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
including sub info in Santa Cruz


FRIDAY
10:30AM-11:45AM
Mixed Levels Hatha Flow: Vinyasa & Iyengar-inspired
Club One at Enterprise, Scotts Valley
Subbed on Feb 17th

SATURDAY
4:30-6PM
Mixed Levels Hatha Flow: Vinyasa & Iyengar-inspired
Pacific Cultural Center, "Gallery" room, Santa Cruz
Subbed by Aruna on Feb 18th

Locations and Fees

Class series discounts can be purchased through Phoenix for her classes at any location: 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.


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)

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 possible: please call 431-2202


Each class, depending on the setting, may begin with chanting a traditional Sanskrit invocation for blessing in our practice, or simply with Omkara (chanting of AUM to open to the breath/ emotional awareness/ Spirit. In the beginning, I like to offer a few postures that integrate core body and spinal alignment, such as seated or reclined spinal twist, a standing pose or two, a core-strengthening movement, or a simple rudimentary pranyama like Alternate Nostril breath to develop whole body attentiveness, enjoyment and mindfulness before we begin the more dynamic Sun Salutations. We always do several types of Surya Namaskar--the Salutation to the Sun-- which increases energy, overall flexibility, encourages concentration on the breath, and lends a devotional element to the practice.

My current "style" is a blend of what has reverberated and proven trustworthy and inspiring from the Vinyasa and Iyengar methods. Vinyasa 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. 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.

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.

Over the years my study of Iyengar Yoga has caused me to value the effects of holding poses for significant time for maximizing their physical benefits and also encouraging meditative equilibrium and maturity of vision in the healing states of awareness that Yoga offers to a student. We spend at least a third of the class holding postures for a couple of minutes on each side, during which time you will learn about relevant anatomy aspects of the posture and health benefits associated with each pose. I also like to delve into philosophy and psychology inspired by the universal experiences detailed by Yogic and Buddhist scriptures, and have a penchant for sharing poetry and readings from other traditions as well.

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

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