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Click here to view the new 2009 brochure with schedule

What's New at the Very Near Yoga Studio?

Recently we welcomed WHYY TV 12's DELAWARE TONIGHT reporter, Megan Pinto and her cameraman, Gene Ashley, to the Very Near Yoga Studio to document how we work with our Tuesday and Thursday morning students. WHYY features in this piece how yoga can help anyone with their balance, strength and flexibility. Click here to view what we do with props in our studio! (Footage provided by WHYY, Inc.)

The focus at the Very Near Yoga Studio is more and more oriented to therapeutic and restorative yoga. Partially this is because the baby boomer generation is now entering their 60's and needs to pay attention to the onset of predictable physical ageing, but it is also because we all lead a more sedentary lifestyle: too much sitting! If your experience in other yoga classes has left you wondering whether you're are "fit" enough to do yoga, you will find a different experience at the Very Near Yoga Studio that can help you to understand your particular problems such arthritic joints, bad-back syndrome, etc.

Many people tell me that they cannot take a regularly scheduled class because their own agenda is so prone to changing. So that you may elect to come on different days/times, you may purchase a punch card good for 3 months for ten classes for $180. This cost is based on $18 per class (90 minutes per class). Seniors over 62 are eligible for a 20% discount.

Click here to see the Schedule.

You can now create your own private or small group classes: call for flexible times and locations. You can come to the Very Near Yoga Studio for individual one-on-one spot classes (@ $66/hr) or if you want to bring in another person for a 2 person private lesson, your cost is $90 for 90 minutes.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION: Tuesdays, Fridays or Saturdays with flexible times to suit your schedule.
We will teach you yoga techniques using props to bring pain free movement to any area where you may have weakness or difficulty. We can help you with sports injuries, balance issues, chronic respiratory problems and headaches. The goal of private instruction is to give you the means to be your own therapist. In the long term, THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SAVE MONEY ON MEDICAL BILLS if you continue the practice on your own at home.

Each private class will focus on different areas of the body: why? ... because everything in the body is connected to your particular ailment. We also use the extremely powerful theraputic tool of deep breathing to benefit the release of the affected areas that are distressing you.

Studio Information

Classes are held throughout the year except during the month of August and the last two weeks in December.

VNYoga Studio classes are held in a quiet, intimate space. Classes are no larger that 8 - 10 students. For this reason, class levels can be mixed with modifications of the poses are sugggested by using props in the IYENGAR YOGA tradition. You can therefore develop at your own pace. All classes include 15 - 20 minutes of relaxation to foster the art of meditation.

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga takes the individual student step-by-step to under-STAND the technique of coming alive to one's own balance, strength and flexibility.

Life is rushed and some yoga classes are taught in a fast-paced, rushed manner that does not contribute to learning on a deep level. Iyengar Yoga is slow, steady learning process thats extends your brain from the bottom of your foot to the top of your head. This takes time!

B.K.S. Iyengar developed his system of teaching and learning yoga using unique props to assist the body's transformation.

The use of props, for instance, including blocks and belts to help you stretch when you "just can't reach that far"; bolsters and blankets used to gradually open the back and hips that have become "too stiff to bend that way"; chair, walls and floor to assist the spine in extension eventually will allow all of you who are new to yoga to use it as "the golden key which unlocks the door to peace, tranquility and joy" to quote B.K.S. Iyengar. Return to top

Read about: B.K.S. Iyengar & Kathleen B. Wright

Pricing & Policies:

NEW! You may purchase a punch card good for 3 months for ten classes for $180. This cost is based on $18 per class (90 minutes per class).

NOW! As a regular class member coming same day/time each week you may enjoy a $2 per class discount i.e. $16 per class. This cost is based on a consecutive 8 week attendance.

Note: Financial difficulties...? Please let us know and we can work together so that you can regularly attend classes.

If you are a Drop - In student, the cost is $20.00 per class.

Drop - In students who do not wish to register for a Series are permitted in any class, if there is space (first come, first served).

Drop - In students may come for a first class & decide to become a regular part of ongoing classes.

You may commence your Series mid-term, by permission of the teacher.

THE SCHOOL YEAR:

Classes run Monday - Saturday every week from the day after Labor Day til the end of the second week in December.

Classes re-commence the first weekday after January 1st and continue through the end of July. Regular classes do not take place during the month of August.

All Series are based on 8 - 9 week classes which are paid for at the beginning of the 2 - month period. For example, September/October classes are paid for at the first September class, November/December classes are paid for at the first November class.

MISSED CLASSES:

Continuing Students are allowed to join ANY class to make up one of the 8 classes which were pre-paid. All make-up classes must be completed before the end of that 8 - week period (you may therefore come more than once in a given week).

REFUNDS:

The Lump Sum payment for a 2-month Series is non-refundable. Every effort to accomodate a special circumstance will be made, however, you must bring the situation to the teacher's attention immediately.

GIFT CERTIFICATES:

Attractive gift cards with envelopes are available for you to give an individual participation at $18/class in group classes or private classes at $66 / hour. Gift certificates are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Return to top

CLASS SCHEDULE: All classes are not in the same location. Take time to scroll to bottom of the box below for further details. Call Kathleen at 302-656-6983 for further information.

Click here for a printable schedule.

FYI - Menu

VERY NEAR YOGA STUDIO

The dedicated space of our studio is on the ground floor at the rear of the building. It is a quiet, intimate space that allows for 8 -10 students per class. We have natural light, greenery and blue sky views for a harmonious experience... Often you can hear the birds singing and the sound of wind chimes during your relaxation period.

We are located in a residential apartment building, therefore there is no commercial signage. You will see "GILPIN PLACE APARTMENTS" on a plaque on the front of the building at 1301 Gilpin Avenue at Franklin Street (click here for map).

Placed at the entrance to the studio in the hallway is a shoe bin, so that you may remove your shoes before entering onto the wood floors of our practice space. If the shoe bin is not yet outside in the hall space, please have a seat in the lobby.

There is a dressing room for changing and for keeping your personal effects. We provide all props, however, you may choose to bring your own yoga mat. If you choose to use a studio mat or any of the studio props, Chlorox wipes are available for hygiene. There is a bathroom on the opposite side of the practice space.

The studio is normally opened a half hour before the beginning of class. Please come on time for classes, but you may come as early as 30 minutes before. Help yourself to any reading materials, take the time to warm-up or relax before we get started together.

PARKING:

Street parking is easily available on the surrounding one-way streets in the neighborhood. Students should be aware of a two hour street parking limitation usually more enforced during the day.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Generally, all classes are going to give you the experience of your body/mind's current level of balance, strength and flexibility. THIS IS APPLICABLE FOR SENIORS!

When you are unfamiliar with the workings of the individual body parts, you will be challenged to address muscle & joint stiffness, poor posture and shallow breathing. THIS IS APPLICABLE FOR SENIORS!

IYENGAR YOGA is about learning the body's anatomy...YOUR BODY's anatomy. We start with FEET/ANKLES/KNEES. The 8 week series, will progress to develop thorough knowledge of how the lower limbs work in the HIPS/LOWER BACK. Later the UPPER BACK/SHOULDERS/NECK are addressed so that your anatomy is improving both through experience and practice of yoga. Your breathing receives the advantage of all the above and you begin to have more energy in general because the body & brain are getting more oxygen. THIS IS APPLICABLE TO ALL AGES!

CLASSES FOR SENIORS & PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

You may want to do CHAIR YOGA with us at the VNYoga Studio class on THURSDAY morning @ 11:30 am. It is a good place to start with others in the 55 years plus age range.

You do not have to be a senior to attend the 11:30 am class. You may be simply a person with special needs.

BEGINNERS:

Learn the Fundamentals by attending, if your schedule permits:

VNY Studio class on MONDAY @ 5:30 pm

EXPERIENCED STUDENTS:

IF YOU HAVE NEVER LEARNED IYENGAR YOGA, please consult with the teacher before choosing a class.

A delayed onset problem with some of the fast-paced yoga practices is chronic injury stemming from repetitive strain. If you are a POWER YOGA, ASHTANGA YOGA, BIKRAM YOGA, VINYASA YOGA practitioner...you NEED IYENGAR classes to help understand your body's anatomical mis-alignments & weaknesses. Students in IYENGAR YOGA classes at all levels of proficiency are constantly reaffirming the power of proper alignment and refining their understanding of the individual yoga postures.

You can start mid-term, you do NOT need to wait for the beginning of a 2 month series.

PRIVATE LESSONS:

If you are uncertain about joining a class, it is useful to book a one hour private lesson
($ 66 /hour) that will give you the fundamental understanding of what condition your body is in and how yoga postures and breathing will help. If you want to bring in 2 or 3 students for a group private lesson, your cost is $90 for 90 minutes. By arrangement with the teacher, the venue can be other than at the Very Near Yoga Studio.

PRIVATE GROUP INSTRUCTION:

You may want to arrange to have a series of on-site classes at your workplace or elsewhere. Please inquire. Return to top

PROTOCOLS:

Arrive on time or earlier. If you do arrive late, please take your mat as quickly as possible to the floor and catch up with where the class is at. No gum chewing! You CAN make SMART comments! AVOID making small talk with your neighbor. LET US ALL hear what you're saying.

WATER BOTTLES:

Iyengar Yoga is not done in an overheated room and you do not bring your water onto the studio floor. Bring what you need to hydrate yourself before & after class or, talk to the teacher regarding special circumstances.

WEARING APPAREL:

Noting that your body's shape will allow you to understand how the postures look when alignment is correct, we ask that you wear form-fitting clothing that will not hang away from the body. If you choose leggings (ankle-length, or what is called "bicycle" shorts or any length in between), there should be relatively no "flare" to the bottom. Your top should hug the shoulders and fit snugly aroung the hips/waist.

FOOD:

Having undigested food in the stomach does not allow you to move with ease. HOWEVER, you need energy to work through the class without being distracted by hunger.

TELL THE TEACHER:

When registering prior to class participation, it is important to inform the teacher in advance of any physical disabilities that may impact your ability to undertake this yoga practice. The studio is wheelchair accessible.

When coming into class, OR, during class, TELL THE TEACHER IMMEDIATELY if you are experiencing:

Headache
Sinus problems
Sore Neck/Shoulder/Wrist, etc.
Menstration
Pregnancy
Heart Palpitation
Dizziness/Nausea/Shortness of Breath
Insomnia
Aftermath of: Surgery or Accident: Minor or Major
Any condition that requires a physician's care

Take time to consider that YOGA is both FUN and SERIOUS. Your challenge is to meet your SELF, warts and all, and believe that there is more to do than just let age take its course. The human mind loves to learn! The body is its own pharmacy...let the therapeutic benefits of yoga become your best medicine and your own mind become the best physician you could possibly consult.

Practice makes perfection in the moment...that's all you have do!

Note: Newcomers can join at ANY TIME. Preferably, begin a series of classes with each 2 month period, i.e. Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec, Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun.

Friday Night Fun with Props & Partners

For Friday night Yoga for Partners, you must let us Know IN ADVANCE that you are coming since our space at VNYoga is limited to about 5 couples. It'll be FUN, instructive and a really easy way to get acquainted with yoga.

On the 4th Friday (Sept/Oct/Nov) & (Jan/Feb/Mar) for Adult partners we will meet at 7 pm for an extended two hour session. The length of the class is longer to allow beginners to feel at ease in the learning situation. Classes are not held on holidays.

Everybody will learn to help each other! We will take a slow and easy approach with our partner to experience restorative yoga. The traditional props that Iyengar Yoga introduced decades ago have specific therapeutic uses to help with common ailments.

Bring a family member, your mom, your friends, your significant Other...

Cost is $45 per couple at the door.

Registrations are being accepted in advance by calling: 777-3484

In case of cancellation, all pre-registration fees will be refunded.

Wear comfortable clothing but Nothing Oversized and No dangling jewelry. Return to top

What to expect at the end of each yoga class:
Total relaxation!