At Outer Banks Yoga & Pilates we offer a variety of classes with several levels intended to allow each student to find a place that is comfortable and challenging. The classes below are listed in an order that moves up the ladder of intensity - in other words, as you move through the list you may find the classes will become more challenging. All of our Yoga classes follow the typical structure of a centering period, moving into an asana practice and finishing with a final relaxation and meditation period. Many of our instructors will often integrate a pranayama practice into the centering or meditation.

Our mantra at Outer Banks Yoga & Pilates is to honor your body.
So, let the inherent wisdom of your body speak to you and begin
where you are.

Gentle/Beginner - these classes are designed to give basics for a newbie yogi or Pilates practitioner, but they also move at a slower pace making them gentler classes suitable for those with more experience. There could be some exploration into more challenging poses or vinyasa flows but plenty of modification options will be given to assist you if you aren't quite ready for the challenge.

Deep Stretch - a yoga stretch class with a meditative quality. In these classes we will mostly stay close to the floor, easing into longer holds and deeper stretches.

Hatha Yoga - a fairly traditional Integral Yoga class. Longer holds and gentle vinyasa flow series. With an inner directed and inquisitive quality.

Kripalu Yoga - similar in mood to a Hatha class but with more gentle vinyasa or "meditation in motion" Kripalu means "compassionate".

Deep Hatha - created by Molly Harrison, one of our most popular instructors. A hatha based class with a blend of soothing restorative poses and more intense asanas that is uniquely her own.  This class is also a good place to explore some of the other facets of yoga philosophy. If this class intrigues you, we also offer a monthly workshop with Molly, the first Friday of every month.

Hatha Vinyasa - Some additional flowy sequences mixed into a class with classic hatha postures and structure.

Vinyasa - a more powerful class with lots of flow, a focused intensity and lots of integration of breath and movement

Athletic Flow - an Ashtanga inspired powerful flow class for those looking to move and breath nearly continuously. Our best class to build cardiovascular strength and stamina in addition to the other benefits of a regular yoga practice.

Other Class Descriptions

Pilates Mat - Closely following "The Method" developed by J.H. Pilates, this mat class focuses on toning and lengthening the muscles of the body with emphasis on the stomach and back. By tuning in to the breath and the alignment of the "powerhouse," the area between the hips and the shoulders, all layers of muscles in this region are challenged and toned.

Beach Hooping - Similar to the "hula-hooping" we remember from childhood, but using larger heavier hoops that ensure greater success! This class incorporates core strengthening, dance, yogic mindfulness, and lots of fun. Class is weather permitting of course, since it is on the beach. Class size is limited as we only have 4 hoops to play with, but that hasn't yet been a problem and we can certainly share. If you have your own hoop you are welcome bring it with you! Click here to read an interesting article about the connection between yoga and hooping.

            
T'ai Yoga Latte - Created for us by Julia. This is a gentle flowing, multi-level class and is a unique combination of T'ai Chi, yoga, and Pilates that is also a serious, full-body workout. With core emphasis and smooth-as-silk transitions between poses, it will help to whittle your waist and streamline your hips and thighs. This class also ends in a peaceful meditation that will leave you at relaxed and invigorated at the same time!

T'ai Chi - Julia's T'ai Chi class is a smooth, flowing series of moves she's assembled in an easy, but serious full-body workout that is also guaranteed to increase your flexibility, sharpen your reflexes, and help you block anything coming at you! This energizing workout will leave you feeling strong and powerful and is followed by an enlightening meditation.