Starting August 5th, Join Bianca Podolsky every Tuesday and Thursday morning for a new vinyasa class inspired by the Ashtanga Series!
We will incorporate core Ashtanga techniques to support a healthy body, focus the mind, and bring our attention inward.
This class is offered at a Level 2/3, as it invites patience, strength, and focus.
-
INSTRUCTOR: Bianca Podolsky
DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays Starting on August 5th
TIME: 7:00am - 8:15am
LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive – Yoga Studio
COST: $22 Drop In | Class Passes & Memberships Apply
DESCRIPTION:
Vinyasa Class inspired by the Ashtanga Series - Level 2/3
This is a Vinyasa Yoga class inspired by the traditional Ashtanga Yoga series. We will incorporate core Ashtanga techniques to support a healthy body, focus the mind, and bring our attention inward. These techniques include:
· Mantra: We will begin and end the class with a mantra to center the mind.
· Bandhas: Gentle engagement of specific muscles to contain and direct prana (vital energy) within the body.
· Drishti: Focused gaze on designated points to help quiet the mind and deepen concentration.
· Pranayama (breath exercises): Throughout the practice, we will focus on Ujjayi breath (also known as ocean breath) and may introduce other pranayama techniques toward the end of class.
· Vinyasa: A flowing sequence that links one posture to the next, igniting the inner fire that detoxifies the body.
This practice offers techniques to focus the mind. When we give the mind specific points of attention—such as the bandhas, the gaze, the breath, or the body—the speed of our thoughts begins to slow. In that slowing, we gain the ability to observe the thoughts as they arise. This act of observation is known as awareness or mindfulness, leading to a deep inner inquiry that helps us recognize our patterns, emotions, and beliefs. Through this process, we move closer to understanding our nature beyond the fluctuations of the mind, touching the quiet, spacious essence of the self. This is the heart of yoga: union, presence.
This class is offered at a Level 2/3, as it invites patience, strength, and focus. We move without background music to support concentration, and the postures require strength and attention. If you’re curious but unsure whether you’re ready for a Level 2/3 class, we invite you to come and explore the class, do what is available to you in the moment and be patient. Over time, you will become familiar with the practice. Variations to support the unique needs of everyone in the room will always be offered.
The basic structure of the class includes: a chant, Sun Salutations, Asanas, Asanas with Vinyasa, a closing sequence (including backbends, inversions, and counterbalance postures), Pranayama, 10 minutes of Shavasana, and a reflection on Yoga Philosophy.
Bianca Podolsky’s Bio:
“Pillars of my practice and the classes I guide:
Devotion, love, and self-love are where the practice begins.
Respect for everyone’s uniqueness—each individual’s body, timing, breath, and state of mind—combining asana and breath to guide us toward a calm and quiet inner connection.
Preparing ourselves for deep relaxation through Shavasana and meditation.
All these beautiful connections are accessible to everyone, and that is why I believe so strongly in the power of yoga.
With deep gratitude, I honor my dear teachers: Diogo Camargo, Gabriela Monteiro, Vanessa Magaló, Camila Reitz, Janet Stone, and Daniela Komalski. I have been practicing since 2011 and have had the pleasure of learning from many wonderful teachers who taught me so much and held space for self-exploration. Gratitude to all.”
Bianca’s Trainings:
200h YTT with Camila Reitz in Hatha Vinyasa Yoga
200h YTT with Janet Stone in Bhakti, Vinyasa, and Yoga Flow
40h Yin Yoga Training with My Vinyasa Practice
30h Iyengar Training with Marla Apt
120h Specialization in Hatha Vinyasa Yoga with Camila Reitz and guest teachers
40h Pranayama Course with Sabrina Solimeno