Vinyasa 1

The word Vinyasa means the connection of breath to movement. Thus in Vinyasa yoga all movements are synchronized with the breath, creating a practice that is both dynamic and flowing. The asanas, or postures, are derived from the Ashtanga system. The difference between the two styles is that in Ashtanga yoga the practitioner performs the same asanas in the same sequence every time, while in Vinyasa yoga one has more freedom to improvise sequences of asanas. The basic components of a vinyasa class will be present – warm up, sun salutations, standing poses, inversions, back bends, forward folds, and a well-deserved savasana.

A Level 1 Vinyasa class assumes the practitioner has had some vinyasa experience, although it’s not required.  Poses will be basic as yoga students practice body and breath awareness; basic alignment of postures (placement of the body in standing seated and balancing poses); breathing, meditation techniques; and deep relaxation. The pace of this class is generally slower with mindful attention to the mind-body connection that we cultivate through alignment and breath. Expect to build strength, stamina and flexibility over time.

Temperature: Warm
Level: All Levels

Class Timetable

  Open Time Close Time Trainer Address
Tuesday Diana Sweeney 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Thursday Jane Hlis 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Tuesday
- - Diana Sweeney - at 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Thursday
- - Jane Hlis - at 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Originally from Miami, I moved to the keys in 1996 with my husband and two small children to raise them in a more natural environment and a smaller, closer-knit community. I started practicing yoga then and loved how it complimented my tennis game and other sports and fitness pursuits. It wasn’t until I began yoga teacher training with Kathy at Key Largo Yoga and cultivated a daily sadhana practice that I was completely drawn in by the more subtle limbs of yoga which go way beyond just the physical asana practice. Always a voracious reader, yoga began to satisfy my “nerdy” side and my thirst as a lifelong student; a match made in heaven because there is so much to learn! The greatest thing I have learned from yoga so far is that my practice is inherently mine in a way that is inalienable; no person or thing, no matter if I am in a confined space or anywhere in the vast world, can separate me from my practice. When I teach, whether the students are locals or tourists, my intention is to build a sense of community that is unique to every class. I’ve received so much joy, knowledge, peace, growth, and understanding through yoga that it is my dharma, my purpose, to share it, spread it, and broadcast it wide. I love to travel in our RV and practice yoga everywhere I go, and I often find myself practicing outside, or at different studios around the country. My goal is to practice yoga in every National Park in the United States.

I recently completed my yoga teacher training through Key Largo Yoga studio under the guidance of her mentor, Kathy Shirley. I am also a licensed physical therapist and owner of Atlantic Sportcare, Inc, in Key Largo, FL. I have been actively practicing physical therapy 33 years specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. I received my BS degree, double majoring in biology and physical education and a minor in psychology, from Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, and played Division I scholarship tennis. In addition, I attained my physical therapy degree from Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. My interest in yoga stemmed from my medical and sports background, knowing my body needed much “love” both physically and mentally from competitively pounding the tennis courts for 20 years and realizing it was catching up with me. My physical practice began about 4 years ago and I quickly felt not only the physical benefits, but also the mental and spiritual changes as I found my way of thinking was definitely and naturally changing. I was “sold” on that combination and have never looked back. I look forward to expanding my yoga knowledge and practice while integrating and sharing my technical medical background with the Upper Keys community!!