Here at Okra in Charlotte, NC, we are committed to serving an open and welcoming community of yoga students. From beginners trying out their first class to teachers with years of experience, we offer a variety of classes that are flexible to the needs of our students. No matter who you are or what you may be looking for, Okra Yoga will help bring more freedom, light, joy and health into your world.
YOGA CLASSES
CHILLAX
Chillax Yoga: A great class for varying levels with the emphasis on improving dynamic muscle movements. The flow is slow and the practice is geared towards broadening range of motion. This class has some strength building poses but is primarily focused on moving at a relaxed pace and building flexibility, great for training muscles and preventing injuries.
DEEP STRETCH
A class for all levels with the intention of allowing muscles to relax and lengthen. Focused predominately on stretching and releasing tight muscles and tendons, Deep Stretch takes strain off of the skeletal system. Flowing through poses slowly and emphasizing each enables yogis to become more aware and mindful of their own bodies.
YIN YOGA
A mixed-levels class with an emphasis on holding poses for a prolonged period of time. More advanced students may hold poses significantly longer than beginners during this slow flow. The intent of Yin Yoga is to apply stress to the connective tissues to improve flexibility while also bringing yogis to a deeper level of calm and awareness in their bodies.
VINYASA
Classes are designed for yogis and yoginis of all levels. Gentle in nature with elements of challenge and intensity, we will flow through a series of postures that will open you, strengthen you, and inspire you!
JIVAMUKTI
Jivamukti: “Jiva” – individual soul; “Mukti” – liberation. The word Jivamukti is derived from the Sanskrit word Jivanmuktih (“liberation while living”). Jivamukti classes are flow classes incorporating the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga: shastra (scripture), bhakti (devotion), ahimsa (non-harming), nada (music/deep inner listening) and dhyana (meditation) and is presented in teachings relevant to one’s life on and off the mat and supported by chanting, breath awareness, flowing vinyasa sequences, alignment exploration, hands on assisting and meditation. Monday night classes are for intermediate/advanced practitioners. Wednesdays are for beginner/intermediate and Thursday nights are for all levels and is candlelit. Come in for an abundant and fulfilling transformational experience!
PRIMAL
Primal Yoga is a fluid and thoughtfully sequenced practice that combines movement and breath to cultivate the flow of Qi and pranic energy throughout the body. Primal Yoga seamlessly blends yoga with fluid movements inspired by Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Kung Fu into a harmonious dance to create balance, strength and synergy in your physical and emotional body. With an emphasis on breath, fluidity and intelligent alignment-based sequencing, Primal Yoga taps into your body’s own innate wisdom to unlock the healing potential within. In this special series, we’ll explore the relationship between yoga and martial arts and how these two ancient art forms seamlessly work together to perfectly balance yin and yang. Out-of-the box movement and artful transitions will leave you rinsed out, energized, uplifted and inspired.
YOGA SCULPT
Sculpt is an opportunity to combine traditional yoga poses with light hand weights. This brings an added challenge to your practice and the benefits of both cardio and strength training. Expect a full body workout that targets major and minor muscle groups, following with a cool down to safely close your practice and center the mind.
VIN TO YIN
Students begin with a vinyasa style class and transition into holding yin poses for longer periods of time.
YOGA CLASSES
CHILLAX
Chillax Yoga: A great class for varying levels with the emphasis on improving dynamic muscle movements. The flow is slow and the practice is geared towards broadening range of motion. This class has some strength building poses but is primarily focused on moving at a relaxed pace and building flexibility, great for training muscles and preventing injuries.
DEEP STRETCH
A class for all levels with the intention of allowing muscles to relax and lengthen. Focused predominately on stretching and releasing tight muscles and tendons, Deep Stretch takes strain off of the skeletal system. Flowing through poses slowly and emphasizing each enables yogis to become more aware and mindful of their own bodies.
YIN YOGA
A mixed-levels class with an emphasis on holding poses for a prolonged period of time. More advanced students may hold poses significantly longer than beginners during this slow flow. The intent of Yin Yoga is to apply stress to the connective tissues to improve flexibility while also bringing yogis to a deeper level of calm and awareness in their bodies.
VINYASA
Classes are designed for yogis and yoginis of all levels. Gentle in nature with elements of challenge and intensity, we will flow through a series of postures that will open you, strengthen you, and inspire you!
JIVAMUTKI
Jivamukti: “Jiva” – individual soul; “Mukti” – liberation. The word Jivamukti is derived from the Sanskrit word Jivanmuktih (“liberation while living”). Jivamukti classes are flow classes incorporating the five tenets of Jivamukti Yoga: shastra (scripture), bhakti (devotion), ahimsa (non-harming), nada (music/deep inner listening) and dhyana (meditation) and is presented in teachings relevant to one’s life on and off the mat and supported by chanting, breath awareness, flowing vinyasa sequences, alignment exploration, hands on assisting and meditation. Monday night classes are for intermediate/advanced practitioners. Wednesdays are for beginner/intermediate and Thursday nights are for all levels and is candlelit. Come in for an abundant and fulfilling transformational experience!
PRIMAL
Primal Yoga is a fluid and thoughtfully sequenced practice that combines movement and breath to cultivate the flow of Qi and pranic energy throughout the body. Primal Yoga seamlessly blends yoga with fluid movements inspired by Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Kung Fu into a harmonious dance to create balance, strength and synergy in your physical and emotional body. With an emphasis on breath, fluidity and intelligent alignment-based sequencing, Primal Yoga taps into your body’s own innate wisdom to unlock the healing potential within. In this special series, we’ll explore the relationship between yoga and martial arts and how these two ancient art forms seamlessly work together to perfectly balance yin and yang. Out-of-the box movement and artful transitions will leave you rinsed out, energized, uplifted and inspired.