Classes In Studio or Private Sessions Available at your Home or Camp

Class Schedules - Fees - Class Descriptions
Sign up anytime. Drop-ins welcome.

LOCATION:

Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center

238 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY         518-891-9944

For a map click here.

Head through town up Main Street.  At the Y intersection bear left and continue on Broadway 2 stop lights. We are on the right at the 2nd stop light (white house), Aubuchon Hardware is just passed us, also on the right.  Parking in the back of the building or on Broadway, Ampersand Ave. or Cedar Street.

REGISTRATION:

Join us any time.  E-mail, stop by or call for more information and to register (as may be necessary for special programs and workshops). The fee schedule follows the class schedule below. Drop-ins are welcome.  We hope to see you soon.

WINTER STUDIO CLASS SCHEDULE

Class descriptions below schedule.

January 3 - March 30, 2011

Updated 1/15/12

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

8 classes = $104

15 classes = $180

28 classes = $308

Current promotion ... $20 for a one week unlimited classes pass.  Come try the diversity of our class offerings.

Purchase a 15 or 28 classes pass and save $10.

*  If your pass runs out during the session you can pay for additional classes at the class rate paid for your pass.
*  Unused classes can not be carried into the next quarter, nor are refunds an option.
*  Classes are non-transferable to another person.

PRIVATE YOGA SESSIONS
See Private Structural Yoga™ Therapy Sessions on the Yoga Therapy Page
Develop or Deepen your Yoga Practice. Come to my studio or stay at home or camp and I will come to you. Private sessions are tailored to your specific needs. Consider what your intention is for your private session(s). Are you looking for stress transformation, detailed examination of postures or posture flows? Do you want a specific yoga program for back care or pre or post natal instruction? Are you working with the challenges of physical issues or illness? Do you want to go deeper into your practice with meditation or pranayama (breathing technique) instruction? We'll discuss your needs in our first session.

Private Session (1 person):
Classes are generally 75 minutes - fee in studio is $65/hr.
$80 class in studio
$125 class at a location in Saranac Lake or Lake Placid
Note: Fees a little higher if travel is further than 10 miles.

Semi-private sessions (2 people):
Classes are generally 75 minutes - fee in studio is $80/hr.
$100 class 75 minutes in studio
$150 for 75 minutes in Lake Placid or Saranac Lake

Private Group Sessions:
Call for fees …. Based on location, # of people and # of sessions requested.

Private Class Booking Policy
A $60 non-refundable deposit is required for booking a private class, so to hold the date and time for you.

Cancellation Policy: 
Less than 24 hours notice: 50% ($60 minimum) of the agreed  fee is to be paid to Inner Quest Yoga.
If the instructor makes an off-site trip for a scheduled private session and the customer cancels, full payment is required. 
Thanks for your understanding of our policy.

If you have any questions, concerns or medical conditions - please consult with your physician and speak with your instructors.
We're here for you.

CLASS INFORMATION & DESCRIPTIONS

VINYASA SLOW FLOW STRUCTURAL YOGA w/Mary Bartel
Krishnamacharya used the Sanskrit term Vinyasa Krama to describe his yoga method.  Vinyasa Krama is the art of sequencing poses in a way that the body is opened in a gentle fashion.  In this class, yoga postures are experienced through easier sequences (vinyasas) that gradually lead to a longer sequence or peak pose (an intermediate level pose or balance - modifications are offered).  Such a method achieves deep transformation steadily and comfortably without force or injury.  The process adheres to the major yogic precept known as Ahimsa – to do no harm.  Variations of classical yoga postures may be offered to gracefully unfold individual potential and bodily movement possibilities.  Students are guided to listen, respect, discern and discriminate what is and isn’t appropriate when options are presented, learning from how the breath is reacting and what the body feels and senses.  This is a joyous practice and a celebration of body and breath.  Movement through the poses is slow and mindful with attention on alignment, breath and energy. The class includes pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation and relaxation. 

Structural Yoga™ is a form of classical hatha yoga that adapts yoga poses to individual needs and relies on a deep respect for the body's innate capacity for safe, healthy movement and healing. This translates to a way of teaching that invites the body to find its own optimal way of moving and building strength, without the use of many props or hands-on corrections that might ultimately hinder self-awareness and the slow, careful development of the muscle structures that are needed to develop a full yoga practice. You will hear your teacher cue at times with anatomical focus of which muscles should be felt as stretching/releasing or contracting/strengthening. 

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION w/Mary Bartel
Mary likes the definition of Mindfulness Meditation as stated by one of her teachers, Jon Kabat-Zinn, he says, "Mindfulness Meditation is paying attending in a particular way: On purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.”  Mindfulness based meditation techniques help us use the wisdom of our body and mind to face stress, pain and illness.  Mindfulness is a secular practice based on Buddhist and Yogic philosophy, but you need not dive deep into the philosophy to gain benefits from the practices.  In essence the practices will purify the mind, allowing for greater clarity, understanding and wisdom.   

By directing our attention in to the present moment without residue of past experience or future fantasy, clouding your perception, we begin to see things for what they are more clearly.  Through the repetition of practice, most profoundly, you see clearly that underlying all thought there is a ground of being that is peace – “timeless being”.  It’s only the mind’s vacillating waves of perceptions (thoughts) that keeps you from sensing your inherent peace.

In these classes, Mary will lead guided meditations that will ultimately help students develop an understanding of the practice so they can practice on their own.

BODY SENSING YOGA w/Mary Bartel
This is a rarely taught form of meditative Hatha Yoga from the tantric teachings of Kashmir non-dualism as found in ancient yogic texts.  Mary has been exploring this style of yoga which was introduced to her by one of her current teachers, Richard Miller, PhD, as part of her certification as an Integrative Restoration (iRest) Yoga Nidra Teacher.  Body sensing yoga uses traditional Yoga postures in dynamic and static postural flows.  This style of Yoga is more than a portal for health and healing as it is a gateway towards revealing your body as radiant, expansive and spacious vibration, which directly discloses your true nature as unconditioned Presence - the ultimate realization of Yoga.  Join Mary to deepen your sensory body awareness and Self-awareness.  Come with an open mind and a willingness to let go of your habitual way of practicing Yoga postures.  You will be guided in and out of postures in a sensing and feeling way that liberates and frees your mind to a deeper knowing of how to "be" in the postures.

YOGA FOR STRENGTH AND MINDFULNESS  w/Mary Bartel
A Mindful Full Body / Mind Class:
• Conscious deep breathing and slow yoga movements performed dynamically and static
• For a portion of the class, light dumbbells targeting the chest, back shoulders, arms while performing yoga poses for lower body strength, conditioning and endurance.  Use of the dumbbells are optional; you can choose to do the movement in the yoga poses or not.
• Balancing Poses
• Core Strength Exercises - Some Pilates Inspired
• Inner body focus using Mindfulness Based Meditation and Body Sensing Yoga to further attune awareness.

Benefits:
• Sharpens Mental Focus & Concentration
• Shapes - Tones Your Body
• Increases Upper Body Strength & Conditioning
• Increases Lower Body Strength & Balance (Stability)
• Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion
• Enhances Proper Breathing Techniques
• Builds Lean Muscle & Bone Density
• Stimulates Metabolism
• Improves Athletic Performance
• Develops Mind/Body/Muscle Connection

KRIPALU YOGA - ALL LEVELS w/Jackie Foster
“Kripalu” means compassion in Sanskrit.  Kripalu yoga focuses on developing non-judgmental awareness.  It is about accepting the body as it is now and practicing asanas (postures) with compassion and mindfulness. Classes begin with coordinating movement with breath and building postures from the ground up.  Participants will be guided to find their edge between strength and ease.  Posture options and props will be offered so each individual can practice at their own intensity. Context for all classes includes centering (setting an intention), Pratapana (warm-ups), Pranayama (breath/Prana movement), asanas (postures and flows), relaxation (readings, visualization), meditation (Shavasana, introversion.  The practice of yoga allows for access to deeper states of receptivity and openness beyond the time on the mat.  It can be carried into daily life while making conscious decisions on how to act on thoughts, feelings and emotions.

KRIPLAU YOGA FOR CORE STRENGTH AND STABILITY w/Jackie Foster
This class builds on the foundations of Kripalu Yoga, practicing with compassion for where the body is now and what it needs in the present moment of practice.  Yoga asanas (postures) will focus on the six movements of the spine for core strength.  Balance and body weight will be utilized in challenging the participant to sustain poses and endurance will be practiced during vinyasa flows.  Small hand weights and straps will be used in developing joint stability and flexibility. 

KRIPALU YOGA - LEVEL I w/Jackie Foster
“Kripalu” means compassion in Sanskrit.  Kripalu yoga focuses on developing non-judgmental awareness.  It is about accepting the body as it is now and practicing asanas (postures) with compassion and mindfulness. Classes begin with coordinating movement with breath, pratapana (warm-ups), and building postures from the ground up with selected postures each class as the focus.  In level I, asanas will be taught by instructional or silent demonstrations.  Props and assists will be used to encourage optimum alignment.  This class is for anyone new to Kripalu yoga or the practitioner interested in polishing their posture placement.

NO GYM FITNESS - GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING w/Stuart Harmer
A dynamic fitness class offering individuals a professional training session at a group rate.  The class is designed for sculpting and toning with and without weights, resistance bands and medicine balls.  We will begin and end each class with basic stretching movement.  Join Stuart for a "No Gym Fitness" experience that will give you results and wanting to come back for more!

STRETCH FOR FLEXIBILITY w/Leigh Ann Tahash
The class begins with some movements and standing stretches, progressing into deeper levels of stretching.  There is a strong emphasis on breathing throughout the class.  The slow deep breathing allows for release of stress, and for the opening and releasing of deeply held tightness throughout the body. 

The Stretch technique is that of Lucy Bowen McCauley, dancer, choreographer, and teacher at the Academy of the Maryland Youth Ballet.  Leigh Ann's contribution to this technique comes from 15 years  of teaching and observation of my students, my own past dance and movement training, plus experiences with Educational Kinesiology, bodywork, and healing energy therapies.

REGARDING STRENGTH FOR HEALING PROGRAM - FREE SERVICES FOR CANCER PATIENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS OR CAREGIVERS. 

Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center is pleased to be offering services as part of the AMC Oncology Dept. Strength for Healing program, funded by an AMC Foundation grant.  Mary Bartel is now offering Mindfulness Meditation Classes (see above description and schedule) as well as one-on-one Structural Yoga Therapy (click the  Yoga Therapy page for details).  Diane Bryjak continues to offer group and individual Guided Imagery (click here for details).

ADIRONDACK MEDICAL CENTER
P.O. Box 471, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
PRESS RELEASE
Date:              October 3, 2008                                             
Re:                 AMC Offers “Strength for Healing” to Cancer Patients, Families
Contact:         Joe Riccio, Communications Manager, 897-2341

      SARANAC LAKE – Confronting a disease as serious as cancer can create added stress at a time when healing demands a great deal of energy and perseverance.

The staff of the Merrill Oncology Department at Adirondack Medical Center recognize the challenges their patients and family face, and are offering a Guided Imagery and Gentle Restorative Yoga program to strengthen both mind and body.

“Strength for Healing” is being offered free to patients, their family members and caregivers, thanks to a generous grant from the Adirondack Medical Center Foundation. 

Guided Imagery is based on the concept that a person’s mind and body are connected.  The way people think and visualize themselves has a profound impact on the body, mind, and spirit.  For example, worry leads to stress and as a result undermines the immune system, diminishing one’s ability to relax, sleep soundly and eat properly.  However, through guided imagery an individual whose images are beset by worry can learn to engage in positive calming visualizations to enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Guided and interactive imagery as well as visualization have been shown to affect almost all major bodily systems including respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, cell metabolic rates, gastrointestinal mobility and secretion, sexual function, cortisol levels, blood lipids, and immune responsiveness.

The University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center website states, “A review of 46 studies conducted from 1966-1998 by the American Cancer Society found that guided imagery was effective in managing stress, anxiety, depression, pain and the side effects of chemotherapy. A recent randomized clinical trial involving women with early stage breast cancer found guided imagery was also useful for easing anxiety related to radiation therapy, including fears about the equipment, surgical pain, and recurrence of cancer.”

Gentle and restorative Yoga classes seek to unwind and heal the physical and emotional body.  In these classes, participants will learn and experience relaxation and meditation techniques, breathing exercises, slow moving yogic exercises and stretching and supported restorative yoga postures. 

Participants will be able to take what they learn in class into a home practice for continued self-nurturing and healing.  Participants are encouraged to work at their own pace and listen to their bodies.  No prior yoga experience is necessary.

Studies have shown the benefits of yoga for everyone are improved physical fitness, lower levels of stress, and increased feelings of relaxation and well being. For our cancer patients and their caregivers the potential benefits include relief of anxiety and depression, stress reduction, strengthening the immune system, reduced pain and suffering and improved sleep.

Overseeing the program are Mary Bartel, a Certified Structural Yoga Therapist and Professional Level Structural and Kripalu Yoga Instructor, and Diane Bryjak, a counseling psychologist/licensed marriage and family therapist and certified in Guided Imagery.  The program will be offered at Inner Quest Yoga & Wellness Center in Saranac Lake, of which Mary is the owner and director.  Participants can sign up for the program in a group session, one-on-one, or both.

For More Information

Phone: 518-891-9944

E-mail: mary@innerquestyoga.net