic classes are heated to 80 degrees and hotter. Please bring your own mat and a towel, also if you use them bring your own blanket and bolster.

Remember, breathe! and smile.

Call 828-254-0380 for inclement weather closing announcements.

We do our best to post substitute teacher notices on our facebook page

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Class Descriptions

Beginning students, elders, pregnant women or those with injuries should start with a beginner, gentle, yoga basics, back care or level 1 class. If you are new to our center, WELCOME, we're glad you've come. Please read the info above.

Beginning level classes are just that, the place to begin. All aspects of hatha yoga will be covered: breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, postures that stretch and strengthen the body as well as philosophy and how to take yoga off the mat and into your everyday life.

Yoga Basics is designed to provide the absolute beginner with a framework for practicing yoga and to refresh the foundation for already practicing yogis. Class will emphasize the standard yoga poses with powerful biomechanics, learning to move the basic poses with the breath, and how yoga is a wholistic approach to well-being. Yoga is fun and for everyone!

Gentle classes are appropriate for all level students, including beginners. They will be mostly on the floor, slow moving and non-demanding on the body. Great for those stressed out or injured, as class is therapeutic and relaxing.

All Levels classes are appropriate for all level students, including beginners, though they will probably be more challenging than gentle level classes. The teacher will tailor class to suit those who show up and will offer variations for the different level of students in class.

Level 1 classes are the next step after the introduction classes. These classes move a bit quicker than the beginning classes. While it is advised that you have some yoga experience, a fit beginner should be fine. These classes will be gentle by nature and open to all levels of practitioner.

Level 1+2 classes lie somewhere between a level 1 class and the level two classes. These classes are not best suited for someone new to yoga. They are appropriate for a range of students, as generally pose modifications will be offered for more or less of a challenge.

Level 2 is a challenging class. All levels are welcome, as the instructors are gifted to teach all levels with modifications and challenging options for the more daring. Be prepared to lose a layer of ego and some sweat. Not recommended for the absolute beginner.

Level 2+3 is the most challenging level class offered. It is the most dynamic, kick ass, sweat producing yoga class you will find in Asheville. You will sweat so bring your own mat, a towel, and a change of clothes, if your mat gets slippery, try a Yogitoes or an Ashtanga rug on top of your mat. We sell both at the studio. Not recommended at all for the beginner, these classes will more than likely be discouraging and turn you off to yoga. Don't think of this as just stretching

HOT classes involve turning the heat all the way up and keeping it hot; depending on the time of the year and the number of students, the temperature ranges from 80 to in the 90's. You will sweat, so bring your own mat, a towel, and a change of clothes, if your mat gets slippery try a YogiToes or an Ashtanga rug on top of your mat. We sell both at the studio.

$5 Good Karma classes we offer at a deep discount to the community. Each one will vary according to the teacher's personality and intention. Our intention is that all can afford to come to a yoga class. This option also makes it less financially risky to check out a new teacher if you are regularly attending other classes.

Back care classes are for those with back injuries or people who want to strengthen their backs safely. These classes will be gentle and therapeutic by nature.

Prenatal Yoga students practice postures and breathing to help strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles, keep the body flexible, and find focus through the breath to connect mother and baby and prepare for a healthy, mindful, more natural approach to the challenges of labor and birth.

Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Yin postures are held three to ten minutes at a time. This type of practice complements the more muscularly strenuous styles of Yoga.

Anusara yoga classes are designed around poses that adhere to the Universal Principles of Alignment. Discover the five main alignment principles, which apply sequentially in each pose: Opening to Grace, Muscular Energy, Inner Spiral, Outer Spiral, and Organic Energy.

Flow is a graceful blend of Iyengar alignment principles and vinyasa. Meditation in motion emphasizes an awareness of breath by linking breath with the postures. These classes move along more fluidly than an Iyengar class and are not a set series of postures such as Ashtanga or Bikram.

Slow Power Flow is similar to a Flow class, with the distinction of moving a bit more slowly and putting more of an emphasis on biomechanics. There will be more focus on what is going on within your body and how it is aligned, within the frame work of a flow class.

Dynamic Flow, intended for intermediate and advanced students, offers a physical, emotional and spiritual linking of the poses and breath. It's for students who want to sweat their way to enlightenment.

HOT Flow Yoga & Yin, taught exclusively by Shala Worsley, is a mix of a Dynamic Flow and a Yin class. The first half of class is a vigorous heated flow and the second half finds you down on the mat holding yin poses for longer periods of time. This is one of the most popular classes at the center. Be prepared for a packed house. Best to bring your own mat and a towel as you will sweat.

Hot Flow is a Dynamic Flow class in a heated room, (average 80 degrees). Come sweat your way to enlightenment!

Kundalini Yoga utilizes specific sequences of movement and breath to target various spirit-mind-body concerns. This class spans a range of vigorous to gentle and is devotional in nature. Even though this is an "all levels," class plan to sweat and get a vigorous workout.

WARM long slow deep (LSD) is a heated class, just not super hot. Long slow deep is just what it sounds like. The poses will be held longer, the class will move more slowly than a regular flow class and you will go deep. This was also the first of our donation based classes! What does donation mean at AYC? It means you choose your price and make a loveoffering of money from your heart. The suggested donation is $12. If you can pay that, then great, please do it! Otherwise, pay what you can.

Ashtanga Yoga at the Asheville Yoga Center is a led class, meaning the instructor practices with the students, calling out the poses and adjustments. The room is heated toward 90 degrees, and usually there are some rockin tunes playing. Ashtanga 1st series means 90% of the first series (a lot of forward bends) and Ashtanga mix is a blend of first series, second series (a lot of backbends) and third series (arm balances). Ashtanga yoga in general requires some strength and deep breathing abilities. All levels welcome, a flow background (sun salutes) is helpful, not necessary.

HOT community ashtanga is a challenging class, not geared toward beginners but rather those with some strong vinyasa or ashtanga background, as the instructor will be demonstrating the entire practice by practicing with the students. The room is heated, like traditional ashtanga, and each week, a different series is presented: week one, series one - forward folds; week two, series two - backbends; week three, series three - creative arm balances.

Jivamukti, which means living liberated, is a yoga method created by Sharon Gannon and David Life that guides our body and soul to spiritual freedom, physical strength, peace of mind, better health, and self-realization, the ultimate goal of any practice. Here are the five tenets of this unique method:
* Ahimsa - a non-violent, compassionate lifestyle that emphasizes ethical vegetarianism and animal rights
* Bhakti - acknowledgment that God-realization is the goal of all yoga practices
* Meditation - connecting to that eternal unchanging reality within
* Nada Yoga - the development of a sound body and mind through deep listening
* Scripture - study of the ancient yogic teachings, including Sanskrit chanting

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Meet our Teachers

Alex Moody - Originally from northern VA, Alex is a graduate from Appalachian State in Creative Writing. Having gone through the nine-month teacher training at Asheville Yoga Center in 2008/2009, Alex loves to keep her classes light-hearted and fun. With a different mix of music every week, she loves to keep the practice fresh and creative. Alex began practicing yoga during graduate school because she was suffering from chronic migraine headaches due to stress. Years later she can't imagine her life without yoga and she is grateful for discovering this expansive, amazing practice!

Amanda Hale has been a student of yoga since 1999, and began teaching in 2008. Though she has been inspired by many teachers over the years, she received her Yoga Alliance certification through the study of Bhakti Flow with Rusty Wells. Every time she steps onto her mat, she is reminded that this short, sweet life is meant to be a celebration, with her practice gently encouraging her to stay open to love, grace, devotion, and gratitude. Her playful, vigorous flow classes will build strength and balance on and off the mat as she gently encourages students to find a balance between peaceful surrender and energetic devotion, and to have a good time NOW.

Amy Kalyn Sims, a native of Florida, is a 500-hour registered yoga instructor and professional freelance photographer living in Asheville, NC. Amy came to yoga at a time in her life when she was seeking something more, what she discovered was a true path toward health and happiness. After practicing for 3 years, Amy completed the Sankalpah Yoga 200-hour teacher training with Mary Dana Abbott & Isaac Peña and began teaching yoga in NYC. After teaching for 2 years, she decided to further deepen her practice through the Laughing Lotus Advanced Teacher Training, studying with Dana Flynn and a host of other amazing teachers.

Amy comes from an artistic background and tries to bring this innovative aspect to the mat. Her vigorous classes incorporate a creative vinyasa flow threaded with breath, meditation, mantras, and a passion for music. After a decade of living and working in Manhattan, Amy and her husband decided to seek a quieter lifestyle back in the South. She is honored to be a part of the Asheville Yoga Center family and looks forward to serving the Asheville community. For more on Amy, please visit http://www.amykalynsims.com

Candra Tuit graduated from UNCW with a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer through NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). While living in Boone, Candra's growing love of yoga inspired her to dive deeper into her own practice and attend the 9 month teacher training program at the Asheville Yoga Center. Upon graduating she began teaching at Neighborhood Yoga Studio in Boone. Candra moved to Asheville to attend the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga and now has a successful practice as a certified LMBT. Candra loves ALL aspects of yoga and enjoys including several traditions into her class. She links the asanas through a vinyasa flow while including components of Kundalini, Anusara and Yin Yoga. She encourages her students to use their breath to create ease in the body and mind while also listening to their greatest teacher which lies within.

Deirdre Smith Gilmer is a certified instructor with Anusara Yoga, as well as Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching, continually discovering, and loving yoga for the past 15 years.

Deirdre received her BFA in Dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts and then moved to NYC. While dancing professionally in New York, she discovered her love for yoga and teaching. Deirdre was on the faculty at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Long Island University, Ballet Arts at City Center, World Yoga Center, Shri Yoga, The Yoga Room, and Yoga Mandali studios. She trained in the Iyengar and Ashtanga methods before being taken with the beauty of Anusara.

Ethan Burns - Thinking he was in great shape, Ethan went to his first yoga class in 2005 unable to touch his toes, and when a class of “just stretching” left him more sore than he’d ever felt before, he knew he had to learn more. His love for yoga brought him into contact with many excellent teachers, and eventually in 2008 it led him to India where he practiced and studied intensely for 9 months. He’s been teaching ever since.

A YA Certified Teacher, Ethan focuses his classes on the practical side of yoga. His classes are vigorous, challenging, and fast-paced, but they also emphasize safety, listening to your own body, paying attention to subtlety, and increasing mindfulness. Classes begin with a good warm up and standing series, bring students through a balanced and progressive series of postures that naturally lead into and prepare for one another, and of course finish with blissful rest. A great class for everyone, cross-training athletes and dedicated yogis alike, the heat and vinyasa flow will build your strength, stamina, flexibility, and focus— opening doors to new possibilities both on and off the mat. More info at www.yogacowboyphotography.com

Izzy Shurte first fell in love with yoga ten years ago while at college in Burlington, VT, but it was not until 2010 when Izzy began a committed daily practice to help cope with the sudden loss of her father. Izzy has felt first hand the tremendous healing and transformative powers yoga offers and is ecstatic to be able to share with others. A graduate of Asheville Yoga Center’s 200 HR teacher training program and incoming student of AYC's Classics of Yoga 500 HR program, Izzy is grateful to have studied with Stephanie Keach, Andrea Dyer, Michael Johnson, David Williams and Sadie Nardini.

Izzy’s Hot Flow class offers an exploration of yogic philosophy to help students locate a contemplative personal intention. As Izzy’s greatest teachers are deeply rooted in the Ashtanga tradition, ujayii breath along with the bandhas are especially emphasized. Feel certain that you will leave this class with a complete understanding of your mula bandha--where it is, what to do with it and why! Expect to work hard in Izzy’s class, with fun, inspiring music, multiple ways to press against your edges, ample humor and thought provoking ideas to help you live your yoga on and off the mat.

Jakub Holy has been studying, teaching and practicing yoga for eight years. He is thrilled to be involved in such a great community of wonderful teachers and students. He teaches a powerful and fluid vinyasa flow creating a deep purifying heat in the body and a calm mind. In this class you will use vinyasa to link poses, pranayama to cleanse the breath, bandas to store energy, asana to align the body and meditation to calm the mind. This class often includes inversions and some challenging advanced poses along with occasional partner work. Jakub's aim is to explore yoga as a deeply spiritual, self-affirming and fun practice.

Joe Taft is a certified Anusara Yoga instructor who has dedicated himself to the practice of yoga since 1997. His teaching style is approachable, lighthearted, uplifting and transformational. Joe interweaves Anusara’s life-affirming and heartfelt approach into his classes through myth, storytelling, Tantric philosophy and the wisdom gathered through his own life’s journey. He has completed hundreds of training hours with John Friend, Sianna Sherman and other senior Anusara instructors.

Anusara Yoga’s principles of alignment and therapeutic components match Joe’s keen awareness of body biomechanics and his long history as a devoted athlete. After years of avid white water kayaking, Joe’s quest to relieve his chronic back pain led him to his life’s passion, the study and teaching of yoga.

Joe teaches weekly yoga classes for all levels, teacher trainings, Anusara immersions, workshops and retreats. He also offers one-on-one instruction. Joe lives in Asheville with his wife Susanne and their loving daughter, Taytum.

Kate Lundquist grew up as a dancer in Boston, MA, and started yoga as a means to become more flexible and focused for dance. Upon receiving yoga teacher certification from White Lotus Foundation, she moved to Berkeley, California, where she taught at several studios including Corepower Yoga. She studied with a variety of teachers, including Ganga White, Tracey Rich, Kofi Busia, Seane Corn and Shiva Rea. She is excited to be back in Asheville to share the love, strength and power yoga has to offer!

Lewis Rothlein Over the 20 years Lewis has practiced yoga (and the dozen years that he's taught), he has found it to be a fountain that brings gifts from so many directions, many of them unexpected. His yoga journey began with the Iyengar style, moved to Bikram and Anusara, but when he discovered Ashtanga, he found his passion. He loved it so much that he stopped running marathons (which he had done for years), and began focusing primarily on the yoga, and it has not disappointed. Lewis loved it so much that he began teaching it full time, and became a studio owner along with his wife (in Winter Park, FL) for ten years.

Lewis's main teacher is David Swenson, from whom he's taken five teacher trainings, including one in the Second Series of Ashtanga (a series that is a lot of fun!). He also has taken a teacher training with his brother Doug, an extended training with Paul Grilley, and has taken workshops with Manju Jois, David Williams, Richard Freeman, Max Strom, Shiva Rea, Rolf Gates, Larissa Carlson, Cora Wen, J.J. Gormley, and others, and he is a Registered Yoga Teacher. He has taught Ashtanga to students of all ages, sizes, and levels of experience, from people taking yoga for the first time, to five years of teaching the performers at Cirque Du Soleil. Lewis practices yoga six days a week, mainly the Primary and Second series of Ashtanga Yoga.

Though there are hard core Ashtanga teachers, Lewis, like his teacher, is not one of them. He provides modifications for all poses, and does not believe that this is a no-pain-no-gain practice. He believes students should put effort into the practice, yes, but if you are tired, rest. From what students say, you will feel empowered in Lewis's class, not intimidated. And those yoga gifts — expected and unexpected — will continue to come to you, even after 20 years!

Libby Hinsley, PT, RYT 500, received her 200 and 500 hour yoga teaching certifications from the Asheville Yoga Center. She began her study of yoga in 1998 and has been teaching since 2005. She has taught in a variety of settings and for a wide variety of student populations. She values teachings from many traditions, including Vinyasa flow, mindfulness meditation, Yin, Iyengar, and Anusara. In 2008 she had the fortunate opportunity to study at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India, in the tradition of Krishnamacharya and Desikachar. Since that time, she has focused her study on therapeutic yoga in the Viniyoga tradition. Libby believes that the magic of yoga lies in its most fundamental teachings, and begins with a deep awareness of breath. In her classes, she hopes to lead students inward to discover the perfection of body and spirit that is already, and always, present. She teaches weekly classes and components of the Asheville Yoga Center’s Teacher Training programs, and teaches yoga at the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga. In 2011, she completed her training as a Physical Therapist at Western Carolina University, and currently works as a PT at Physical Therapy and Back Clinic of Leicester.

Mado Hesselink has been teaching since 2005, when she completed her first teacher training at the Asheville Yoga Center. She began practicing yoga in college as a way to balance her body from intense martial arts training. Immediately falling in love with yoga, she soon found herself doing more yoga than martial arts and has been a dedicated practitioner ever since. Mado is an Anusara Inspired (tm) yoga teacher and is currently working toward full Anusara Certification. Anusara means to flow with grace, and combines therapeutic alignment with an uplifting philosophy that teaches us to seek and celebrate the good in our lives. Mado’s classes connect the practice of yoga with the rest of life while honoring the principles of alignment that help you go into your poses safely and deeply. Find out more on her website: trueselfyoga.com

Mackenzie Guerin has been a yoga practitioner since 2003, and became a certified teacher through Stephanie Keach’s 230 hour yoga teacher training course at the Asheville Yoga Center. First exposed to the tradition of yoga by Diana Degroot as a student at East Carolina University, her desire to practice and teach yoga comes from the intention to ultimately calm the mind, develop a healthy body and achieve bliss in life. Vinyasa flow and fun are infused in Mackenzie’s style of yoga instruction. She brings her ever-growing enthusiasm and curiosity for this practice to her teaching and welcomes all levels to her class. Yoga has allowed her to attain an uplifting energy that carries through to each and everything that she does. She is inspired to create a balanced, challenging practice that focuses on strength, flexibility, the beauty of movement, and the unity of the mind, body, and spirit. Mackenzie has found a real zest for life through her yoga practice and is appreciative for the ability to share this beautiful practice in the Asheville community.

Michael Johnson ERYT-500 is a certified Jivamukti instructor who has studied directly with Sharon and David in New York as well as with their teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. He has been a full-time yoga teacher in the Detroit area since 2001. He continues to study Yoga and Buddhism with Geshe Michael Roach, Lama Christie McNally, Lama Sumati Marut, Kimberley Theresa and his Angelic wife, Stephanie Johnson.

Monica Curwen has called Asheville home since 1994. Monica was a semi-professional bike racer for 6 years and she enjoys running, triathlon, adventure racing and exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina with her husband and two wild boys! Yoga was her favorite form of exercise during her first pregnancy. After the birth of her first son, Monica found that yoga was invigorating, challenging, and an amazing way to connect body and mind. The Ashtanga teacher training with David Swenson and Vinyasa training with Stephanie Keach inspired her not only to teach Ashtanga yoga from 2004-2007, but to become a Montessori teacher at Asheville Montessori School. Monica loves to be a part of someone’s learning process. Her Ashtanga mix classes are fun, invigorating, sweaty, musical and inviting!

Naomi Worth (RYT 300) has dedicated herself to a daily practice of Ashtanga Yoga and has been a devoted student of Tibetan Buddhism since 2003. In her classes, Naomi maintains a challenging but level-appropriate pace, and gives students ample reminders of the foundational techniques of Ashtanga-- breath, bandhas (locks), and dristi (gazing point). Naomi was taught by her primary teachers, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sri Sharath Jois, and Dr. John Campbell but has studied with many great masters. Her classes flow in the traditional ashtanga vinyasa style with the occasional hint of dharma teachings thrown in for good measure. She loves sharing what she has been graciously taught and hopes to share with students of all levels. www.ashtangayogaasheville.com

Neely Neu is a 500 level certified yoga teacher. She has been practicing yoga regularly since 1985 and has been teaching since 2002. She received her training through Union Yoga and the wonderful tutelage of Sandra Carden. She also is currently working on her 500 level teaching certificate, also through Union Yoga. Neely teaches an eclectic style of Hatha yoga, inspired by many teachers and many faiths. She likes to blend Yoga and Pilates, in which she has a pre-certification from The Center for Body Awareness. Neely has taught extensively in the areas of Prenatal Yoga and Kids Yoga. "It is an honor to bring awareness of breath and body to the whole family through the practice of yoga," she says. She likes to remind people to practice consistent, non-reactive breathing and to KEEP SMILING!

Richard Fabio is certified with Yoga Alliance through the Asheville Yoga Center Teacher Training program. During the training Rich really impressed Stephanie Keach (the program director and head mama bear of the yoga center) with his natural talent. He is fully committed to yoga as a way of being, taking yoga well beyond the mat. His early yogic path began with sitting meditation. While his mind approached stillness, he struggled with chronic lower back and neck pain. Rich remembers barely being able to reach his hands past his knees in a forward fold. He quickly realized the importance of a strong physical practice for the process of healing. Rich is now a firm believer in the importance of proper biomechanics to restore the body to wellness. In Rich's classes, students benefit from fun, dynamic postures combined with insights from his meditation practice. Rich would like to honor and thank his many teachers and the beautiful lessons that have shaped his path, especially his dear friend and guru Gary Weber.

Rich Risbridger began practicing yoga 1999 starting with gym power yoga classes and moving to a traditional Ashtanga practice. Inspired by some soul searching in the wake of Hurricane Katrina he decided to leave New Orleans and move to Oakland, CA, to become a circus performer and yoga teacher. Rich completed his teacher training with Clayton Horton and David Lurey at Greenpath Yoga in 2006 and has since pursued additional Ashtanga training with David Swenson and Richard Freeman. Though devoted to his roots in Ashtanga, Rich believes that exploring and practicing a variety of yoga styles provides valuable perspective and has diversified his training with teachers including Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, Ana Forrest, Dharma Mittra, and Les Leventhal. He also has a special love for AcroYoga and has participated in numerous AcroYoga trainings and classes.

Rich imbues his practice and his classes with a mix of challenge and surrender, outright silliness and deep tranquility. His Playful Flow classes blend elements of Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga with his experience as an acrobat, dancer, storyteller, and circus ringmaster. Providing variations for students of all levels, Rich challenges one to mindfulness of the body and focus on the breath while striving to further one's personal practice in a spirit of humility, compassion, and of course--fun.

Rosie Mulford: In 1974, Rosie took her first yoga class from Eve Diskin, then the President of the American Society of Yoga, in Coconut Grove, Florida. Back then, there were no yoga mats and the "studio" was on the grass overlooking Biscayne Bay. She enjoyed years of practicing yoga combined with dancing ballet and running. As an adult, she practiced under the guidance of Jimmy Barkan for ten years in Fort Lauderdale. She has enjoyed teaching in South Asheville since she moved here in 2005. Rosie tries to mimic the challenges in life by reproducing them on the mat. This offers students the opportunity to practice in a safe environment and gain the tools to handle the stresses of every day life helping us to learn how to spread the love and compassion no matter what obstacles come our way. Rosie is certified E-RYT 500.

Dr. Robin Saraswati Markus is a holistic Chinese medicine gynecologist whose yoga practice began in 1998 in Southern California studying primarily within the Ashtanga yoga system with Tim Miller. She fell in love with yoga at first sun salutation when the poses started speaking to her through the energetic language of acupuncture. She completed her first teacher training with him in 2003, and soon after began integrating yoga with Chinese medicine in her medical practice.

She has been spreading her love of Yoga for women ever since. Following the path of her main teachers, Ram Dass and Krishna Das, along with making an annual pilgrimage to India gives spiritual root to Saraswati’s life and teaching style. Saraswati teaches from the heart, and her classes invite the participant to use the body as a vehicle to go beyond the body. Students will experience both yin and yang elements, dynamic posture sequences with times for still presence– just like life. Believing the most potent healing power actually lies within the human being, classes focus on the neurohormonal centers of the chakra system, pelvic floor awareness, and pelvic blood flow- so vital to restoring function and balance. The yoga poses and breath-work act like a mini acupuncture treatment by activating energetic points and meridian lines. The introspective practice of yoga leads one to become deeply relaxed, to sink more deeply into themselves and adopt a natural flow and an openness to life, then one’s body shifts into its innate healing.

She is the founder of Nourishing Life (nourishinglife.com) Center for Integrative Medicine for Women, that weaves together Traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine and Yoga into one healing cord. Her medical practice is in Asheville, she consults with patients over Skype and offers her teachings of Chinese medicine and yoga for women in weekly classes at Asheville Yoga Center’s Donation studio, through articles, DVD’s and workshops in the US and abroad.

Ryan Conrad began exploring various facets of self awareness practices and meditation at an early age. Sixteen years ago he discovered the yogic path and quickly dove deeply into the study of asana, pranayama and yogic philosophy. Ryan has studied with teachers from several yogic lineages, and has focused the majority of his studies in the Iyengar method. Ryan has had the opportunity to study with many of the senior Iyengar instructors in the United States and abroad and has also studied with Mr. Iyengar himself. Ryan has been teaching yoga for over 8 years and is currently a 200 E-RYT. In 2010 Ryan completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy at UNC Chapel Hill in order to expand his knowledge of anatomy and physiology. This training has allowed Ryan to be knowledgeable in teaching able bodied individuals as well as those with a diversity of neurological and musculoskeletal conditions by seamlessly blending Eastern and Western healing philosophies.

Shala Worsley E-RYT 500, BA, Honors Anthropology Wesleyan University. Shala has been teaching yoga for over 10 years and instructs with a style that embodies a balance of grace, delicate flow, and attention to detail. Her students enjoy a delicious blend of the diverse traditions that make up her yogic background: Kripalu, Iyengar, Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, and bodywork. Her intention for every class is to create a space for people to release stress and tension, tap into deep inner knowing, and bring that knowledge into the rest of their lives. A passionate explorer of the personality, archetypes, and individuation, Shala finds it natural to weave these themes into her classes and workshops, inspiring her students in their own process of self-discovery. She incorporates pranayama, meditation, therapeutic and yin yoga, as well as yoga philosophy into each class.

In addition to her weekly classes, Shala finds a creative outlet as one of the core teachers of Asheville Yoga Center’s 9-month and 23-day Intensive programs in Asheville, Charlotte, Chattanooga, and Tampa. She teaches Yin Yoga and Mindfulness Practices for AYC’s Advanced Teacher Training (500-hr YA Approved), and has a fabulous time traveling to teach these and other workshops, covering topics like: Experiential Yoga Sutras, Yoga Detox, Pranayama, and Chakras.

Shala’s home base is Asheville, NC, where she owns and directs the Asheville School of Massage & Yoga and never grows tired of sitting outside in the mountain breeze. More at www.shalarain.com and/or www.AshevilleMassageSchool.org

Sierra Hollister (Ong Kar Kaur) lives with her husband and their 3 children on a beautiful farm in the mountains outside of Asheville. There are kids, chickens, goats, bunnies and veggies to occupy non-yoga time. Sierra also co-founded Sundance Power Systems with her husband, Dave Hollister. She is a devoted student of Yogi Bhajan and gladly answered his request for her to teach in Asheville. She has been teaching in Asheville since 1995. Sierra is certified in both Kundalini and Ashtanga. She has studied with many wonderful teachers over the years, including Gurucharan Singh Khalsa, Shakta Kaur Khalsa, Sarah Powers, David Swenson and Rajashri Choudhury over the years. True to the philosophy of Kundalini, Sierra believes that it is what you experience within during your practice that is of primary importance. It is her deepest hope to uplift others and restore them to the vitality, health and happiness that is their birthright.

Stephanie Keach, Director of AYC, has been teaching Flow yoga since 1988. Originally from Santa Barbara, CA, she has studied with the finest yogis out West. Her Zen background brings a meditative style to her class. Creator of Gentle Flow Yoga video, Intermediate Flow Yoga Video, and The Yoga Handbook ,Stephanie is the mama bear of the studio and the teacher training programs

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Five Dollar Hollar

Most days of the week we have one or two classes that are priced at $5. We would like to offer yoga classes to as wide of a community as possible. One quarter of our classes are now only $5.

See the Class Schedule

We also have a donation based yoga center for affordable yoga for all. Details

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Specials

30 days of yoga for $60 Special Introductory offer for new and local students. Come on in and check us out and get a full 30 days of yoga for only $60!

This is a limited time offer. Limited to 30 consecutive days and one class a day. If you came every day and took a class with Asheville's top teachers, it would only cost you $2.00 per class. That's a significant savings considering drop-in rates are $12-$15.

Anytime during your 30 days if you decide you like taking classes with us, we'll give you an additional 10% off our already reduced class series pricing. You will be getting some of the most affordable and at the same time the highest quality yoga classes in town. Come and find why 16 million Americans are doing yoga regularly. It really works!

Available in person at the center only.

Special INtro Offer - 8 days of yoga for only $20
Special Introductory offer for new and local students. If we haven't seen you in several months than you're welcome to the offer as well. Come on in and check us out and get a full eight days of yoga for only $20!

This is a limited time offer. Limited to 8 consecutive days and one class a day. If you came every day and took a class with Asheville's top teachers, it would only cost you 2.50 per class. That's a significant savings considering drop-in rates are $12-$15.

Anytime during your 8 days if you decide you like taking classes with us, we'll give you an additional 10% off our already reduced class series pricing. You will be getting some of the most affordable and at the same time the highest quality yoga classes in town. Come and find why 16 million Americans are doing yoga regularly. It really works!

Available in person at the center only.

Class Fees

60 minute class

Drop in fee	$12.00
Series of 5 classes	$55.00	$11/class
Series of 10 classes	$100.00	$10/class
Series of 15 classes	$135.00	$9/class

Good Karma Community Class $5
Click Here to Purchase a Class Series

Series good for twelve weeks
(extensions granted for emergencies only)

Click Here to Purchase a Class Series

90 minute class

Drop in fee	$15.00
Series of 5 classes	$70.00	$14/class
Series of 10 classes	$130.00	$13/class
Series of 15 classes	$180.00	$12/class

Good Karma Community Class $5
Click Here to Purchase a Class Series

Series good for twelve weeks
(extensions granted for emergencies only)

Click Here to Purchase a Class Series

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Unlimited Series

1 month for $120 Purchase Now
3 months for $300 Purchase Now

New!
1 year for only $1000

Commit to your yoga practice at the new Asheville Yoga Center for the whole year today. Buy your full year of unlimited yoga for $1,000. The one year unlimited will begin on your next visit after your current series expires or finishes. This deal is non-refundable, no freezing of series, no extensions, and no sharing of the series. The only exception would be for a medical emergency. Purchase Now

Click Here to Purchase a Class Series

Every class and teacher on the schedule is available to take. There are no extra fees, commitments or bank drafts required. You decide if and when to renew. Medical or family emergency refunds only.

Special Series - available in person at the center only

8 Days for $20 Intro. special for locals new to the studio. Available only once.

30 Days for $60 Intro. special for locals new to the studio. Available only once.

Vacation Pass 7 days for $40, for out-of-towners only.

Good Karma Class Bundle (5,10,15, 20) $5 per class, no further discounts. To be used only with our $5 Good Karma Classes.

10% discount for Elders over 60 (does not apply to any additional discounts or promotional offers)
Children under 13 Free in regular classes.
Cash/Check/Visa/Mastercard Accepted.
Gift Certificates! Give the gift of peace this year.
We also have on occasion Work-Trade Positions available for a discount on Yoga classes please call 828-254-0380

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Classes

We have moved and expanded, see details.

May 2012

Mothership Studio at 211 S. Liberty St.

Interested in our Donation Studio?

Click here for the Schedule and Details.

New To Yoga?

Class Descriptions

Meet our Teachers

Five Dollar Hollar

Specials

Class Fees

60 minute class

90 minute class

Unlimited Series

1 month for $120 Purchase Now
3 months for $300 Purchase Now

New!
1 year for only $1000

Click Here to Purchase a Class Series

Special Series - available in person at the center only

Yoga Blog

Karma Burning Yoga and Blissful Living

Get Happy in just 3 short steps! And other empty promises of pop-culture yoga.

Useful Links

Follow Us

Be in the Know

Classes

We have moved and expanded, see details.

May 2012

Mothership Studio at 211 S. Liberty St.

Interested in our Donation Studio?

Click here for the Schedule and Details.

New To Yoga?

Class Descriptions

Meet our Teachers

Five Dollar Hollar

Specials

Class Fees

60 minute class

90 minute class

Unlimited Series

1 month for $120 Purchase Now 3 months for $300 Purchase Now

New! 1 year for only $1000

Click Here to Purchase a Class Series

Special Series - available in person at the center only

Yoga Blog

Karma Burning Yoga and Blissful Living

Get Happy in just 3 short steps! And other empty promises of pop-culture yoga.

Useful Links

Follow Us

Be in the Know

1 month for $120 Purchase Now
3 months for $300 Purchase Now

New!
1 year for only $1000