Yoga is about learning to live in present moment 24 hours a day, so whether you are practicing asana, pranayama, meditation or simply making supper, if you are being mindful and working in present moment you are doing yoga.

Dana Spates is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance at the ERYT 200 level.  She completed her 200 hour training with Mary Beth Nehl at Yoga Loft in Willmar MN.  To learn more about the Yoga Loft teacher training you can visit their site at www.yogaloft.net  She is currently working toward her 500 hour certification from Beryl Bender Birch, of the Hard and Soft Yoga Institute in New York, and has taken  classes from Doug Keller,Paul Grilley,  Doug Swenson.   She  continues to take classes in various forms of yoga to deepen her understanding of yoga for the benefit of her students. Dana is currently  teaching yoga at the Country Cupboard Wellness Center in Paynesville MN..

Description of Classes

Vinyasa Flow Classes:  This class utilizes the sun salutations and links the asana (pose) with vinyasas (basically a sun salutation).  It is a more challenging class and it is usually advisable to take a beginners class before you come to this class.  Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM

Modified Astanga Yoga -  This class is based on the traditional First Astanga series, but is modified for beginning Astanga yogis.   It is a more physical yoga, but  Dana stresses the need to do your own practice so modifications are given where needed.   You should take a beginners class prior to taking this class.  Monday nights at 6:30 PM

Gentle Class:  This class does not use the sun salutations and thus can be an option for people who have limitations and cannot do full sun salutations.   We focus on using the asana and breath to open the energy of the body and build flexibility.  The use of blocks, straps, and blankets are used to make the poses accessible to most people.  This class is appropriate for beginners as well as the more seasoned yogi.  Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 AM, and Thursday at 4:00 PM

Introduction to Yoga:    This class is offered in a six week session and is intended as an introduction into the breath and asana of yoga.   We will spend time learning how to breathe and then move into the practice of yoga, learning the asana in a slow and safe manner.   If you would like to sign up for this class, contact Dana at her email or at  320-266-5476. Next Introduction to Yoga class starts on January 5th, 2012.

Introduction to Gentle Yoga:  This class is offered in a six week session and is similar to the regular introduction to yoga, however it will not include instruction in the full sun salutation.  It will use half sun salutation, and if appropriate for those looking for a more gentle form of yoga either due to injury or preference.  Contact Dana at her email or at 320-266-5476. Next introduction to Gentle Yoga starts on January 3, 2012

Introduction to Power Yoga:  This class will follow the astanga primary series.  Staying flexible can help you to prevent injury in your other aerobic activities such as running etc.   You will build strength, flexibility and focus.  Contact Dana at her email or call 320-266-5476/ Next introduction to Power Yoga starts on January 9th, 2012

Individual Instruction :  If you would prefer to start your yoga journey with individual instruction, email Dana at dspates@mchsi.com and she will set up a time and tailor the instruction to fit your needs.  Cost of individual instruction is $30 a session.  Sessions run approximately 1 hour.

All Classes have a strong emphasis on the breath and we ask that you come with an open heart and a yearning to become more compassionate.  The Vinyasa and Gentle classes are ongoing.

Cost of Classes:

$8.00 a time if you pay by the time

$42.00 for one day a week six weeks

$72.00 for two days a week six weeks

$120.00  unlimited for six weeks

Preparation for Yoga Classes   In preparation for class you should not eat for 2-3 hours before class.   We strive to make our classes scent free and ask that you do not wear perfume or heavily scented lotions to the class.  Drink lots of Water !!!!!!!!!!!!!  You may bring your own mat, or you may use ours.  We provide blocks, straps, blankets and mats.   See you there!!!!!