A New Center Yoga
A Center for Hatha Yoga and Pilates,
Group Mat and Reformer.
And now offering Tai Chi Classes.

6080 Woodward Detroit, MI

(248) 217-4179

lcsharret@yahoo.com


About A New Center Yoga

At A New Center Yoga, the emphasis is on feeling the pose rather performing it. Classes are held in a candlelit room with the music softly playing in the background. The classroom will only accommodate 8 students, so you can be sure to receive personalized attention, should you need it. You are encouraged to relax your body and use your breath to ease into a pose. All classes are Hatha (Ha-Ta) Yoga. This is the branch of Yoga that transforms the human body via physical strengthening and purification. Ultimately, the goal is to make the body a worthy vehicle for self-realization. This is not a strenuous form of Yoga; although our intermediate and advanced classes are not for beginners.

We invite you to take your first class free, so you can experience the surroundings, and see if they are for you.

Beginner Classes

Discover the pathway to greater strength, vitality, flexibility, structural alignment, balance and relaxation.

Intermediate and Advanced Classes

Experience how each specific movement in Yoga is designed to connect the body, mind and spirit of an individual. Discover that you may possess the ability to feel peaceful, regardless of your surroundings.



Location

We are located in the New Center area, near the Fisher building.

Our address is 6080 Woodward, 4 blocks South of W. Grand Blvd.

on the East side of the street. We are located in the lower level of a green building called "Mel's Salon".

 

 


About Yoga


If you have ever taken a few brief moments to breathe deeply or gently stretched your body, you have actually practiced Yoga.

Yoga is a psychological and spiritual discipline that has been an integral part of Indian culture for thousands of years. The ancient Yogis developed the system as a means of achieving harmony within themselves and in relation to their environment. They believed that by working with the body and the breath, control over the mind, emotions and general well-being could be achieved.

Yoga philosophy was passed down by oral tradition, and for this reason, the precise origins of Yoga remain somewhat of a mystery. The first recorded written mention of Yoga appears in a collection of Indian scriptures called the Vedas , which date back to about 1500 BC. However, archeological finds of intact ceramics depicting figures in Yogic meditation poses show that Yoga was practiced at least 5000 years ago. The practice of Yoga was systematized in approximately the third century BC by a Yogi called Patanjali in his work The Yoga Sutras.

Different schools of Yoga have developed over the years, although most adhere to certain basic elements of Yoga, with a slightly different slant on teaching and practice.

Yoga is not a religion. It does however, offer guidelines for living, spirituality, the study of sacred texts and ultimately, communion with the divine. While some branches of Yoga may seem more religious or mystical than others, the study of Yoga is open to all religions and encourages the study of all religious and spiritual texts.

The word "Yoga" means joining or union, and so signifies the integration of all parts of the human being-harmony at every level. According to the classical Indian philosophy of Yoga, it can ultimately lead to union of the whole being with the Universal Spirit.

About Hatha (Ha-TA) Yoga

Hatha Yoga is the most commonly practiced and consists of a blend of body postures, gentle stretching, breathing exercises and meditation and relaxation techniques. These balance and modulate opposing energy forces in the body-leading toward improved health, well-being and inner peace. Hatha Yoga is a Yoga system that emphasizes the physical along with the path of self-actualization, combining body control and breath-control to achieve inner balance.

Many of the Yoga postures have been adapted and simplified for the Western body, which most likely did not grow up steeped in the practice. For example, in the West, people are brought up to sit on chairs, whereas in India people are accustomed to sitting cross-legged or squatting. In Indian culture, children are introduced to Yoga at a very young age, giving them a head start in their levels of flexibility. In the West, therefore, it takes years of dedicated practice to achieve some of the complex postures, thus necessitating progressive levels in the teaching of Yoga. the tensions of modern life also cause a reduction in flexibility.

 

About Pilates


Pilates ("pih- lah -teez")

To Improve strength, flexibility, posture and coordination.

The Pilates method is an integrated exercise system which combines elements of gymnastics, Yoga, weight-training and breath work. The exercises are very precise and controlled, and are designed to engage the body and mind. This helps to promote increased body awareness by focusing your attention on each moment of exercise.



In conventional workouts, weak muscles tend to get weaker and strong muscles tend to get stronger. The result is muscular imbalance-a primary cause of injury and chronic back pain. Pilates conditions the whole body-even the ankles and the feet. No muscle group is over trained or under trained. Your entire musculature is evenly balanced and conditioned.

Developed in the 1920's by German-born athlete Joseph H. Pilates, who became interested in exercise and body conditioning after a sickly childhood, Pilates utilizes specialized equipment and precise exercises that can help to coordinate the entire body's movement. Since it is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise, it is well suited for most age groups and fitness levels. Many performers and dancers do Pilates; not only to improve their flexibility and balance, but to build up strength. Physical therapists and hospitals also use these exercises for rehabilitating spinal problems, joint injuries, whiplash and some kinds of paralysis. The Pilates method may even correct improper muscular/skeletal alignment.

Pilates on the mat is beneficial for virtually everyone, but the reformer is especially good for people with joint alignment problems, muscular and joint ailments or people who do not wish to have these problems. The Reformer is excellent for the elderly, and those who are out of shape or recovering from an illness or accident and can also benefit athletes with an imbalance in muscle development. the exercises tone the muscles, stimulate the circulatory system and help improve balance, flexibility, coordination and posture. They can also reduce stress and increase mental alertness.

Pilates dramatically transforms the way your body looks, feels and performs. It builds strength without excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body.



About Pilates Mat class

These classes are in a series of 6. All 6, or as many as possible need to be attended as each class builds on the principles and becomes more and more challenging. These classes are offered throughout the year, only 8 students per series. Pilates Mat is a fairly rigorous course and not recommended as rehabilitation for those who are injured. Please call for current schedule.

About the Reformer



The Reformer is a machine that you lie on, and you perform many of the mat exercises with the use of springs and pulleys. There are several advantages to working with the reformer. The first is that there are "points of measurement" to feel the alignment of your body. Your shoulders rest against shoulder pads and you place your feet on the foot bar. Instantly, you can feel your alignment or your instructor will be able to see it and correct you. The reformer is up off the ground, which makes it much easier for someone who is elderly or injured to get on and off. Many exercises are performed seated, to help with seated stabilization. There are weights to these exercises, but since alignment and flexibility is key, most people are not challenged by the added weights. The reformer is strictly one-on-one instruction. Please call for available time slots.

 


About your instructor, Lyn C. Scharret

As a commercial photographer in Los Angeles, the land of sunshine and health food stores , I was drawn to the study of herbs and holistic medicine. Holistic medicine, with its concentration on well-being for all levels of the body-emotional, mental, spiritual as well as the physical, led me to the study of Hatha Yoga and Pilates. My 20 year career in photography seems like a "past life" to me now. For the last 10 years, my life has been devoted to teaching Yoga and Pilates.

Yoga

Yoga has shown me how to make every moment of my life sacred. Am I saying that I'm perfect? No, yet I am committed to a life where I hold the body as a sacred vehicle. Commitment is a choice we make again and again. To hold life and the body sacred, means for me that I stay aware of not only the food I eat, but the thoughts I am thinking. Everything is energy. My initial training for Yoga was an Ashram in Venice, California. The Ashram influenced my approach to teaching. Class unofficially starts 1/2 hour to 15 minutes beforehand. My students know that to rush in at the last minute and try and grab a mat is...not "Yoga-like".

My desire is to teach the art of awareness and relaxation so that one may access that feeling throughout the day, not just the hour or so in the studio. I also teach Yoga in the inner-city schools in Detroit, where there is so little money for sports or recreation. It is so important that the children learn that they don't need expensive shoes or supplies to perform Yoga and to give them the opportunity to learn ability to relax.



"Most people believe that there are two states of "being". One is Alert, getting things done, the other is resting or sleeping. But there is a third alternative. It is calm, yet vibrant; energetic, yet relaxed. Yoga can show you this third state. Not only while you are in class, but throughout the day"

Pilates

I am often asked the difference between Yoga and Pilates. We say "Pilates is body and mind and Yoga is body, mind and spirit". They are similar in certain respects. They both involve conscious movement. In other words, you need to think about how you are moving. We think we do this, but due to injuries and just plain old improper use of the body, we truly don't. I love Pilates because it strengthens everything, with an emphasis on proper alignment. I received my original training and certification with Polestar and love to keep current with other methods such as the Stott Method, Ron Fletcher and classical Joseph Pilates as well. I am one of the handful of certified Pilates instructors in the Detroit area and have been teaching for about 10 years.



 
Class Schedules and Pricing


Coming to Class Guidelines

Space is limited-we only allow 8 students per class. To ensure a spot and to get the most out of your practice, please arrive at least 15 minutes before class starts. No need to call to reserve a space, we are strictly on a first come, first serve basis.

For class, wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will leave your shoes in the rack by the door when you come in. It is strongly recommended that you do not eat a meal 2-3 hours before class.

Start wherever you are and build strength and flexibility at your own pace. Develop increased awareness and ability to focus as you discipline your mind. Unless you have had a year or two of practicing Yoga, you will need permission to be in an intermediate or advanced class. This is not really based on your flexibility, but rather on your approach to the poses. We maintain that no one has ever hurt themselves practicing Yoga. People hurt themselves when they force their bodies into a position, and that is NOT Yoga.

Pregnant or injured individuals should consult their physicians before taking any classes. Pleas notify the instructor of any pre-existing conditions.

Yoga Schedule

Monday 5:00  Intermediate/Advanced

Saturday 1:00  Beginner/Intermediate

*Space is Limited. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class begins to ensure a spot.

Yoga Course Fees

Your first class is FREE.

Drop-in fee after that is $12.00 a class.

Yoga Series Specials

6 classes for $66.00

10 classes for $99.00


4 extra weeks are given for make-ups with Series Specials. Series may be used for any class on any day.

Pilates Mat Courses


Berkley Community Center

2400 Robina
Berkley, MI
(248) 658-3470

Berkley Classes-space is limited-only 10 students per class!

Beginner
Yoga-lates 5:00 pm
Combination Beginner and Pilates Class
Learn the best of both worlds!
These classes are 9 week sessions, the first class is FREE!
$127 for the session

Intermediate/Advanced*
Pilates 6:00 pm
* must have permission from the instructor to attend



FitnessWorks

Saturdays 8 am (need permission from instructor to attend)

6525 Second Ave, Detroit, MI (adjacent to Henry Clay Ford Center for Athletic Medicine)

These sessions run in a 9 week series. First class is free. 8 sessions for $100 if you are not a member of FitnessWorks, $80 if you are a member. Call for session start dates


 
Pilates Reformer Course

Call for a free demonstration - 1 hour free class.

$250 for 6 introductory/intermediate/advanced classes

Subject to availability, please call for scheduling .

 

Location

We are located in the New Center area, near the Fisher building.

Our address is 6080 Woodward, 4 blocks South of W. Grand Blvd.

on the East side of the street. We are located in the lower level of a green building called "Mel's Salon".

 



For start dates or more information on any of the above classes, please call Lyn at (248) 217- 4179