CLASSICAL HATHA AND ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA IN SACRAMENTO

Yoga builds strength, endurance and meditative focus. Hop in, breathe, do what you can and let the practice deepen over time.

New to yoga?

See our tips for yoga beginners on this page.

Yoga Sacramento: Fun classes with Bill Counter

Schedule    Spring & Summer 2008

Namaste!

All classes are offered on a drop-in basis--just show up and join the fun! We have mats you can use if you don't have one and places to change and stash your stuff.

Come with comfortable clothing, a somewhat empty stomach and a desire for a good time. Having fun is an integral part of the practice.

For more information, our class descriptions are in the right hand column. See you in class soon!


Holiday Alert! We WILL be teaching our 6pm class on Memorial Day -- Monday, May 26th


Mondays     6:00 - 7:30 pm

      Hatha Yoga >> levels I-II

        Class level: beginning / intermediate



Tuesdays     7:15 - 8:45 pm

      Ashtanga >> vinyasa remix

        Class level: fit beginners through advanced



Wednesdays     6:00 - 7:30 pm

      Hatha Yoga >> levels I-II

        Class level: beginning / intermediate



Thursdays     7:15 - 8:45 pm
>except the 2nd Thursday of the month

      Ashtanga >> first series

        Class level: fit beginners through advanced



Thursdays     7:15 - 8:45 pm
>once a month - every second Thursday

      Ashtanga >> second series

        Class level: fit beginners through advanced



Fridays     6:00 - 7:30 pm

      Hatha Yoga >> levels I-II

        Class level: beginning / intermediate




  Location for
  our classses:

Shanti Yoga
    Studio
907 Howe Ave., Sacramento, CA
     95825

    (916)
564-YOGA

back to top  |  home  |  full shanti schedule

prices & location    |    contact info/about bill

Tips for Beginning Yogis

Pick a moderate class to start.
And skip a few things. We don't want you to wake up too sore the next morning and not come back!

Try a number of different classes.
Check out a few teachers and formats to see what works best for you at the moment. This will change.

The perfect class is also one you can actually get to on a regular basis.

Start doing a bit on your own between classes.
Just doing it once a week is not the path to happiness. Ideally do a bit every day. Maybe only 15 minutes. Maybe only those poses you can do without first getting out of bed.

Buy your own mat.
Most studios have loaners for new students. Some (usually Bikram style studios) charge you an extra dollar or two. But why would you want to use one of the public loaner mats after your first class? It's certainly a matter of hygiene but also if you have a mat maybe you'll practice at home a bit.

Don't do any other yoga shopping.
Except maybe a book to reinforce what you're learning in class. You don't need new clothes.

Come with a relatively empty stomach.
But each of us is different. Too full and you'll be uncomfortable in twists and inversions. Too empty and (if you're like me) the strength and balance may not be there.

Come well hydrated and drink water after class.
But not during. You're not breathing if you're drinking. And bottles are hazardous in class. We're always falling over. It should be a pleasant landing. Drinking in class is just a Bikram yoga kind of thing.

Move into poses gently and cautiously.
Come out if it hurts. Back off until you find an interesting "edge" for the pose. We're looking for a reasonable amount of work, sensation, bliss. But never pain.

See what style of class and intensity level works for you.
Go to classes that your friends recommend but understand that your likes and needs may differ.

Have fun.
The practice should be a challenge but also fun. Otherwise you're not likely to keep at it for long. Some teachers and students take it a bit too seriously. Have a good time.

Make it a meditation.
Breathe.

Namaste!
(That's Sanskrit for "My higher consciousness salutes the same in you").

Have a happy journey!

back to top    |    home    |    about bill

prices & location    |    yoga sacramento

Yoga Sacramento -- A guide to studios in the area Auburn yoga   |    Carmichael yoga  |    Yoga in Davis Fair Oaks yoga   |    Rancho Cordova yoga Yoga in Sacramento It's all here -- Ashtanga, Classical Hatha, Iyengar yoga and lots of other styles of practice. Ashtanga / Power Yoga in Sacramento   class listings  Classes for all levels with Bill Counter -- ashtanga first series, second series and ashtanga based vinyasa classes. 916-441-4914 www.absolutelyashtanga.com Bikram's Yoga College of India    map  2400 16th St., Sacramento, CA 95818 You know what this is all about. 26 poses in a hot room. 916-554-7687 Deep Yoga     map 2030 H St., Sacramento, CA 95816 Midtown Sacramento yoga: Kundalini, Baron Baptiste power yoga, yoga for kids and more. 916-488-Deep Hatha Yoga with Bill Counter   class listings  Fun and challenging classes for all levels. 916-441-4914 www.absolutelyashtanga.com Healthy Habits Fitness and Yoga  map 2224 J St., Sacramento, CA 95816    This mid-town Sacramento studio is mostly Pilates and YogaFit based. 916-444-7729 Indigo Lotus Yoga    map to active life     map to shanti yoga  1831 I St., Sacramento, CA 95814 Vinyasa yoga classes with Leah Briggs at the Active Life Chiropractic Center in Midtown Sacramento and Shanti Yoga on Howe Ave. 916-551-1545 It's All Yoga     map     2106 11th Ave., Sacramento,CA 95818 A variety of classes: beginners flow, anusara yoga, Iyengar yoga, vinyasa classes and more. 916-444-8488 My Yoga Lounge    map 588 La Sierra Dr., Sacramento, CA 95864 Located in the Arden Town Center, Watt and Fair Oaks. 29 drop-in classes weekly in a great variety of styles: yoga basics, vinyasa flow, Iyengar, anusara yoga, ashtanga basics and more. 916-484-9642 Sacramento Pipeworks  map 116 N. 16th St., Sacramento, CA 95814 A climbing gym with 13 yoga classes a week. 916-341-0100 Sacramento Yoga Center    map 2791 24th St., Sacramento, CA 95818 At the corner of 24th St. and 4th Ave. -- in the Sierra 2 Community Center, Room 6.  A wide mix of classes including prenatal yoga classes, Svaroopa style yoga and Buddhist meditation. 916-491-6792 Shanti Yoga Center    map    www.sacramentoyoga.net 907 Howe Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825 A spacious studio at Howe and Northrop, a couple doors north of Panera Bread. 28 classes a week including basic hatha, flow, yin/yang practice and several advanced classes including a wild Tuesday night vinyasa class with Bill. 916-564-9642 Yoga Loka    map 4820 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819 Mostly Bikram yoga but with one class weekly each of power yoga, hatha flow and "astro-yoga". 916-454-4100 The Yoga Solution   map 887 57th St, #B, Sacramento, CA 95819 Located in the antique mall. Iyengar yoga (from restorative to intermediate level) is the main focus but classes also include Forrest yoga and more. The studio also offers an advanced studies / teacher training program. 916-383-7933 Zuda Yoga    map    1515 19th St., Sacramento, CA 95814. 90 degree vinyasa yoga classes -- Baron Baptiste style. (916) 640-9832 Yoga in Sacramento for all levels with Bill Counter. Here Bill's class is working on Ustrasana, the camel pose. |   back to top of Sacramento yoga listings   | Yoga in Auburn, CA   Canyon Spirit Yoga   map    www.canyonspirityoga.com 538 Auburn Ravine Rd., Auburn, CA 95603 Vinyasa yoga -- gentle to challenging. 530-885-6407   Yoga in Carmichael, CA   Blue Sky Yoga   map 9045 Fair Oaks Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608 Bikram style "hot yoga". 916-944-1080 Lotus Garden Yoga Center     map 7225 Lincoln Ave., Carmichael, CA 95608 Hatha yoga, tai-chi, chi kung. Call for information about meditation gatherings and other special events. 916-944-8577 Sunrise Yoga Center     map  3713 Casa Loma Way, Carmichael, CA 95608 Iyengar style yoga with Wally Eastbum and other teachers in a quiet, serene residential setting. 916-944-3207   Yoga Studios in Davis, California   Barefoot Yoga Davis     map    www.barefootyogadavis.com 219 E St., Suite D, Davis, CA 95616 Hot yoga, ashtanga, flow, and integral yoga in Davis. 530-753-9642 The Bo Tree     map    www.thebotree.com 630 Pena Drive, Suite 500, Davis, CA 95616 Lots of yoga options in Davis including prenatal yoga, vinyasa flow classes, yoga for teens and restorative yoga. 530-757-6463   Yoga in Fair Oaks, CA   Shakti Yoga/Akido of Fair Oaks     map    www.avalonartscenter.org 8030 Sacramento St., Fair Oaks, CA 95628 916-961-0294 Yoga in Rancho Cordova, CA Hot Yoga at Sunrise    map   www.hotyogaatsunrise.com 1945 Zinfandel Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 13 Hot Yoga classes weekly with Robin and other great teachers. All levels of fitness are welcome. 916-631-7749 back to top    |    home    |    class prices & location

Introductory Special
at Shanti Yoga Studio

30 days of unlimited classes for $30

If you're new to the studio, come check out Bill's classes
as well as lots of other Sacramento yoga options.

Questions? Please call us!

Bill Counter
(916) 441-4914

Shanti Yoga Studio
(916) 564-YOGA

Class Descriptions

   more descriptions below:
ashtanga >> vinyasa remix
ashtanga >> first series ashtanga >> second series

Hatha Yoga
>> levels I-II

If you're new to yoga or just looking for a moderately paced class, join us for some fun! Come once a week or more often. You'll improve flexibility, develop strength and cultivate mental focus in a relaxed environment. We explore proper alignment in a wide range of yoga poses along with breathwork and meditative techniques.

It's a fun practice with a different selection of poses each week but always structured as a balanced workout. We explore all the main areas of hatha practice including balances, backbends, inversions and more. Newcomers are always welcome at any class. These classes offer lots of basic options and instruction for beginners but also enough challenges to keep experienced students progressing.

For more information:
hatha yoga details

Ashtanga
>> vinyasa remix

This vigorous Ashtanga style flow practice links poses together in sun-salutation inspired sequences (vinyasa) to develop greater strength, endurance and meditative focus. Each week we'll work with different sequences drawn from the Ashtanga First through Fourth Series. Join us for a balanced asana program to get the kinks out and have you leave feeling recharged and refreshed.

We emphasize proper alignment in the poses, keeping a meditative focus and (of course) fun. We encourage cheating, skipping things and working on preparatory versions of the more difficult poses. If you've been doing an Ashtanga or power yoga practice, this class will take your work to the next level. All levels are welcome but expect a serious workout.

For more information: sacramento vinyasa yoga

Ashtanga
>> full first series

Ashtanga Yoga is the original flow practice that all other vinyasa and power yoga variants derive from. In a first series ashtanga class we guide you through the 70 poses of the traditional practice, also known as the ashtanga primary series.It's fast paced (traditionally 5 breaths per pose), fun and very challenging for all levels.

As in a vinyasa class, the emphasis is on movement coordinated with the breath (vinyasa), specific visual or mental focus (drishti) and the use of energetic locks (bandha) to build internal heat, awaken core energies and move toward a natural state of meditation. Here by working on a specific series of poses, we can internalize the practice and make it more meditative over time.

There are many poses in the series whose full expression requires years of effort for most practitioners. Yet it's also a practice that is accessible to newcomers who can approach the series gently by working with modifications and preparatory versions of the more challenging poses. This is the first of six traditional series of the ashtanga system as taught by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Come and explore with us -- all levels are welcome. You don't need to know the series but some previous vinyasa style practice is helpful.

For more information: ashtanga yoga sacramento
first series details

Ashtanga
>> full second series

Not necessarily harder than a first series class, this series (also known as the ashtanga intermediate series) features a different selection of poses than first series -- including more backbends and inversions.

The class starts just like a first series class with the salutations and standing pose sequence and ends with the traditional finishing poses. Just different adventures in the middle. Many ashtanga students put off the second series practice, thinking they're not "good enough" yet. But most of the second series poses are not dependent on first series practice skills. The only way to learn them is to start doing the second series practice. And we guide you through the whole adventure -- it's a led class.

All levels welcome. It's a friendly class. Don't be afraid.

For more information:
second series details

We start building upper body strength in Bill's classes with easy preparatory work and then gradually move on to more challenging arm balances and inversions.

Here we're working on hamstrings and hip opening in addition to strengthening arms and shoulders.

We do a lot of backbends in Bill's Sacramento yoga classes. Here there's a rest to allow the spine to come back to a neutral position and assess the effects of the previous pose.

There are always more challenging options offered for more experienced students. Here we are working on dropping into a backbend from standing.

The breathwork (pranayama) and meditative aspects of the tradition are an integral part of Bill's classes. Here we're doing a bit of seated pranayama prior to the asana practice.

Standing poses are part of the practice to develop strength and alleviate tightness in the hips and legs.

Join us for a fun class!

back to top