Yoga and movement keep you healthy because they integrate and balance all body systems. Regular practice keeps the body supple, stretches the spine, strengthens  muscles, enhances fluidity, and massages and stimulates vital organs. All practices include fluid breathing, by relaxing into natural breathing rhythm you allow muscles to soften and stretch, tension to drain away...at the same time relaxing messages are sent to the brain bringing about a bodymind harmony that is our birthright, heightening awareness and mindfulness in your practice on and off the yoga mat. In a general sense, yoga and movement are natural forms of stress relief, as well as a transformative process to live a more positive, healthful life. These practices are excellent forms of preventive medicine and will help keep you in shape and in touch with your inner body for many many years! The practice of Soma Yoga, Continuum Movement and all forms of movement therapies at Soma Center are beneficial to all bodies, all ages, all are welcome. Please call the studio to see what classes would be right for you! 732-777-YOGA (9642)

Class Descriptions

All classes are one & one-half hours except where noted.

Level 1 - Beginners level, learn the basics of Soma Yoga including non-linear movement, basic asana (posture) practice, pranayama (breathing), meditation, deep relaxation and sensory awareness practices.

All-Level - Options in all level techniques are explored. Working in a "bell-curve" style, a most basic technique is offered first and than we build on that to increase options in intensity and dynamics. The student is encouraged to stay where they feel most comfortable. Includes asana, pranayama and meditation practice.

Gentle Yoga - A class suitable for the beginner as well as a seasoned practitioner, Slow gentle sequencing, rich breathing technique, restorative. A wonderful practice to slow down and be gentle with yourself!!!

Adventures in Continuum - Continuum is not an exercise technique, it is an approach to apractice based on philosophy, a deep respect and trust in our self-correcting, a way of considering and appreciating life, and  a milieu for growth, development, creativity, and healing. Continuum’s teachings remind us of our capacity for change, healing, creativity, and innovation through movement, sound, and breath. Continuum explores movement and somatic education based on intrinsic felt movements, rather than on imposed exercises or prescribed routines. Continuum asks participants to cultivate a refined degree of attention, and to trust that there is a deep wisdom that will guide the body to move in a way that allows the expression of healing forces.  The focus of Continuum practice ranges from engaging in breathing meditation, and small, nearly invisible micro-movements, to large wave-like motions and sometimes aerobic activity using weights and a variety of other exercise props and equipment. It’s not a technique that defines Continuum, it is the spirit and context in which it is done. Many of the movements in Continuum are water-like, imitating the multitude of water motions to evoke the fluid system within. Waving, dripping, suspending, gushing, drifting, pouring and spiraling affords our watery organism opportunities to express its nature.The benifits og Continuum are; Increase in vitality, health and healing,provides a spacious sense of well-being, develops core strength and flexible power,revitalizes bones, joints and skeletal health, releases, relaxes, realigns,heightens sensuality and receptivity, awakens creativity, innovation and play, facilitates trust in one’s inherent body wisdom, deepens spiritual connection, and provides a safe environment for growth and renewal. This class is open to everyone, no experience necessary.

Level 2 – This flowing practice will focus on linking breath and posture in creative and fun sequences. Pranayama and meditation also included. A class for those with some  foundation in Soma yoga.

Embodied Meditation - A refreshing concept in meditation practice. Following the sensation of breathing, the mind naturally quiets, the body fully relaxes and the spirit can do its work! Learn concepts in meditating with the body. Connect with cultural, primordial and cosmic anatomies. Work with percetion verses clear seeing.  All levels welcome !!

MELT PILATES -The Pilates Makeover - Join Tracy Ryan and tune up your body for the future by learning techniques to build CORE strength, release persistent tightness, and help realign your body. Discover how day-to-day movement patterns contribute to chronic muscle and joint restrictions. Learn how to reverse these restrictions to release your tight back, pain in neck and shoulders, or problem knees.  Feel strength like you never felt before!

Finding the Inner Edge - Exploring both flow and stillness as opportunities to move deeper into the body and self with Nancy. Alignment, attention, grounding and breath are guiding principles through this reflective practice.  Curiosity a must.  Recommended for students with a foundation in yoga.

Sunday and Tuesday ALL LEVEL CLASS with Darlene
Both classes are designed for those with little to no experience, (level 1), experience with basic yoga poses and experience beyond beginners (level 2) and sometimes an offering of intermediate/advanced pose (level 3) all in the same 90 minutes.  After gently awakening with pranayama and meditation we then begin a warming up of the body, progressing to fluid sequences exploring and experiencing the connection between breath, movement and the mind.  The pace is energetic yet comfortable as we move through flow sequences inspired by Sun and Moon Salutations building on into Warrior, Cobra, and Balancing series, aligning with all of the essential yoga poses. The class ends with a slowing down restorative practice and savasana.