Bikram Method Hatha Yoga w/ Carla
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This amazing 26 pose sequence, made famous by Bikram Choudhury and his teacher, Bishnu Ghosh, systematically stretches, strengthens, lubricates and oxygenates 100% of the body, restoring all systems toward healthy, balanced order. It is intended for any level of student as each pose has its beginning and advanced stage. All continued efforts are rewarded with increased awareness, control and relaxation of the body and the state of mind. The room is warm (90 degrees only, 15 degrees less than average Bikram class, but if you stand right next to a heater, you will be warmer) to help the stiff places get moving and to promote a gradual detoxification of the tissues through sweating. Layering of clothing is encouraged in the wintry months so the body doesn't cool down until the end of practice. Be sure to bring your largest towel, a washcloth, and a waterbottle to every class. (Please bring 2 towels if you tend to sweat a lot.)
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Carla Raushenbush, creator and director of A Perfect Knot, has been a Massage Therapist since 1990 and graduated from Bikram's second formal 500 hr. teacher training in 1995. She has continued her studies through various teachers, self-study and Scott Anderson's Alignment Yoga 200 hr. Teacher Training in 2005. Since opening her own studio in 1996, she has taught 6-11 classes per week and loves it now more than ever. Carla is gentle and sweet in her approach to the practice of Bikram Yoga. Using the physically thorough sequence of poses to increase health and relaxation, the other focus of Carla's class is freedom. Recognizing cultural conditioning (that binds and crushes our vitality, originality, and natural contentment, modesty and common sense, while presenting itself as the truth) and then steadfastly casting it away is Carla's main practice toward the yogic goals of non-harming, contentment and self-knowledge. This exploration is present and encouraged during asana practice if one wishes. Understanding habitual reactions/patterns of the mind and witnessing our attitudes and perspectives from a step back are ways to find our own center. This ability to be calm, centered and non-judgemental amidst challenges allows clarity, kindness, and fun to flow forth. She also offers useful anatomical and holistic health information. Expect a uniquely gentle teaching of Bikrams and personal encouragement in a class that respects silliness, healing, seriousness, and independent, explorative thought. Mind AND body flexible, strong, imaginative, living well both within your culture, if you choose, and beyond culture, era, ego and circumstance. All levels welcome, of course!
*Carla understands something about dealing with illness as she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1982, when she was 20 yrs. old, and wears an insulin pump. She also has personal experience with depression and anti-depressant drugs.
Carla can adapt the poses appropriately for pregnant women and has had numerous women use this class pre- and postnatally.
Private groups of 3 or more. Considers barter for open classes.
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| Hatha Yoga |
Hatha yoga explores the creative life force, combining the ancient yogic traditions with the inspiration of nature and the knowledge of modern living. In group classes, the breath is introduced as a compelling current revealing an authentic alignment within the body that subtly sculpts a greater sense of well being. With a focus on natural movement and compassion toward the self, classes provide instruction in fundamental yoga postures and breathing techniques within a focused flow. With an eye for the subtle, Kristin provides assistance for students to refine practice to an individual level. Friendly classes are inviting for students at all levels.
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Kristin Sage, RYT has been actively exploring yoga and meditation since 1997 and began offering classes in the community in 2004. She is Yoga Alliance certified, having studied with Scott Anderson of Alignment Yoga. Along with her explorations of the traditions of Hatha yoga, Kristin has been inspired by asana methods including Iyengar, Bikram, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa. Kristin offers group classes in the community, Adaptive Yoga classes for individuals with limited mobility, and private instruction to those requiring a more individual approach to instruction. She incorporates the teachings of yoga into all aspects of her life, especially feeling the connection to parenting, creating works of art and poetry, and serving in nature and in the community. Kristin draws upon the inspirations offered by her teachers, the forces of nature, and her individual explorations, and deeply enjoys sharing her insights with the community.
Offers private sessions, considers barter and accepts Madison Timebank Hours.
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| Vinyasa Yoga |
| Vinyasa Yoga is a comprehensive and fully integrated practice that includes the full spectrum of yogic disciplines and delights, fostering a potent healing dynamic and a free flowing of rejuvenative creative power. Vinyasa is where the traditional and methodical marry the artistic and evolutionary. The consistent practice of yoga gradually burns through the chords that keep us fettered to our past habituations and illusions, making space for the light of self-awareness, soul investigation, and realization. Yoga can increase the efficiency and harmony in the activities of the body's systems, while facilitating your higher qualities of intuitive discernment and development. You will feed all the layers of your being by exploring asana, pranayama, bandha, mantra, mudra, meditation and embodiment practice that enable you to identify and awaken a perennial wisdom capable of mobilizing your inner enlightened being. Lisa embraces the practice and teaching of yoga as a dance of remembrance that allows us to lose our taste for dualistic thinking and to soften into the enchanted domain of unity consciousness. She is sensitive to the current of the collective and the needs of the individual. Classes are held in a warm environment so you will find yourself drenched in the nectar of well being. Come join a community of authenticity seekers in a space that supports introspection, self-expression and unconditional acceptance. With a spirit of consistency, you will awaken to an enlivened relationship with your whole multidimensional self and experience how to meet change in life with agility, an attitude of stillness, and an open illumined heart. |
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Lisa O'Connor is a dedicated educator in the living spiritual arts and brings more than a decade of experience to her classroom. As a yogini, dancer, musician, and visual artist she is committed to living the path and passing the torch of creative life force to all whom she works with. She is known for integrating wisdom teachings into her eclectic classes, inspiring seekers to fall in love with their own authenticity and to inherit the role of their true destiny. Lisa's visionary nature and honesty guide her teachings, and it is with great heart that she shares the transmissions she has absorbed from her teachers, studies, travels, and experience and a life student. Lisa continues her studies with the world's leading teachers and offers oceans of gratitude to her teachers Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, Jai Uttal, Nubia Teixeira, Baron Baptiste, Ana Forrest, Noema Devaki (her daughter), and all of her students. She has been teaching at A Perfect Knot since 2003.
Offers private sessions, considers barter.
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1.Kundalini Yoga
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Kundalini Yoga, THE SCIENCE OF AWARENESS, a 5,000 year-old technology for maintaining balance in body, mind, and spirit, was first brought to America in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. According to this ancient tradition, Kundalini Yoga will help strengthen the glandular system, the nervous system, and the circulatory system; expand the lung capacity; and eradicate emotional blocks that manifest as tension in the muscular system. Kundalini Yoga is accessible for everyone regardless of age or experience. Simple and effective, Kundalini Yoga yields fast and dramatic results, and may help with muscle toning, strength building, increased flexibility, better mental clarity, and stress relief. Please see your regular health care provider before beginning this or any other fitness routine. Kundalini Yoga combines conscious breathing (Pranayama), guided movement, meditation, simple postures (Asana), stretching, sequence (Kriya), rhythm, and sound (Mantra) to balance body, mind, and being. Remember who you truly are, love yourself completely, and accept yourself with all you potential and faults. These are the goals of Kundalini Yoga. Let Your Self Blossom! Sat Nam
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Katie Muschlewski, Certified Kundalini Instructor Guru Kirti Kaur, founded Lotus Roots Kundalini Yoga in 2005, after practicing since 1995. In 2007, she launched Yoga Sprout! Child and Caregiver Yoga and Youth Yoga. She completed a traditional apprenticeship with Lisa Lawrence, Guru Anand Kaur, and has learned from renowned yogini, Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and yogi Gary Kraftsow. These phenomenal teachers continue to inspire her practice and teaching. In her experience, Kundalini Yoga helps bring balance and bliss to all aspects of her life. Katie brings gentle and sincere instruction to her clients, and offers on-going classes, private sessions, and workshops in the Madison, WI area. Offers private sessions; kids $50 for 45 minutes, adults $70 for 75 minutes. Considers barter.
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Indian Odissi Dance
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Odissi Dance is one of the earliest established classical dance forms from India. It is distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by tribhangi, the body's independent movement at the head, chest, and pelvis, and upon the basic square stance known as chauka.
This class will be an exploration in basic stances, movements, and poses of Odissi dance. It will include introductions to rhythmic steps, mudras (hand postures), head and eye movement, and facial expression. Students will also learn small segments of the classical repertoire of pure dance, theatrical dance, and devotional dance.
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 TEACHER: Raka Bandyo was born and raised in a Brahman family in Michigan. She began studying the classical Indian art form of Odissi Dance in 1984 with Guru Sangetta Kar, longtime student of the most renowned Odissi Dance Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Raka has performed for several years as both a solo artist and in group dances at several cultural event and celebrations. In 2003 she began teaching Odissi dance until in 2005 when she moved to Madison, WI. Since that time she has been a student of Modern Dance with Collette Stewart, Aerial Dance with the Cycropia Aerial Dance Collective, and Yoga with Lisa O’Conner. Raka also offers private lessons.
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| 1. Yin Yoga 2. Bikram Yoga |
A gentle & relaxing class that works deeply into muscles and connective tissues through extended holds of postures. It is the perfect class for meditators & those who lack flexibility because we will work deeply into the connective tissues and the joints. These are the deep yin tissues of the body, relative to the more superficial yang tissues of muscles and skin. Yin Yoga opens up these deep, dense, rarely touched areas.
Most forms of Yoga practiced in the U.S. are Yang; they emphasize muscular movement, contraction, and stabilization (all of which are important). Yin Yoga targets the connective tissue especially in the hips, pelvis and lower spine, and emphasizes deep tissue opening and restoration. This type of practice complements the more muscular styles of Yoga like Bikram, Hatha, & Vinyasa Flow.
Years of a dedicated asana practice will make anyone healthier, stronger, and more flexible, but at some point the muscles will have reached their limit of flexibility. New depths in postures, deeper ranges of motion, or an increased flow of energy may only be achievable by focusing on the deeper tissues of the body. This is why so many students are finding Yin Yoga to be the perfect compliment and balance to their more active, yang practices. For most, this class is one of the most challenging, yet totally relaxing experiences they have.
This amazing 26 pose sequence, made famous by Bikram Choudhury and his teacher, Bishnu Ghosh, systematically stretches, strengthens, lubricates and oxygenates 100% of the body, restoring all systems toward healthy, balanced order. It is intended for any level of student as each pose has its beginning and advanced stage. All continued efforts are rewarded with increased awareness, control and relaxation of the body and the state of mind. The room is warm (90 degrees only) to help the stiff places get moving and to promote a gradual detoxification of the tissues through sweating. Layering of clothing is encouraged in the wintry months so the body doesn't cool down until the end of practice. Be sure to bring your largest towel, a washcloth, and a waterbottle to every class. (Please bring 2 towels if you tend to sweat a lot.)
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 TEACHER: Alex Pfieffer's teaching focuses on alignment, breath, action and attitude to target full detoxification of the self: physical, mental and emotional. The result is a class meant to exercise one's spiritual edge from struggle to ease; from intensity to peace; from swimming in madness to inner clarity. "The trick" he says, "is to eliminate the blocks that keep the body and mind from its alignment with Nature. From there comes action without stress, which heals even ailments such as the bulging discs I once had. Align with Nature and there is great flow."
Since Bikram Teacher certification in 2004, Alex has been helping students experience alignment as more than where one puts body parts, but as an exploration of one's embodied experience, actions, and the quality of being fully present that casts out emotional, physical, and mental "garbage." Cast out the garbage and all that is left is the wellspring of peace, ease, release, gentle strength, inner reserve, and power.
Alex continues to refine his understanding of the human bodymind. He is also certified in Anusara Inspired Hatha Yoga and practices both Integral Bodywork (similar to rolfing) and Thai Yoga Bodywork. He is technically knowledgeable, but expect a class that is more like song and poetic exploration than like rote science. What matters most is that you leave feeling centered and full of the vitality that becomes a life well lived.
Yoga Teacher Training
Ever thought of becoming a yoga teacher? Alex runs one of the most foundational, dynamic trainings in the midwest, calling upon many of the best yoga teachers in the area (and some from far away) to bring their expertise to you. This training is modular (rather than sequential) and is the only training in southern Wisconsin that combines the modular approach with a pay-as-you-go option - so you can be certified in a time frame that fits your budget and schedule. For more information check out madisonyogateachertraining.com ---- Also, Alex will be holding free Q&A Teacher Training Preview Sessions at the Perfect Knot on 12/13, 3/6, 5/15, 9/18 at 9:15pm.
Alex also offers Yoga Alliance Recognized Continuing Education for already certified yoga teachers.
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| Yin Yoga w/Bevo |
Yin yoga is a revitalizing and relaxing class that works deeply into muscles and connective tissues (fascia) through extended holds of postures. With consistent practice the poses can stimulate the fascia to rebuild, stronger and more supple. Yin yoga is the perfect complement to "yang" activities like running, playing sports, or other yoga practices (e.g. Bikram, Hatha, & Vinyasa Flow). It is appropriate for all levels of yoga experience. Women who have given birth in the last 3-6 months should avoid this type of yoga because their fascia may be too elastic during this period.
Many of us in the West have a lot of fears about opening our backs and hips. Rightly so, since we sit so much of the time and the fascia in these areas becomes very stiff, decreasing the motion in these joints. Yin yoga can help slow this degeneration and revitalize these areas of the body. More and more people believe that the fascia is meridian tissue, and this is where the chi flows in our bodies. Stimulating the fascia, it is theorized, can unblock chi energy. See for yourself!
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Bev Buhr (AKA "Bevo") has been practicing various types of yoga since the mid 1990's. She started studying Yin yoga in 2008. In July 2011, she completed Level One Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Paul and Suzee Grilley (internationally known teachers and experts on Yin yoga) and is very excited about sharing this revitalizing form of yoga with others. In her teaching, Bev focuses on creating a space where students can be comfortable exploring each pose. She has an in-depth knowledge of functional anatomy and can assist students in finding how the natural variations in their bone structures and flexibilities impact their yoga practice. As a nurse practitioner who specializes in adult health, Bev is passionate about the healing properties of diet and physical activity—especially Yoga.
Private sessions are available in an assisted Yin Yoga routine which is great for beginners and anyone who wants to deepen their practice. $60/hour; barter and sliding scale considered.
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| Family Yoga (Parent/Child Yoga) |
Family Yoga classes give parents/caregivers and their children an opportunity to explore yoga together! Traditional yoga poses and techniques are presented in a fun, playful, and imaginative way. We will act out stories through yoga poses, move our bodies to music, play noncompetitive games, and connect through partner poses. Children and families practice at their own pace as they learn to honor themselves and others in a non-competitive and communal environment.
Focus is on ages 0-5 yrs but all ages and abilities welcome!
Please contact Nikki directly for more information on dates, costs, etc.
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Nikki Cook, a 310-hour certified yoga instructor, also hold her bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Education. She first came to yoga after the birth of her third daughter in 2004. Nikki found her yoga practice brought amazing benefits not only to her body and mind but also extended to all aspects of her life. As a mother to 3 little yogis, Nikki believes yoga helps bring harmony and balance to her life and to the lives of those around her. She feels teaching yoga is a natural extension of her passion for working with children, teens and families. Her mission is to bring yoga to the lives of children and families; and in doing so empower them with skills and knowledge to help them live a happy, healthy, peaceful life. She has taught varying groups of ages and abilities including: kids yoga, teen yoga, family yoga, parent/child yoga, yoga for adults and yoga for seniors.
Nikki's intention for every class is to create a welcoming, fun, and peaceful environment where students are respected as individuals and feel free to be themselves.
Nikki offers private individual and group sessions. She also considers barter.
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| Chakra Yoga with Guided Meditation |
Chakra Yoga is an integrative approach to the seven energy channels (chakras) of the body through movement, breath work, chanting, and meditation. Each class will begin with a general exploration of all of the energy channels of the body, and then focus on a specific chakra, moving from the root chakra to the crown chakra.
Although we will be focusing on a different chakra every class, it is not required to take the classes in succession.
During the final 30 minutes of class, the student will be taken through Yoga Nidra, a form of guided meditation which has received a lot of recognition in its benefits for people who suffer from PTSD.
This class is suitable for yogis and yoginis of all levels. Beginners are especially welcome. Come see what your body and mind are capable of!
"When we commit ourselves to paying attention in an open way, without falling prey to our own likes and dislikes, opinions and prejudices, projections and expectations, new possibilities open up and we have a chance to free ourselves from the straighjacket of unconsciousness." -John Kabat-Zinn
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 Natalie Buster began her love with yoga ten years ago aboard a cruise ship sailing the Caribbean. As an actress in New York City, Natalie was impressed with how calm and centered yoga was able to make her feel amongst the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps. Registered with the Yoga Alliance and trained at Sundara Yoga Therapy in Austin, Texas, Natalie offers an integrative approach to her yoga classes weaving in breath work, singing, postures, and meditation. Natalie also offers private yoga sessions and voice lessons. She can found online or on Facebook at Buster Yoga. Namaste!
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| Hatha Yoga-Let Your Skeleton Out of the Closet! |
In this class you are invited to look deeper into your yoga practice in a fun and relaxing environment. Designed to explore our strengths while unveiling areas of undiscovered potential, we strive and we grow. As long as unhealthy patterns of movement remain concealed, we will not find ease within. As a shimmering spider web shines apparent in certain lighting, yet remains imperceptible in shadow, we invite our bodies to come into the light.
People come to the yoga mat with preconceived ideas of their limitations and go away with a feeling of confidence in their bodies that they hadn't thought possible. Whether you are currently a super active, driven personality, a laid back couch potato, or somewhere in between, you'll find something here to inspire you. Along the way we'll discuss anatomy as it relates to healthy alignment.
We can go through the motions in our yoga poses and never see a true difference, or we can learn to bring out the teacher within ourselves, within each of us. As per Shrek, we are all like onions -- many layers...
"The world is a mirror, forever reflecting what you are doing, within yourself."
~Neville Goddard
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 Marli Johnson was drawn to yoga, seeing it as the perfect compliment to her work as a Massage Therapist. She completed her 200-hour training in Alignment Yoga with Scott Anderson, and is currently pursuing the 500-hour therapeutic certification. Teaching group classes in the community, she has become a firm believer that yoga can be enjoyed by everyone.
A life-long athlete and coach, Marli is no stranger to injury and delights in sharing yoga with "weekend warriors" and athletes of all ages. With knowledge of even the basics of yoga, people can reduce the potential for harm, and are able to recover more quickly if they do sustain injury.
As a former music educator with a Masters in Music, she brings her background as an opera singer to the mat- extensive relaxation and breathing techniques being key aspects of operatic training.
Offers private sessions, considers barter.
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| Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy |
Phoenix Rising Yoga (PRYT), often referred to as "the yoga that listens", is based on a combination of classical Hatha yoga techniques and contemporary body-mind therapies, encouraging a deeper and compassionate connection with self. PRYT is open to all students of all abilities and experience levels. PRYT is about finding, knowing, accepting and embracing your whole being! Phoenix Rising yoga is experienced primarily with closed eyes, encouraging students to explore what feels aligned for her/his unique body. PRYT improves presence, awareness and overall well-being!
Beginning March 25, Andrea will offer a series of progressive, theme-based classes/workshops, including Befriending the Body, Awareness, Acceptance, Choice, Discernment, Truth, Truth in Action and Flow. Join her for one, several, or all of the powerful series!
NOTE: These workshops will alternate Sundays with the regular Phoenix Rising Yoga class. On workshop days, the class will be 1-3pm. On "regular" days, class will be 1-2:30pm.
Click here for info and dates on the Workshop page.
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 Andrea Schultz took her first Hatha class in 1987 in Urbana, IL, and although dabbling intermittently, did not begin her yogic journey until 2004 with a regular Kundalini practice. Soon after, Andrea began integrating varied Hatha yoga forms (Alignment, Kripalu, Lifeforce, Sivananda) into her repertoire of health/fitness/wellness mediums she's successfully utilized to minimize the impact that living with M.S. for 25 years has had on her life, Deeply devoted to body-mind-spirit integration, self-acceptance and joy for both for herself and those with whom she works, Andrea was led to and found resonance with the self-empowering experience of Phoenix Rising Yoga (PRYT). Andrea's PRYT class offers opportunities for all levels of students to practice presence, awareness & self-acceptance through centering, meditation, asana and integration experiences.
Andrea completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training through Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy Center in Bristol, Vermont and Lifeforce Yoga for Depression & Anxiety practitioner training with Amy Weintraub at Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA.
Andrea, LCSW, CPT, RYT has maintained a psychotherapy and wellness practice on the near eastside for over a decade. Andrea joyfully integrates her yoga, gestalt and fitness training into individual and group therapy through the small non-profit, Wellness Inc. Andrea balances her wellness practice with passion for community and personal gardening, animal rights, healthy food as an art form, camping/hiking and spending inordinate amounts of time in nature and in her hometown of Chicago.
Barters and reduced rates considered.
"Of all of my years of study, training and workshops, nothing has had a greater impact on my life, my physical balance and well being, my relationships and my work than yoga. I am thrilled to be not only constantly continuing on my own yogic journey, but to now be able to share and engage with others in a new way of being with ourselves, others and the world.
I bow to and honor the wisdom and the divine within you…"
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