Vinyasa 1

Trainer: Kris Friedman, Jane Hlis Level:

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 Kris Friedman 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Thursday Jane Hlis 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Tuesday
- - Kris Friedman - at 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Thursday
- - Jane Hlis - at 99198 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Graduating from Northern Arizona University in 1997 with a degree in elementary education, I worked in copywriting in my home state of Illinois, and then as an apprentice on a Michigan horse farm, before moving to Islamorada in 2001. I was introduced to yoga in 2007 and enjoyed an on-again-off-again relationship for many years. I became a certified Sound Practitioner in late 2020, and received my Sound Therapy Certification in 2021. While in training I was fortunate to be invited to establish the Tuesday night sound sessions at Key Largo Yoga known as Tune Up Tuesday. Then in 2023, the Key Largo Yoga Teacher Training expanded my understanding of yoga beyond asana. It became the catalyst for transforming my yoga practice from casual and merely physical, to a disciplined and cohesive exploration of the body and mind. “Atha yoga anushasanam: Now the practice of yoga begins,” (The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, 1.1) Teaching yoga combines my educational training and my inclinations to explore and honor the spiritual nature within us all. To hold space for beautiful individuality within the oneness of existence. I so look forward to growing my practice on and off the mat, with this supportive Keys yoga community.

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!!