Class Descriptions – Yoga Classes Brisbane

Practice, Patience, and Persistence are Key Elements to a Successful Yoga Practice.  

Yoga Postures (Asana) is pursued to help one’s body become flexible and stronger. The postures were traditionally introduced to assist dedicated students in sitting for more extended periods for meditation. Our classes start and end with breathing and mindful meditation practices to train you to let go of daily stresses.

With regular practice, you will build focus and concentration, increase flexibility, release pain and tension from your body, and settle your mind.

If you are new to Yoga, choose a class that allows you time to take everything in.  At CYS, we offer a variety of classes and workshops. We recommend starting slow if your body is stiff and tight or you have injuries. This provides a chance to get familiar with the foundations and learn how to relax and deepen your breathing. 

Restorative, Slow Deep Release, Spinal Care, and Slow Deep Stretch are the slower classes and are perfect for beginners, mature-aged, or just wanting a slower-paced practice. 

• A good foundation in floor-based postures.
• Relieve stiffness from tight, tense bodies. 
• Better breathing rhythms help reduce stress, lower heart rate, balance oxygen and carbon dioxide, support immunity, and give energy.  

Alignment Focused and Slow Flow classes are a bit more active. They are excellent for beginners or any student wanting to improve their practice with good alignment cues.  

• Alignment cues to help you avoid injury and
• Moving slower builds strength and awareness.

VinYin and Vinyasa classes build strength in the stretch. Beginners can attend if they have a good awareness of their bodies and have no injuries

• Moving with breath is likened to a moving meditation practice.

The below list of classes are in order starting from our gentle, deep stretch classes to the stronger practices.

Restorative Yoga is the use of props to support the body in positions of comfort & ease, to facilitate relaxation & health – It is essentially “active relaxation”.

This type of practice is for slowing down and learning to listen to our bodies. Being kind and gentle with ourselves helps your body release physical and mental tension and focus on the natural flow of the breath. This helps switch the body from sympathetic (fight or flight) to parasympathetic (rest and digest) which can relieve symptoms of stress and overwhelm.

Restorative Yoga practice moves mindfully and gently through supported asanas for an extended period of time, ensuring you soak in all the benefits of each session. With a combination of Meditation and Yoga Nidra (guided relaxations) this practice is a great balance to active schedules, or some well deserved self-care.

You can bring your own props, otherwise bring 2 pillowcases to cover the studio bolster, 2 large towels & remember to dress comfortably and warm in the cooler months.

Suitable for students New to Yoga; Mature aged, or anyone after a slower-paced restorative class.

This class is designed to improve spinal mobility, strengthen core stability, enhance balance and support pelvic floor function. Focusing on postural alignment, we address areas of tension and imbalance throughout the body, including the neck, shoulders, upper and mid-back, lower spine and pelvis. The aim is to improve movement patterns, increase body awareness, reduce discomfort and support long-term musculoskeletal health.

Through a combination of targeted exercises, restorative postures and supportive props, we work to improve flexibility, release fascial tension and strengthen the muscles that support the spine, core and pelvic floor. Special attention is given to areas commonly associated with postural imbalances, including the iliopsoas, sacrum, lumbar spine, diaphragm and mid-back.

Each session incorporates slow, controlled movements to develop joint mobility, muscular stability, postural awareness and balance. Particular emphasis is placed on coordinating breath with movement, engaging the deep core and pelvic floor, and developing strength and stability to support everyday activities. Breathing techniques are integrated throughout the class to encourage efficient movement, regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation and focus.

Suitable for all fitness levels, this class offers a gentle, therapeutic approach to improving posture, balance, mobility and functional strength. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing postural discomfort, recovering from injury, managing chronic tension, counteracting the effects of prolonged sitting or seeking to maintain strength and mobility as they age. Whether you are new to therapeutic exercise or looking to complement your existing care plan, this class provides a supportive environment to develop greater body awareness and confidence in movement.

The class is suitable for beginners, mature-aged participants and anyone seeking a slower-paced, mindful approach to movement. If you have a spinal injury, osteoporosis or other musculoskeletal concerns, please inform the teacher before class so that appropriate modifications and guidance can be provided.

A gentle and mindful practice designed to help you feel more at ease in your body. Using slow, controlled, and repeated movements, the class helps to gradually release tension in your muscles while improving flexibility and the way your joints move. Mobility movements helps to warm up and increase circulation, making it easier to notice where you feel tight or restricted. Building a better sense of how your body moves and where you can safely go deeper. Movements are then followed by short, comfortable holds, allowing the muscles to relax further into each stretch. This balanced approach helps reduce stiffness, improve overall movement, and leave you feeling more relaxed, supported, and connected to your body.

Suitable for students new to Yoga, mature-aged, or those after a slower-paced class. Great for beginners and anyone seeking a class that is like a moving meditation. 

Our Alignment-Focused Classes are designed to teach students proper alignment, breathing techniques, and mindful practices. These classes are perfect for those who are new to yoga or seeking to improve their existing practice.

Focusing on cultivating correct posture and alignment in each yoga pose, the class also breaks down breathing techniques that help calm the nervous system. Led by experienced instructors, you’ll learn essential principles and techniques that deepen your understanding of proper body positioning, promote stability, and help prevent injuries.

Through mindful adjustments and expert guidance, you’ll gain the tools to refine your practice, increase strength, and improve flexibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi looking to fine-tune your technique, our Alignment Yoga Class offers a supportive environment to help you grow and evolve on your yoga journey.

This class is ideal for students seeking personalized guidance, aiming to enhance their practice, or needing support to prevent or recover from an injury.

Taking our popular Vinyasa flow and slowing things down. Still the lovely synchronicity of movement with breath that helps to generate warmth into our bodies, but slowed down to savor and explore the benefits of each posture. These classes are gently energising, while building strength and flexibility. Suitable for all levels with variations and modifications offered throughout the class to support those newer to this style.

Some Yoga experience is ideal but students that are comfortable and confident to self-adjust their own practice would be able to attend this class.

We warm up the body with 30 min of Vinyas Flow (re below). Then finish with 30 min of longer held Yin Yoga postures.

Yin postures are held for longer than the other classes to target the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine as well as the connective tissues surrounding the muscles and joints for a greater increase of blood flow to nourish and rejuvenate. When your body stops moving the muscles, even the mind can relax.

A perfect balance of stronger (yang) practices and then slowing down (yin) to pay more attention. A perfect class for athletes or anyone with tight sore bodies. Expect deep hip, back and leg openings as the longer holds help to gain strength and increase mobility.

Suitable for students whose body is tight or do a lot of strength work.

Vinyasa Flow moves through the postures progressively with an emphasis on uniting mindful movements with breath. Variations of yoga postures offered in an intelligent sequence to generate warmth in your body. This practice builds strength, flexibility, and concentration.

Students would need to have some yoga experience or regularly partake in other physical activities. Students that are comfortable and confident to self-adjust their own practice are also able to attend this class.

For either one-on-one or in small groups up to 3 people. Private Yoga Classes offer individual attention, continual adjustments, and alignment corrections to suit your individual body type. Helping gain strength and flexibility faster and safely. Great if you are new to yoga or serious about taking your practice to a new level physically, mentally, or spiritually. Contact the studio for available times.

These classes are perfect for providing you with an appropriate Yoga practice to enjoy optimal health, vitality and enjoy your life more. Tanya Zappala has the qualifications and experience required for designing a practice that is just right for you.

Every person is different and needs vary between individuals and according to life situations. Tanya’s passion is to make Yoga accessible to everyone and give you the right Yoga in all stages of your life. You can have the luxury of undivided attention in one-on-one lessons, or get a few friends together for group sessions. All Private classes, one-on-one, or group classes are tailor-made. Tanya takes into account your body type, age, and health.

You can have classes in the comfort and convenience of your home or office or at our studio outside of class times. Perfect for friends wanting to do classes together and share the cost. A meeting or conference room is generally perfect for this purpose. A large living area or terrace can serve as a suitable space in your home.