– WORKSHOPS –
Zoom links for online classes will be sent to you close to the Workshop date.
ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM 2026
Anatomy II with Kinesiology
with Sandy Zirulnik
Mondays, March 2 - May 4 | 5:45 - 7:15 pm
10 classes/ $340​
​Offered as a stand-alone module or as a part of the Advanced Studies Program
Prerequisite: Anatomy 1 or permission of instructor
​
From the moment of birth, we are residents of our physical bodies. Yoga Functional Anatomy explores this reality in the context of breath, structure, and movement. I invite y ou to join me in a spirit of curiosity, exploration, and collaboration as we consider what we can feel and what we can see as it applies to human anatomy relative to yoga practice. We will take a deeper look at how muscles work, the relationship of the nervous system to movement, fascia, diverse bodies, and balance. This course presents engaging and appropriate learning, whether anatomy is part of your daily life or you haven’t taken a science course since middle school. We will learn elements to immediately deepen yoga practice. It’s been a while? A good opportunity to refresh your relationship to your body if you have previously studied Anatomy.
​
The ten weekly sessions will include a combination of presentation, discussion, and anatomy topics coordinated with and preparatory to specific asana teachings related to future modules of The Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program. This includes physical landmarks, bones and joints/muscles/soft tissue, and movement practice relevant to families of asanas such as back bends, forward folds, and twists.
Original course material will be provided in a .pdf format, along with selected reading from Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews. You will have the opportunity to create individual and team presentations, gaining familiarity with concepts of anatomy.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Sandy Zirulnik, E-RYT 500, YACEP, leads yoga classes that explore structure, movement, strength, and balance through the practice of asanas, breathing awareness, and the study of anatomy. Classes are enjoyable and appropriate for students of all ages and interests. Sandy worked in healthcare administration for nine years, during which time he designed several anatomy training programs for allied health workers. He also teaches anatomy and physiology courses for Yoga Advanced Studies programs. Sandy began studying Yoga in 1998 and graduated from The Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program.
​
ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM 2026
Practice of Forward Bends
with Betsy Weiss
Tuesdays, March 10 - April 28 | 5:45 - 7:15 pm
8 classes / $256​
​
This course will focus on sequencing and practicing seated forward bends. We will also learn how to modify poses to deal with limitations and injuries. Students will be asked to keep a journal of observations and insights.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Betsy Weiss has been practicing yoga since 1988 and teaching since 1994. She graduated from the Berkeley Yoga Room's Advanced Studies Program in 1996. Her primary instructors have been Donald Moyer, Mary Lou Weprin, Gay White, and Judith Lasater. Betsy has run two yoga studios in Alameda where she is also an elementary school teacher. She believes that yoga is an antidote to our busy lives and finds great joy in assisting other people on their quest for self-awareness through teaching yoga.
​
Hanumanasana Workshop
with Rinat Fried
Sunday, May 3 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
$60 (Studio B)​
​
Hanumanasana — full splits — is one of yoga's more dramatic poses. It's also one that truly benefits from patient, thoughtful preparation. In this workshop, we'll take our time warming up the body and systematically opening the hamstrings, calves, quadriceps, and hip flexors to prepare for the full expression of the pose. Along the way, we'll work with props and cultivate a relaxed, graceful mindset so that we can fully accept and enjoy our final pose, wherever we land. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of the pose and tools to continue exploring it in your own practice.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Rinat Fried has studied Iyengar yoga in California since 1990. She is a 2011 graduate of the Yoga Room Advanced Studies Program. Her yoga mentors include Donald Moyer, Gay White and Mary Lou Weprin.
Headstand and Shoulderstand Variations
with Mary Lou Weprin
Saturday, May 9 | 2:00 - 4:30 pm
$60​ (in person and on Zoom)
​
Join us for a rounded practice which will focus on headstand and shoulderstand variations. We will practice various warm-ups and preparations for each inversion, and then take time to observe and practice variations. Participants will be encouraged to practice according to their needs, using props and the wall.
The class will include the following poses:
Salamba Sirsasana I (Headstand)
Eka Pada (One leg down)
Parsvaika Pada (One leg to the side)
Parsva Sirsasana (Twist with both legs together)
Parivrttaika Pada Sirsasana (Twist with one leg forward, one back)
Urdhva Padmasana in Sirsasana (Lotus in Headstand)
Salamba Sarvangasana I (Shoulderstand)
Eka Pada
Parsvaika Pada
Parsva Sarvangasana (one or two legged backbend pivot over 1 hand supporting the sacrum)
Baddha Konasana in Sarvangasana
Halasana
Parsva Halasana
Karnipidasana
This class is for ongoing Level 2–5 students at The Yoga Room, those in the Advanced Studies Program, or by permission from the instructor.
In person space is limited. Please contact Mary Lou at mweprin@comcast.net to reserve a space.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Mary Lou Weprin has taught classes, workshops and intensives at The Yoga Room since 1980 and enjoys supporting the practice community in their endeavors.
– INTENSIVES –
​
coming soon
