The yoga class schedule has been moved to a new format. You can find all the classes here: https://sonomabodybalance.com/classes/.  Near the top of that page you’ll see instructions for how to navigate in the different views.

General information about the classes, such as location, class descriptions, and Frequently Asked Questions is below.  I welcome any feedback about this new format – what you like and what you don’t like about it.

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WHAT KIND OF YOGA DO YOU TEACH?

Many people do yoga with the same postural misalignments that they have in daily life. Then they may actually injure themselves doing yoga! Yoga injuries are on the rise. However, you can also use yoga to relieve back & joint pain and prevent injuries. I’ll teach you how to do yoga in a way that protects your back, lengthens your spine, and improves your posture.

My background is in Iyengar style yoga, a style pioneered by B.K.S. Iyengar from India, who focused intensely on proper alignment in yoga poses, using yoga props to make poses more accessible, and therapeutic yoga.

I blend this with alignment guidelines from Aplomb posture (as it’s known in France) or Balance/Original Alignment (as it’s known in the US). For more information about this, see: https://sonomabodybalance.com/about-sonoma-body-balance/. For my full bio, see: https://sonomabodybalance.com/about-dana-davis/.

Gomukhasana

“I had been having constant problems with my sacroiliac joint – it seemed to keep ‘slipping’ and led to pain on and off for a few years. I tried chiropractors and massage, which would work for a while and then it would return to normal. Dana’s yoga teaching really helped and she took time to make sure everyone was in the right position. I went once a week for about 6 months while I was living in Petaluma and (fingers crossed) my back is still good 6 months later! It’s made me much more aware about the position my back is in generally, in and out of yoga.“

-Ali Wright, Edinburgh, Scotland

LOCATION

As of March, 2023, most classes are currently being held ONLINE with occasional in-person classes. See “Classes” page for details.

YOGA CLASS PRICES

For current class prices, visit:

Yoga Classes – 1 hour (Yoga for a Healthy Back, Yoga for Osteoporosis)

YOGA CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Yoga for a Healthy Back: Taught by Dana Davis. In this style of yoga, we integrate the alignments taught at the Balance Center into our yoga poses, to reduce injuries, increase length in the spine, and relieve back pain. Based on studying the posture of less industrialized cultures. For more information about Yoga in Balance, check out the Balance Center’s website at www.balancecenter.com.

Yoga for Osteoporosis/Healthy Bones: Taught by Dana Davis. Are you concerned about the quality of your bones or the potential of fractures? Recent research using Yoga to treat Osteoporosis and Osteopenia has shown promising results in increasing bone density. Come learn how to use yoga specifically to build bone strength and improve balancing skills, helping you reduce your risk of falling. Get the benefits of weight-bearing exercise without the stress on your joints of high-impact activities like running. You can build bone now to prevent problems in the future.

Restorative Yoga: Taught by Dana Davis. Restorative poses help you to deeply relax body and mind, releasing stress and tension. We will do gentle poses on the floor with lots of props to encourage release. The poses do the work for you; you just relax and enjoy the benefits, such as lowered heart rate and blood pressure, a calmer mind, relaxed muscles, and a sense of renewal. This practice is the antidote to the busy world we live in today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) – YOGA

If you have an injury, please tell the instructor before class begins. In Dana’s classes you will fill out a form before your first yoga class asking about injuries. It’s helpful to share anything that you think might limit your movement. You are always welcome to come out of any pose if it feels painful to you, or ask for an alternative option. The Extra Gentle class is especially geared towards those with injuries or who want a slower pace.

Classes are small enough to give individual attention to all students who would like feedback.  Attendance varies from class to class. In-person classes will have limits to enrollment based on the size of the room.

Wear comfortable clothes. It’s not a fashion show, so you don’t need the latest style in yoga attire. For most online classes, you’ll need a yoga mat, yoga strap, 2 yoga blocks, and 1-2 blankets. A yoga wedge can be helpful also.

For in-person classes, check the information about the class to see if props are provided. Please avoid scented products like perfume or fabric softeners.

No, definitely not. You are welcome to compete with yourself, but I encourage people to go at their own pace, and I give alternative options if a pose feels like too much for you. You are welcome to come out of a pose at any point, and you won’t be scolded!

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

At Sonoma Body Balance, we value the environment. That’s why we have natural latex yoga mats, rather than mats made of PVC. (There are some non-latex mats for those with allergies to latex). These mats are made in the USA, reducing the amount of fuel required for transportation, as compared to mats made in Asia. We also have yoga blocks made of cork, a renewable resource.