Class Descriptions

SMC teachers are the finest in the Bay Area. The lead teachers have an average of 50 years of practice each. They are thoughtful, experienced and ready to help with whatever is happening for you in that moment. This is a generalized outline of the variety of classes we offer. Many of our classes would fall under several categories, but this will give you a start.

General Classes

Healthcare Series

Yoga Therapy with Kaiser Permanente

Healthcare Series
Teacher: Robin Gueth

A yoga therapy class promoting self-observation and practice in order to manage stress, pain, and injury.
Equipment/ Special Instructions:: This is a 2 month discounted series with 1 class per week, beginning Jan-Feb, March-April, May-June, July-August, Sept-Oct, Nov-Dec. Class is held online. No special equipment is needed.

Healthcare Yoga Series

Healthcare Series
Teacher: Ellen

A yoga therapy class that begins with a baseline of individual student needs and uses breathwork, functional movement, and mindfulness to ease chronic pain and stress. Great for anyone who wants to feel better and/or manage chronic pain and stress.
Equipment/ Special Instructions: This is a 2 month discounted series with 1 class per week, beginning Jan-Feb, March-April, May-June, July-August, Sept-Oct, Nov-Dec. Class is held online. No special equiptment is needed.

General Yoga Therapy Classes

If you’re interested in these classes, please also consider XXX

InnerBody Yoga Therapy

Yoga Therapy - General
Teacher: Robin Gueth

A general yoga therapy class using gentle movement to address individual injury, chronic issues, stress, or pain, and to promote connection with breath and proprioception.
Equipment: None

Pelvic Floor and Core Strength

Yoga Therapy - General
Teacher: Robin

Create strength in and awareness of deep core muscles for improved functional movement, incontinence, pelvic health, and reduced back pain.
Equipment: None

Viniyoga

Yoga Therapy - General - Viniyoga
Teacher: Lynn

Nourish and heal with lots of individual modification, personal attention, and linking breath to movement. Lynn develops each sequence based on the needs of her students in that moment. Appropriate for seniors and beginners. A private session is a great way to get to know the movements of Viniyoga.
Equipment: None

Yoga Tools for Daily Life

Yoga Therapy - General
Teacher: Ellen 

Slow-moving and designed to strengthen and align, Justine’s practice uses a combination of movement and holding poses. She is an expert in using asana to cultivate personal power and expression in and out of the studio.
Equipment: None

Be Grounded: Hatha With a Therapeutic Focus

Yoga Therapy - General
Teacher: Teresa

Each class will begin with a series of gentle warm up sequences, followed by various sequences designed to align the body from the ground up. Classes are designed to create more stability and fluidity. Movements as asana instructions will be tailored to student's needs and requests. Each class will conclude with breath-work, calming visualization, and chanting. All levels welcome.
Equipment: None

Hatha With a Therapeutic Focus

Yoga Therapy - General
Teacher: Justine

Get grounded in this practice that begins with individual student assessments and explores both dynamic and static postures in order to build strength, focus, and alignment. Excellent for all levels and older students looking to build both inner and outer strength.
Equipment: None

Yoga with Balls and Rollers

Yoga Therapy - General
Teacher: Kim

Classes will focus on creating musculoskeletal balance through the use of SMR (self myofascial release), creative asana sequencing, and props (e.g. balls, blocks, bands). This practice will release restrictions in the body, stretch short and tight muscles, and tone under-active muscles to increase mobility, flexibility, and stability. Each class is designed to support our everyday movement patterns and will address common problem areas (e.g. Hips, Shoulders, Back, Core).
Equipment: None

If you’re interested in these classes, please also consider XXX

Yoga for Healthy Backs

Viniyoga for Healthy Backs - Holistic Back Care

Yoga for Healthy Backs
Teacher: Lynn

Restore functional movement and alignment to the spine with gentle movement and breathing to open and balance the body. Lynn develops each sequence based on the needs of her students in that moment. Appropriate for seniors and beginners. A private session is a great way to get to know the movements before class.
Equipment: Blocks, rolled-up blanket or bolster, blanket or towel for extra padding under knees or back.

If you’re interested in these classes, please also consider XXX

Yoga for Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging Yoga Therapy

Healthy Aging Yoga Therapy
Teacher: Polly

An intimate yoga therapy class to promote functional movement for active and healthy aging, including balancing and core strength. Individual modification and alignment are emphasized to build joint strength. Appropriate for all levels.
Equipment: None

Balance and Breathe

Yoga for Healthy Aging
Teacher: Tiffany

A dynamic practice designed to get your mind, breath, and body moving, to build strength and alignment, and to develop focus, power, and balance.
Equipment: Two blocks are handy for modifications. A blanket to sit on or use as a bolster.
Special instructions: None. All levels welcome. All modifications accepted and encouraged.

Yoga for Healthy Aging

Healthy Aging Yoga Therapy
Teacher: Justine

Physical practices and breath work for healthy aging.
Equipment: None

Yoga for Stability and Balance

Yoga for Healthy Aging
Teacher: Justine

Increases core strength and stability using Pilates Principles. Full body integrated movement at a pace appropriate for 50 and up and all fitness levels.
Equipment: None

If you’re interested in these classes, please also consider XXX