Integral Yoga Institute New York

Class Descriptions

Integral Yoga Kids

Integral Yoga is proud to introduce our first comprehensive program of Yoga for children, to help promote the health and peace that are the birthright of every child. Classes are fun, filled with singing and chanting, asana appropriate to each age group, and the introduction of anatomy, breath work, deep relaxation, and meditation. Taught by Lakshmi Pidel, who has years of experience working with children, these Yoga classes will foster flexibility, coordination, and body awareness while increasing concentration and self-esteem. Adult class cards are valid for Integral Yoga Kids classes. No previous Yoga experience is required. classes >>

Integral Yoga Flow

Integral Yoga Flow, which maintains and upholds the integrity of the classic IY class, is a faster-paced experience inspired by vinyasa. The Sanskrit word vinyasa means flow. In IY Flow classes at each level, the poses will flow one into another creating a slightly more rigorous practice. You'll take a one-hour journey of asanas, gliding through standing postures, backbends, forward bends, inversions, twists, and more. The last half hour is devoted to the profound IYI practices of deep relaxation, pranayama, and meditation.
IY Flow Level I Saturdays and Sundays 5:15 p.m.
IY Flow Level I/II Community Class Tuesdays 9:15 a.m.
IY Flow Level II Mondays 6:15 p.m. and Thursdays 10:15 a.m.
In New York IYI Flow classes, the flow will be appropriate to the level of the class. classes >>

Free Introductory Class

For first-time Yoga students. The pace of this class is very gentle. It includes asana demonstration, the opportunity to stop and ask questions, and extra individual attention. This is a one-hour-and-45-minute class. classes >>

Level I

For students interested in the traditional Yoga class. A comprehensive, balanced class with a steady flow, relaxation between asanas, and guided instruction throughout. First-time students are welcome. classes >>

Level I/II

For students interested in exploring a transition from Level I to Level II. New asanas will be introduced, and others will be held longer to deepen the experience. Students attending this class should be comfortable with Integral Yoga Level I and have some knowledge of asana names in Sanskrit. Not for new beginners. classes >>

Level II

For students who are experienced with the Integral Yoga class format and are ready to move at a faster pace. New asanas, including mayurasana (peacock) and shirshasana (headstand), and kriya (purification) techniques will be introduced. This class has less instruction and less relaxation between asanas; asanas are held longer for an experience at a deeper level. classes >>

Advanced Level

For more-experienced students who are comfortable with the Level II classes and are able to maintain a rigorous practice. New and more difficult asanas will be introduced, and poses, including regular inversions, will be held longer. More-advanced pranayama will be practiced. Not for those new to Level II. classes >>

Evening Yoga

A 60-minute rejuvenating “maintenance” session with less instruction and some variation on the 90-minute class. Not for new beginners. classes >>

Gentle Yoga

For students who have special needs and/or limitations. A variation on the basic Level I format that moves more slowly and includes attention from the teacher to the special needs of the individual. classes >>

Restorative Yoga

A nurturing and gentle practice, using pillows and props, beneficial to students with special health needs, to those in caretaking positions, and to anyone seeking a calming and renewing adaptation of classic Yoga poses. classes >>

Deep Relaxation

A 45-minute experience in bliss, beginning with gentle stretching, featuring a long period of Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation), and concluding with breathing practices and a brief meditation.
The Friday deep relaxation class is free. classes >>

Prenatal Yoga

For women who have entered their second trimester of pregnancy. Movements and asanas strengthen and tone the muscles and organs. An emphasis is placed on soothing practices. Visualization and relaxation practices with the baby are included. classes >>

Postnatal Yoga

For mothers and newborns, one month to 12 months after birth. An hour of gentle stretching, chanting, and breathing and a half hour of sharing and discussion are included. Prenatal Yoga experience is not a prerequisite. classes >>

H.I.V. Yoga

For men and women of all ages concerned with H.I.V. and AIDS, this special Yoga class focuses even more on benefits for the entire being. Poses are adapted where necessary. These classes offer a safe space for sharing and finding community.
The H.I.V. class is $7 or by donation. classes >>

Community Class/$5

Tuesday: Level I/II • 9:15–10:45 a.m.
Wednesday: Advanced Level • 6:15–7:45 p.m.
Thursday: Level I • 9:15–10:45 a.m.
Saturday: Level I • 6:15–7:45 p.m.
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Yoga for the Unemployed

Lost your job? Find your SELF! Come together with others to explore Yoga’s remedies for stress in troubled times. Stretching, breathing, relaxation, and conversation will ease you through the challenges of life and work. This FREE one-hour class is facilitated by IYI teacher Nalini Kuhnke. classes >>

Yoga for Veterans

Yoga Class Wednesdays and Thursdays • 6:45–8:15 p.m.
Explore basic poses to strengthen and balance the body, therapeutic poses to restore the body, guided deep relaxation and visualization techniques to heal injuries and trauma, breathing techniques to calm and invigorate the body, and meditation to focus and discipline the mind. No previous experience with Yoga is necessary. Modifications of poses are taught for any students with specific physical challenges. Free with proof of military service. Visit www.yogaforvetsnyc.org for more information. classes >>

Open Meditation

Students experienced in meditating may join us for open meditation. Students unfamiliar with our meditation practice may wish to attend one of our Meditation I workshops before joining an open meditation. Meditations include chanting, kapalabhati, nadi suddhi, 15 to 20 minutes of silence, and closing chants. We ask that you be on time and remain until the end.

Open Meditation Monday–Saturday • 12:15–12:50 p.m.
Open Meditation Monday–Thursday • 6–6:35 p.m.
Download Welcome to Meditation (pdf format, 353kb)

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