Schedule of Weekly Classes

for a general class format description, click here
View student testimonials

Public and Private Class Availability, Times and Studio Locations

I currently teach at several studios and business sites, and also deeply enjoy creating individually tailored, private sessions, available by appointment. Private instruction always includes a consultation/ intake prior to the session and can be done by phone or in person. To schedule a private session, please send your inquiry, including preferred times, to garudayogini@yahoo.com or call (831) 728-8064.
Please also click here to learn about other options for private sessions.

Schedule of Public Classes

Occasionally teaching Yoga leads me to travel and inspiring subs will take up these classes!
Click here to meet them and read their bios.

TUESDAY
9:30-10:45AM
Mixed Levels Hatha Flow: Vinyasa & Iyengar-inspired
Pleasure Point Fitness & Dance Studio, Capitola

NEW! 5:30-6:45PM
Mixed Levels Hatha Flow: Vinyasa & Iyengar-inspired
Spencer Fitness Studios, Corralitos

FRIDAY
NEW! 10:45AM-12noon
Mixed Levels Hatha Flow: Vinyasa & Iyengar-inspired
Club One at Enterprise, Scotts Valley

SATURDAY
4:30-6PM
Mixed Levels Hatha Flow: Vinyasa & Iyengar-inspired
Pacific Cultural Center, "Gallery" room, Santa Cruz
Subbed on 1/22/10 and Feb 6, 27...come enjoy, vive la difference!

Locations and Fees

Class series discounts can be purchased through Phoenix for her classes at any location except Spencer Fitness Studios: 5 classes for $55 and 10 classes for $100.

Class series packages expire in 90 days (3 months) from the time of purchase and can always be shared with friends or partners. For single classes, drop-in fees apply as noted below.

Pleasure Point Fitness and Dance Studio, Santa Cruz / ppfdc.com
911 41st Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 295-0953

Pacific Cultural Center, Santa Cruz / pacificcultural.org
1307 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz 95060
(831) 462-8892

Drop-in: $12, series of 5 classes for $55, 10 classes for $100 (restricted to use with Phoenix)

Spencer Fitness Studios, Corralitos / spencerfitness.com
105 Corralitos Road, Corralitos, CA 95076
(831) 661-0621

Drop-in: $14, series of 4 classes for $50, 8 classes for $90 (restricted to use with Phoenix)

Club One at Enterprise, Scotts Valley / clubone.com
100 Enterprise Way, Scotts Valley 95066
(831) 431-2202

Free for members. Drop-in for non-members: $10, series of 5 classes for $55, 10 classes for $100 (restricted to use with Phoenix)

Each class begins with chanting traditional invocations and prayers for blessing in our practice. We seal our commitment to mindfulness by caring for the physical level of the nervous system with pranayama, moving into warm-up postures that integrate core body and spinal alignment. We always do several types of Surya Namaskar--the Salutation to the Sun-- which increases overall flexibility, encourages concentration on the breath, and lends a devotional element to the practice.

The basic method of Yoga being taught is called Vinyasa, which is distinguished by breath-to-breath linkage between the postures which are sequentially choreographed, unfolding from one to another. "Vinyasa" is a word comprised of two participles, "vi" or movement and "nyasa" or the conscious placement of energy in the body for blessing, healing, and spiritual strength. Through intent, mudra, breath awareness and posture this conscious direction of focus at various points of bodily alignment allows the mind to surrender to a naturally arising meditative state. Students are guided through moderately paced sequences of standing, seated, reclined and --for Level 2-3 and up-- inverted asanas with an emphasis on rhythmic, deep breathing and precise alignment, combining longer holding periods with dynamic transitions between the postures. This cultivates a cleansing internal heat and raises the body's healing energy by bringing blood flow to rejuvenate internal organs and tissues, strengthening the respiratory and cardiovascular system, increasing lymphatic drainage, and reducing blood pressure. Flexibility, strength, coordination, and emotional balance increase as concentration on the breath and body expand the mind's capacity to rest in the present Moment.

Most locations where the classes are held provide some Yoga props but it is always best to bring your own mat and any other props you may have. If you are attending a public class of mine for the first time, please let me know prior to class if you have any injuries or special needs.

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Student Testimonials
Read expanded testimonials for retreat intensives and trainings here

"I have been attending yoga classes off an on for over thirty years. Phoenix is an excellent instructor, bringing deep knowledge of the practice as well as a welcoming presence to her classes. She makes new students feel comfortable while helping more seasoned students fine-tune their practice. Most of all, she understands that yoga is more than just putting your body into various positions-- that it is a state of mind and, in fact, an approach to life-- and she brings that perspective to class."
~Pia C.

"I have had the privilege of taking Phoenix's classes for over four years. I have taken many yoga classes with many different instructors and I can honestly say that Phoenix is a rare gem! She stands out, by far, in her capability to deliver exactly what each student needs... whether a novice or experienced practitioner. Though I have now attended hundreds of Phoenix's classes, I can honestly say that no two classes are alike! Though the class is only an hour, it feels as if she is able to integrate so much... e.g. strength, restorative, meditation and breath work into each class!

For Phoenix, yoga is not just a hobby... it is her passion! She continues to keep her practice fresh and expand her knowledge through regular training workshops in US and India and looks for innovative ways of sharing that knowledge with her students. Most of what I have learned about Yoga has come from attending Phoenix's classes!

At our facility, Phoenix's classes are always filled, often participants are turned away. [Her classes are] an excellent way for each of us to recharge our bodies and re-center our minds, thus supporting our efforts to be at peak performance when doing our job."
~Suman Brar, Engineering Manager

"Phoenix is very friendly but at the same time very professional in her dealings with her students. She is very receptive to the participants’ needs individually and collectively. Her classes are very popular... We immensely enjoy practicing Yoga in the classes that she leads. Not only are we learning the correct poses based on traditional Yoga, but we are also learning the breathing exercises that keep our bodies, minds and spirits calm and stress-free. She is the only Yoga instructor I know who includes chanting in the practice. In her class, we get the added bonus of learning songs in Sanskrit. The very reason she was selected to teach yoga [at our facility] was because she was featured in one of the Bay area publications as one of the best Yoga instructors in the valley.

Phoenix continues to expand her knowledge through sustained contact with the best Yoga instructors locally and abroad via her travels to Arizona, India, Tibet, Greece, etc. Then, equipped with more fresh enlightenment, she shares her newfound wisdom with the class."
~Cori E., AP Manager