CHAR YOGA FITNESS & WELLNESS
Movement, Sound Healing & Mindful Outdoor Adventure
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CHAR'S WEEKLY CLASSES
Online Live Stream & In-Person Studio Class Schedule
5:45-6:45pm
TUESDAYS
Join Char Willingham for weekly online prenatal yoga classes designed to support Mom-to-be at every stage of her pregnancy journey. Each Asana practice offers skilled instruction, stretching, strengthening and flowing movements that help prepare Mom for birth and motherhood by connecting her to her body, baby and a community of fellow Moms. Movements are considered for every trimester, with the help of props and attention to alignment suitable to her growing baby and changing body. Integrated practices such as meditation, guided visualization and pranayama practices give Mom an opportunity to tune into the incredible wisdom of her body, take comfort in her breath and relax into the physical, emotional and mental demands of pregnancy.
Newcomer Special:
40 Days of Unlimited Classes for $49 (here)
9:00-9:45 PM
TUESDAYS
Join Char Willingham for Sleep Soundly Yoga Nidra
Studies show that most of us sleep an average of one to two hours less per night than people did sixty years ago; not getting enough sleep is more harmful than just feeling tired; it can weaken overall immune function and general health. Take a break from the over-stimulating, biohacking daily existence and join me for 45 minutes of conscious rest. Sleep Soundly Yoga Nidra, also known as the “yoga of sleep,” is a guided meditation designed to help you deeply unwind tension held in the body and mind. A class crafted to invite a sounder sleep during stressful times. Each 45 min class consists of guided meditation, an extended Yoga Nidra session followed by a peaceful Savasana that you can enjoy from the comfort of your bed. A practice and experience designed to prepare you for a rich, nourishing night’s sleep. Listen. Rest. Receive.
Newcomer Special:
40 Days of Unlimited Classes for $49 (here)
9:15-10:15 AM
FRIDAYS
Join Char Willingham for weekly online prenatal yoga classes designed to support Mom-to-be at every stage of her pregnancy journey. Each Asana practice offers skilled instruction, stretching, strengthening and flowing movements that help prepare Mom for birth and motherhood by connecting her to her body, baby and a community of fellow Moms. Movements are considered for every trimester, with the help of props and attention to alignment suitable to her growing baby and changing body. Integrated practices such as meditation, guided visualization and pranayama practices give Mom an opportunity to tune into the incredible wisdom of her body, take comfort in her breath and relax into the physical, emotional and mental demands of pregnancy.
Newcomer Special:
40 Days of Unlimited Classes for $49 (here)
10:30-11:30 AM
FRIDAYS
FLOW & RESTORE.
Join Char Willingham for a wonderful opportunity to explore balance through the sweetest combination of movement and stillness. Flow & Restore combines a challenging, joyful Vinyasa practice followed by a deep restorative sequence emphasizing the soft, quiet, and slow to elicit the body’s relaxation response. Leave this body & mind tuning practice feeling renewed with a sense of peace and a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you. Both Livestream & in studio at Down Under Yoga in the South End. (All-Levels)
Newcomer Special:
40 Days of Unlimited Classes for $49 (here)
WELCOME
As an Interdisciplinary Movement Professional, Student, Instructor, Teacher & Educator, Char embraces a whole-body approach to health and well-being by utilizing practices that integrate the mind, body, spiritual, (non-physical), and emotional aspects. She combines her diverse background in dance & movement, with her knowledge and experience in sports & fitness with her training in Yoga, Movement Science, Meditation, Pranayama, Reiki, Bodywork & Sound Healing to guide her clients in experiencing profoundly transformative and long-term lifestyle improvements. All of which she offers through group classes & private sessions. (more here)
Offerings:
Yoga, Hiking & Outdoor Adventure
About Char's Movement Classes & Workshops: Yoga, Dance & Fitness
Char's group classes and workshops are multi-level and open to all. A few private sessions are also available to those who prefer to practice or train in a more intimate setting. Her teaching style is inclusive, nurturing, and down-to-earth, focusing on the success of her clients & students. When teaching dance, barre & movement she utilizes simple choreography and motivating music to get participants out of their heads and into their bodies. Her fitness classes are safe and results-driven and when teaching yoga she combines a focus on breath-centered alignment with fluid posture sequencing and mindfulness of movement—delivering experiences that are effective for the body, mentally empowering, and a compassionate inward journey, relaxing, light-hearted, and enjoyable. A reminder that movement is a part of a journey of nurturing the heart-mind and body and self-discovery, acceptance, expression, and enlightenment.
CLASS OFFERINGS
Mindful Movement & Graceful Flow
Aerial Yoga & AntiGravity® Fitness, Yin Yoga, Taoist Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, SPA Yoga®,Yoga Flow, Prenatal Yoga, Postnatal & Pelvic Floor Dance & Movement, Functional Fitness Fusion, Roll Model® Method, Pranayama, Meditation & Mindfulness Instruction, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Sound Healing & Vibrational Sound, Himalayan, Tibetan & Crystal Singing Bowl Sound Baths, Holistic Nutrition Workshops, Group Classes & Private Sessions,Home Flows, Live Streaming Yoga, Online Yoga Classes, Online Yoga Videos,
BREATHE, FLOW & RESTORE
See Class Schedule
A wonderful opportunity to explore balance through the sweetest combination of movement and stillness. This class combines a breathing practice with a stress relieving flow consisting of postures and techniques that release the myofascia, lubricate the joints, revive connective tissue and release the mind. Unlock the secret to having more mental and physical energy through straightforward techniques for introversion, stillness and perfectly paired movement. Leave this body & mind tuning practice feeling renewed with a sense of peace, a deeper connection to YOU and a readiness to embrace the fresh possibilities of tomorrow.
VINYASA & HEATED FLOW
See Class Schedule
This unique fusion of suspension training and yoga offers a fresh take on two incredible disciplines. TRX yoga is a style of power yoga that leverages the TRX suspension trainer as a way of informing the body and the senses while building true resilience. Allowing you to explore yoga asana without fear, or hesitation. By using The TRX Suspension trainer to perform variations of yoga poses you increase stability while using full range of motion. A TRX Yoga class has all of the elements of a traditional yoga practice while firing up the body in a very safe and effective way. It also gives practitioners an opportunity to bravely explore previously inaccessible yoga postures. This exciting fusion program embraces the powerful mind, body and breath connection of yoga, while enhancing the experience with TRX Suspension Training principles. Join Char for Group TRX Yoga classes, or schedule a small group, or private session.
AERIAL YOGA + ANTIGRAVITY® FITNESS
Sat 10:45am & Wed 7:00pm @ Common Ground Yoga. Also See: Sound, Ground & Restore Workshops
Aerial Yoga also known as “Floating Yoga” is an effective combination of Aerial Arts, traditional yoga and pilates. A typical class combines elements of a traditional yoga practice, such as breathing, stretching and mindful movement with Aerial Yoga adaptations of mat yoga poses and pilates movements. Along with bending, twisting, reaching, gripping, flipping, swinging and hanging with the help of the aerial hammock. Aerial yoga offers the same wonderful benefits of mat yoga; such as lengthening of the muscles and connective tissues and increased flexibility, while also building both core and upper body strength. Group Aerial Yoga classes are offered for various levels to meet yogis & aerialists at every stage of their Aerial Yoga journey, from true beginners to advanced practitioners.
AntiGravity® Fitness
Is a fun fitness workout that connects the body and mind. It’s also a technique that allows one to stretch further and hold challenging poses longer by utilizing the AntiGravity Hammock. AntiGravity Fitness was created by Christopher Harrison in 1991, making it the originator of the Aerial Yoga Suspension Fitness Genre.
TRX POWER YOGA FLOW
'FIND YOUR ZEN'
See Events & Workshops
This unique fusion of suspension training and yoga offers a fresh take on two incredible disciplines. TRX yoga is a style of power yoga that leverages the TRX suspension trainer as a way of informing the body and the senses while building true resilience. Allowing you to explore yoga asana without fear, or hesitation. By using The TRX Suspension trainer to perform variations of yoga poses you increase stability while using full range of motion. A TRX Yoga class has all of the elements of a traditional yoga practice while firing up the body in a very safe and effective way. It also gives practitioners an opportunity to bravely explore previously inaccessible yoga postures. This exciting fusion program embraces the powerful mind, body and breath connection of yoga, while enhancing the experience with TRX Suspension Training principles. Join Char for Group TRX Yoga classes, or schedule your own small group, or private session.
YIN YOGA & MEDITATION
See Class Schedule
An easeful non-heated, non-flow, spacious practice that helps you to slow down, open and release by utilizing simple to access passive floor postures, stillness and holds of two to six minutes. This beautiful practice not only helps to regulate the flow of “Qi” energy by stimulating the meridians, channels, or pathways, but also helps to strengthen, lengthen, and hydrate the deeper connective tissues that are responsible for mobility and flexibility; such as the fascia, ligaments, tendons, joints and bones. This Yin Yoga class helps to improve flexibility, while building inner stamina and mental endurance with a complementary meditation and intertwined mindfulness practice. Yin Yoga is a wonderful stand alone practice, or the perfect complement to your “yang” yoga practice and exercise. Give the gift of “Yin” to yourself today, your mind & body will thank you! No prior experience needed. Open to all levels.
SLOW FLOW & RESTORATIVE (FLOW & RESTORE)
Fridays 10:45-12:00pm
Down Under School of
Yoga in Harvard Square
Livestream + In Studio
Restorative yoga can help you to feel better, calmer and happier in your body, your mind and your life. This receptive and fully accessible practice, utilizes passive shapes supported by props and a deep sense of comfort and relaxation; bringing the mind, physical body and emotional being into balance. Poses are held from 5+ minutes giving the body ample time to transition into rest mode, while the mind is nurtured through a complimentary meditative practice. Smoothly progressing to an extended savasana with guided relaxation. Indulge in this wonderful opportunity to withdraw from the over stimuli of everyday busyness and flow into ebullience, blissful healing and total body harmony. Classes are either 60 min, 75 min, or 90 min depending upon location. Open to all levels. No prior experience necessary to enjoy the many wonderful benefits of a Restorative Yoga practice.
Char offers two types of Restorative Yoga Classes. Read more...
Flow & Restore taught Friday Mornings 10:45-12:00pm
PRENATAL-POSTNATAL YOGA
FRI 9:15-10:15am (in-person Harvard Square + Livestream)
TUES 5:45-7:00pm (Livestream Only)
Down Under School of Yoga
Join Char Willingham for weekly online prenatal yoga classes designed to support Mom-to-be at every stage of her pregnancy journey. Each Asana practice offers skilled instruction, stretching, strengthening, stabilizing and flowing movements that help prepare Mom for birth and motherhood by connecting her to her body, baby and a community of fellow Moms. Movements are considered for every trimester, with the help of props and attention to alignment suitable to her growing baby and changing body. Integrated practices such as meditation, guided visualization and pranayama, give Mom the opportunity to tune into the incredible wisdom of her body, take comfort in her breath and relax into the physical, emotional and mental demands of pregnancy. Postnatal yoga classes are a great way for Mom to ease back into movement, stretching, strength-building and core integration appropriately designed for her postpartum journey. Both classes provide ample opportunity for Mom to savor every moment of her perinatal self care.
YOGA NIDRA
Tuesday & Sunday 9:00-9:45am
(Livestream Only)
Down Under School of Yoga
The term Yoga Nidra is derived from two Sanskrit words, ‘yoga’ meaning union, or one pointed awareness and ‘nidra’ meaning sleep. Also known as “The Sleep of the Yogi” Since Yoga Nidra and Sleep are closely intertwined. Yoga Nidra is a meditative, regenerative practice that offers similar benefits as those resulting from sleep, which helps our wounds to heal, improves memory, boosts the immune system, manages pain, and lowers stress. When practicing Yoga Nidra, the body relaxes, while the mind stays awake and one-pointed as it is in meditation. Read more...
MEDITATION
See Class Schedule
Meditation is training for the brain and provides strength, clarity and stability of the mind. It increases our ability to focus our thoughts, and mindfully wakes us up to what's going on in the present moment. A consistent meditation practice has been proven to reward practitioners with a host of scientifically supported benefits. This class consists of progressing through several ancient tibetan buddhist meditation practices, such as mindfulness meditation and contemplative practices with a secular approach. This is a great class to assist you with establishing and maintaining a formal meditation practice. Char also incorporates many of these ancient practices into her group yoga classes. Group formal meditation classes and privates sessions also available. Attend a class, or contact to schedule.
SINGING BOWL MEDITATION
See: Events & Workshops
Also referred to as Vibrational Sound, or Sound Baths is a form of Sound Healing, used as one of many holistic approaches to balancing the whole body. These oscillations in energy stimulate the spinal cord and sends waves through the nervous system, cells, tissues and organs; while simultaneously balancing the subtle energy body, which contains the chakras and aura field. The beautiful tones produced by the singing bowls create a heightened state of consciousness, due to their effects on the interneuronal connections. Invoking a deep state of relaxation, as the observer is guided into a mindful state very similar to meditating. Thus, making singing bowls the perfect and quintessential aid to any meditation practice. In this relaxed, balanced and serene state induced by vibration, the mind guides the consciousness on an inner journey, giving the listener the opportunity to see themselves and the world around them from a refreshed, peaceful and enlightened perspective.
PRANAYAMA
See Class Schedule
Pranayama is one of the many methods that we use to elicit deep relaxation and quiet, giving us the opportunity to recover and heal from stress. The practice reveals and refines the details of our energetic patterns, as it compliments our Asana practice, which reveals our physical habits and patterns, while strengthening our physical body. Pranayama also compliments our meditation practice, which keeps us connected to ourselves and helps us to cultivate inner awareness. Char incorporates Pranayama into her group classes, meditation sessions and private sessions. She also offers Pranayama workshops. Visit her livestream and in person schedule to join her group classes and if you’re interested in scheduling a private session, click on the link below.
TAOIST YOGA
See Class Schedule
Taoist yoga embodies the elements and rhythm of nature in this dynamic and regenerative practice; combining a synergistic blend of Taoist breathing, gentle yoga stretching and flowing martial arts movements. Designed to awaken the body's energy pathways, nurture the joints, and center the mind. As a branch of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), this ancient healing art has been practiced for thousands of years as a way to keep the body's life force energy (Qi) circulating and flowing. Encouraging a heightened state of awareness of one's own internal energy, which helps to facilitate health, happiness, and inner peace; leaving the practitioner feeling tranquil and revitalized.
CORE-RECTIVE YOGA
See Class Schedule
CORE-Rective Yoga is a signature program created by Char Willingham that combines the ancient yoga knowledge of asana with modern movement science to help depattern the body and mind. The importance of this depatternization of movement is to reduce chances of injury both on and off the mat. The CORE in this program is not referring to your abdominal muscles, which we do happen to target occasionally in this class, but CORE as in the central and most important part of you. The innate part of yourself that we work to uncover in this practice. The corrective part of this class is a combination of yoga asana, movements and techniques that help release the myofascia, lubricate the joints, revive connective tissue, improve strength, increase flexibility, release the mind and restore peace, balance and calm. Open to all levels. Come get out of your comfort zone, inspire and be inspired and leave feeling like you just did the most amazing thing for your body, mind and YOU!
SPA YOGA®
See Class Schedule
SPA Yoga® is a slow-flow, floor-based, whole-body sensory experience that engages all of the five senses. Relax as Char guides you through a mindful flow consisting of deep stretches, soft candlelight, soothing music, aromatherapy and gentle hands-on assists/massage. Enjoy a physical practice that enhances the body’s subtle energy and prepares each participant for deep relaxation and new depths of awareness through an extended, guided savasana. Wrap up this amazing class with an enhanced appreciation of taste, with the occasional gourmet chocolate and leave each class feeling as if you’ve just stepped out of a SPA! A great way to start your morning, or end a long work day!
CLASSICAL PILATES MAT
See Events & Workshops
Pilates is truly the ultimate mind-body exercise to strengthen, streamline and realign the body! This low-impact mat class is based on the teachings, techniques and variations of Joseph Pilates and utilizes Pilates exercises to enhance outcomes associated with weak abdominals and muscular imbalances. In addition to overuse injuries, arthritis, postural disorders, malalignment issues, and low back pain. This functional, yet effective core mat practice helps to lengthen tight muscles, which enhances your yoga practice, improves running and recovery and workouts of all types; as well as daily life activities. Studies on Pilates show that this practice also challenges the mind and improves cognitive functions, while strengthening mental and physical awareness through the emphasis of breath and body and how they move together. Open to all levels, no prior experience necessary.
YOGA FOR BREAST CANCER & RECOVERY
Contact To Schedule
A personalized and nurturing yoga practice for individuals at all stages of detection and care. Including those with lymphedema and metastatic breast cancer. Sessions include adaptive yoga poses that are appropriate for each person's stage of treatment, combined with meditation and other optional relief practices. These are private sessions that are free to all cancer patients, but require pre-scheduling. Please email, or complete the contact form for additional information.
SELF MYOFASCIAL MOVEMENT & RELEASE
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Join Char Willingham for Roll Model® Method classes & workshops that help release and nurture fascia, erase pain, improve posture and enhance athletic performance. This class incorporates self-myofascial deep and gentle tissue releasing techniques, gentle yoga stretching and corrective exercises to release trigger points, lengthen tight muscles, lubricate joints, hydrate connective tissue, soften scar tissue and unwind knots and adhesions that occur from overuse, underuse, misuse, or abuse. The techniques used in this practice increase blood flow to the treated area and improve circulation, mobility, flexibility and body awareness. Leading to improved muscle memory and a stronger sense of self-movement and body position, which in turn helps to minimize chances of injury and reinjury while improving physical performance. Each “hands-off” self-treatment and down-regulating class restores fluidity and warmth in the tissues, while encouraging tranquility, rest and repair.
THAI YOGA BODYWORK
Monday 7:00pm
Thai Yoga Bodywork, also known as nuat thai, nuat phaen boran, or nuad boran, is considered an extension of your yoga practice. Thai Massage, or Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient healing art originating in Asia and used since approximately 500 b.c. This ancient Ayurvedic-based body science is performed on a floor mat as the recipient is guided through a series of assisted yoga postures and gentle stretches; while palming and thumbing is applied along the body’s “sen” (energy lines) and “marmas” (pressure points) creating a harmonious and rehabilitative dance. This full-body practice relieves muscular tension, increases circulation and restores balance in the body by unblocking and dispersing impeded energy. No lotions or oils are applied and participant remains fully clothed for the session.
REIKI TREATMENTS & GUIDED RELAXATION
Contact to Schedule
Reiki is a Complementary practice also known as Energy Medicine, or Energy Healing. Sessions offered are mindfully integrated and tailored to fit the needs of each person, with a unique combination of Reiki, Sound Healing, Aromatherapy, Crystal Healing, Meditation, or simply Guided Relaxation to calm the mind and facilitate a state of peacefulness; while sessions work to reignite the body’s natural healing processes. Each session helps to restore physical, mental and emotional balance for whole body wellness. Reiki treatments & tonings are performed by a Practitioner & Master Teacher of several Reiki styles and lineages, who utilizes the style of Reiki that best suits the needs of her clients. All sessions are done fully clothed and requires no physical contact. Chair Sessions & Distance Reiki treatments are also available.
PRIVATE SESSIONS
Contact To Schedule
One-to-one, or small group sessions are ideal for those new to yoga, or the world of fitness and anyone wanting a more individualized experience. Private sessions can combine Yoga and breathing techniques, with relief practices such as Meditation, Reiki, Sound Healing and Aromatherapy, or fitness disciplines and exercises such as Pilates & TRX. Small group and 1-2-1 sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, or small group in an effort to maximize rehabilitative benefits. Char offers a supportive and encouraging practice, or training environment, while embracing a holistic approach to assisting clients in achieving a sense of wholeness and balance.
Offerings: