Yoga Workshops in Pittsburgh

Straight From the Shoulder: Skillful Means to Build Strength and Stability in your Shoulders and Arms with Richard

Part anatomy lesson, part practice, this all-levels workshop explores ways to strengthen the upper body safely and develop a sense of security in the shoulders and arms. In addition to deepening your yoga practice, these techniques will also improve posture and daily living.

Richard Gartner reviews the muscular anatomy of the upper body. He then guides students through dynamic exercises that both strengthen and release the entire upper back and arms. Students should be able to bear some weight on their hands, and their wrists should be free of recent injury.

Kundalini Yoga: Focus on the Chakras with Leta

"We're not human beings having a spiritual experience. We're spiritual beings having a human experience" - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Join me on a journey through the Chakras! The tantric practices of Kundalini Yoga teach us how to merge the mundane with the mystical, the profane with the profound. Practice will include Kriya (actions), Mantra (chanting), Mudra (hand gestures) and Yantra (geometric designs). Students of all levels of experience are welcome to participate. The session will end with a healing Gong Bath. Workshop can be attended via Zoom.

Breath Awareness: Cultivating Calm through Diaphragmatic Breathing with Abby

Join Abby Ritter, LPC, E-RYT 500, AHC and discover the power of your breath in this transformative workshop focused on exploring diaphragmatic breathing practices to enhance breath awareness, regulate your nervous system and foster relaxation on a mental, physical, and emotional level. You will be guided through practical techniques and soothing practices to help ease stress and cultivate deep relaxation. By the end of the workshop, you'll feel more connected to your breath and equipped with techniques to bring tranquility into your everyday life. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced practitioner, this workshop offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to deepen their practice and cultivate calm.

Continuing education credits are available. In-person or Zoom.

HIIT, Yin, and Release with Richard

Prepare, maximize, and wind down in meaningful and research-backed ways. In this workshop, we spend time preparing our joints and connective tissues, as well as priming our lymphatic system. HIIT routines have been shown to increase cardiac fitness and blood health. Yin Yoga helps release tight connective tissues and has been shown to decrease stress.

After age 30, we begin to lose as much as 5% muscle mass per decade. We also lose bone density, elasticity and lymphatic flow. A thoughtful, well-designed routine can slow these processes down, and may reverse some. Richard has designed an exercise template that feels safe and effective for him, and has grounded this routine with six studies on exercise and aging.

Restorative Yoga & Reiki with Laura

Join Laura for a restorative yoga class enhanced by the healing energy of reiki. You can expect gentle movements before settling into supported poses and stillness. You’ll spend several minutes in each shape as Laura, who is a Reiki Master, gives reiki to each participant. The combination of restorative yoga and energy healing can help you balance, reset, and fully relax the body and mind. Class will conclude with a guided meditation and final relaxation.

What is Reiki? Reiki is an energy healing technique that uses gentle hand movements to facilitate the flow of energy throughout the body. It can help reduce stress, promote relaxation and provide healing to our physical and emotional well being.

Reiki-Infused Crystal Alchemy Sound Bath with Ash

This sound bath blends the Japanese healing practice of reiki and the vibrational therapy of pure 432 hz frequency crystal alchemy singing bowls to create a harmonious journey of relaxation, inner peace and energetic renewal. Sound therapy can reduces stress, lower blood pressure and aids in sleep and digestion.

Alignment, Cuing and Sequencing Fundamentals with Abby

Enhance your teaching skills and personal practice in this foundational yoga workshop focused on alignment, cuing, and sequencing with Abby Ritter, LPC, E-RYT 500, AHC. Whether you’re a yoga teacher or an aspiring practitioner, this workshop will provide the tools and knowledge to deepen your understanding of the principles of alignment to support safety and accessibility in poses, learn effective cues to guide students with clarity and confidence and craft cohesive sequences. This workshop combines theory with practice, offering opportunities to refine your technique, receive feedback, and deepen your understanding of how to structure yoga practices that align with student needs and intentions.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your teaching or enhance your own personal practice, this workshop will empower you with the skills to bring greater precision, creativity, and purpose to your yoga practice.

Continuing education credits are available. In-person or Zoom.

Applying Eastern Philosophy to Your Life with Joni

Concepts from Buddhist psychology, Eastern poetry, and ancient texts from India offer us nuggets of wisdom and insight into human struggle and how to overcome it. However, when we try to apply them to our complex Western lives, the ideas seem out of reach. Joni will guide you through some key concepts and passages and discuss ways in which you can improve your perspective and merge these philosophies with your existing set of values to walk a path of acceptance and becoming your best self, again and again. No experience is necessary. Continuing education credits are available for yoga teachers, social workers, and licensed professional counselors.

Ayurveda and Yoga with Leta

Ayurveda, “life knowledge”, is often referred to as the sister science of Yoga. Learn why this 3,000 year old healing tradition is still being practiced today to help people improve their physical health and mental well-being. Participants will take a quiz to discover their Dosha type and learn which yoga postures and breathing practices will benefit them individually. Class will include a lecture and full yoga practice, taught on a beginner-level. Yoga Teachers can earn continuing education hours by attending this training. Workshop can be attended in-person or online via Zoom.

Navigating Motherhood: What to Expect with Baby and Beyond

Join Dr Jamie DeMarco, pelvic floor physical therapist and yoga instructor, along with Dr Hayley Hellstern, pediatrician, for this comprehensive workshop designed to help expectant and new mothers navigate the exciting yet challenging journey of motherhood. Whether you're preparing for the arrival of your little one or adjusting to life after birth, this session will equip you with essential knowledge, tips, and tools to manage the physical, emotional, and practical challenges you may face. This workshop will cover understanding baby's needs, as Dr Hellstern talks about what's normal, what's not, and what's new. Dr DeMarco will discuss what to expect with your own body after childbirth, including recovery, physical healing, and emotional well-being. Class will conclude with a yoga practice focusing on empowering mother's mind, body, and spiritual wellness. (Partners are welcome to attend).

Deep Rest: Exploring Guided Relaxation Techniques and Practices with Abby

Join Abby Ritter, LPC, E-RYT 500, AHC and discover the art of true relaxation in this rejuvenating yoga workshop dedicated to guided relaxation techniques and poses that help facilitate deep relaxation. In today’s fast-paced world, learning to fully unwind is essential for restoring balance to the mind and body. Through these guided practices, you’ll develop tools to reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and restore emotional equilibrium. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, this workshop provides an opportunity to slow down, connect with your inner stillness, and leave feeling deeply relaxed and recharged.

Continuing education credits are available. In-person or Zoom.

Intro to Awakening the Subtle Body: Exploring Energetic Yoga Practices with Abby

Dive deeper into your yoga journey with this unique workshop focused on the subtle body, the energetic layer that influences your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this workshop with Abby Ritter, LPC, E-RYT 500, AHC, she will introduce you to the profound practices that work beyond the physical body to harmonize your energy and cultivate inner balance. Through guided exploration, you’ll experience: An introduction to the subtle body framework, including chakras, nadis, and prana. Practices to awaken and balance your energy, such as pranayama (breathwork) and bandhas (energetic locks). Gentle asana sequences designed to activate and align the energetic flow. Meditations and visualizations to deepen your connection to the subtle body. Perfect for yoga practitioners and teachers seeking to expand their knowledge. This workshop offers a blend of theory and experiential practices, helping you attune to your inner energy and deepen yo Continuing education credits are available. In-person or Zoom.

Kundalini Yoga Intensive with Leta

This intensive will cover the history of Tantra; the Kriya (actions), Mantra (chanting), Mudra (hand gestures) and Yantra (geometric designs) practices of Kundalini Yoga; and an in-depth exploration of the Chakras. Students of all levels of experience are welcome to participate. The session will end with a healing Gong Bath. Workshop can be attended via Zoom.