Level Descriptions

Multi-level – Nearly all of our classes are multi-level in an effort to serve everyone best. These classes recognize that not all students progress at the same rate mentally or physically. Multi-levels allow you to see where you can go with poses while encouraging you to be where you are. A safe place to experiment as your strength and flexibility increases. Also a good class for a group of friends with varying levels of experience.

Level I – These classes are intended for new students needing an introduction to the basics of alignment in yoga or Pilates, but are also appropriate for continuing students who enjoy a slower pace. Level I classes generally offer more guidance in modifications to accommodate a variety of physical challenges that may limit your movement.

Level II – Level II classes are intended for a moderately experienced student. Instructors will continue to offer guidance and insight into proper form, but the class is generally more challenging, often with a faster pace than the Level I classes. You may encounter more intricate balancing poses, deeper openers, some arm-balances, and you will be encouraged to build strength through longer holds.

Class Descriptions 

At Outer Banks Yoga we offer a variety of classes with several levels intended to allow each student to find a place that is comfortable and 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 (breathwork) practice into class as well.

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

Not all of these classes are offered at all times, so please note our current schedules here.

Beach Yoga - Greet the day with this multi-level yoga class on the ocean front and enjoy all the beauty the sea and wildlife offer you as the sun rises. Practicing on the sand brings new awareness to alignment and a whole new understanding of balance as the earth subtly shifts beneath your feet. This class is intended to be a multi-level hatha-vinyasa style practice and we find it is has been a welcome opportunity for families members of all ages to enjoy.

For this class, we meet at the Kitty Hawk Pier in front of the Hilton Garden Inn directly across from the studio. Park at the studio and walk across to the hotel, go around to the left to the pier and there are stairs to the beach and the instructor will meet you there. Please bring your own mat or a big beach towel (about from your shoulders to the ground or longer) to practice on. You’ll want water too and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Core Integration - A 60-minute class focusing on the core but incorporating other exercises to balance the strength of the “Powerhouse” (lower abs, glutes, hamstrings, quads & internal/external obliques) with the upper body (shoulders, upper back & muscles that align the spine). Moves will vary and will incorporate Pilates & Yoga with controlled, dynamic, static & isometric exercises. Equipment can include mats, 2lb balls, bands & one’s own bodyweight.  This class is multi-level & can be modified for all levels.

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.

First Light Powerful Flow Yoga – Start your day with a lighthearted, invigorating and playful yoga practice. This challenging flow will get your heart pumping and put a smile on your face. Movement combined with familiar standing and balance poses to challenge and help build strength, followed by seated yoga poses to release tension and build flexibility. This isn’t a beginner class but it’s good for anyone with a basic yoga practice and an open mind.

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.

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

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

Karma Yoga – a class that is offered weekly by donation. Bring an offering of any kind and enjoy this lovely, self-nurturing class.

Meditation - we offer a classic seated Insight Meditation class weekly at 7:30pm on Wednesday evenings by donation.

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.

Prenatal Yoga (currently available in semi-private practice only - send as an email if interested in joining an ongoing class) – prenatal yoga is a beautiful way to experience the journey of pregnancy. The poses you’ll learn will help ease discomfort, prepare your body for labor and childbirth, help you maintain your fitness level, deepen your breathing and help you relax and bond with the little one growing inside of you. This class is a wonderful way for you to put time aside for you and your baby. Our certified instructor will guide you through a lovely class and teach you the do’s and don’ts of a healthy prenatal practice.

Reiki Healing Circle with Live Music - Join Reiki Master Roxie Valdivieso and the live vibrations from musicians Maestro and Luminaria of the Bohemian Song Society for an evening of healing on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm. The Reiki Healing Circle offers the opportunity for you to experience Reiki, which is a non-invasive healing technique that aids in stress reduction and relaxation. It promotes healing on an emotional, physical and spiritual level. Anyone wishing to benefit from a healing session is welcome. The evening is by donation.

Roxie Valdivieso has been practicing Reiki since 2005. She received her Master/Teacher certification in October 2012. She has participated in numerous Reiki shares over the years as well as seeing private clients. In 2016, Roxie began teaching Reiki l, Reiki ll and Reiki Master/Teacher classes.

The Bohemian Song Society is a musical group with multicultural influences, artistic improvisations, and a unique blend of ethnic instruments creating a musical style all its own. The live healing vibrations they produce are magical along with Reiki energy.

Restorative Yoga is a process of surrender, softening, slowing down, and letting go.  We use a lot of props to make the body as comfortable as possible in various poses.  We feel a calmness and an awareness of the whole body.  The support of the props and the extended time in the pose (3-6 minutes generally) invites the nervous system to rest, the mind to calm, the heart to be in peace, and the breath to be at ease in an atmosphere of love and kindness.

T’ai Yoga Latte – Created for us by Julia. This is a gentle flowing, all levels class and is a unique combination of T’ai Chi, yoga, and Pilates. A gentle class that ends in a peaceful meditation that will leave you relaxed and invigorated at the same time!

Vinyasa – an invigorating class with lots of flow, a focused intensity and lots of integration of breath and movement.

Yin Yoga - Find balance in a mostly Yang (fast, hard, aggressive) dominated world with a Yin (slow, cool, quiet) yoga practice. Yin asana reaches deeper than the superficial and muscular tissues of the body to stimulate the often neglected connective tissues, bones and joints. In Yin yoga poses are held for several minutes, which can create a multitude of sensations both physically and emotionally that can feel foreign to those who have never experienced Yin yoga before. This practice is something that truly must be felt by the individual to fully understand the power of cultivating more Yin into your life.

Yoga for Seniors – A gentle, beginner yoga class for those who identify as Seniors. Terrific for working on balance, strength, flexibility and relaxation.