– WORKSHOPS –
Zoom links for online classes will be sent to you close to the Workshop date.
ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM 2026
Practice of Inverted Poses
with Rinat Fried
Mondays, Jan. 5 - Feb. 23 | 5:45 - 7:15 pm
8 classes / $265 ​​
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This class will focus on the practice of headstand, shoulder stand, handstand, and elbow balance. We will explore different ways to practice inverted poses in terms of sequence, modifications, and alternatives for those with injury and limitation. To pay Rinat, bring a check to the first class.
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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. To pay Rinat, bring a check to the first class.
ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM 2026
The Wisdom of Yoga
with Phid Simons
Tuesdays, Jan. 6 - Feb. 24 | 5:45 - 7:15 pm
8 classes / $265 (online)
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This course will introduce the principles and common themes of Indian philosophy, as taught in the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. We’ll apply the wisdom of these ancient teachings as a guide to self-understanding, more effective practice, and greater happiness. To pay Phid, bring a check to the first class.
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Phid Simons has studied Sanskrit, Vedanta, and Vedic chanting with traditional teachers in India and the U.S. for over 30 years.
She is a graduate of The Yoga Room Advanced Studies Program and teaches Sanskrit, chanting, and Vedanta in the Bay Area.
All interested students are welcome. To pay Phid, bring a check to the first class.
Gentle Approach to Deepening Asanas
with Luisa
Fridays, Feb. 6 - March 13 | 4:00 - 6:00 pm
$120 for all six classes / $22 for a single class
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This six weeks Yoga series is suitable for students who have a regular 2-4 Yoga practice, or have the equivalent body awareness and strength. In each class, the practice will focus on some challenging poses with a sequence that gradually approaches these asanas. The classes are intended to be gentle and intense. Please contact Luisa to register, via e-mail at gckcheong@gmail.com
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Luisa graduated from the Advanced Studies Program in 2019. She has been a dedicated student at The Yoga Room since 2016. Yoga and Art are two strong legs that have supported her to mindfully walk through life.
Yoga & Your Vagus | Part II: States of Being
with Cator Shachoy
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 1:00 - 3:30 pm
$65 (hybrid)​​
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Open to all. No previous experience needed.
Learn how to balance the stress of life through shifting states of being with ease. What is the difference between the nervous system states of freeze, fight/flight/mobilize and rest & digest/relax? The Vagus is instrumental in switching between these states. This class will explore how to recognize which state you are in, and how to change states for greater health and well-being. Informed by neuroscience, you can learn to care for yourself wisely. Yoga and Mindfulness are powerful tools for nervous system regulation. We’ll learn quick reset techniques and practice a yoga sequence designed to support nervous system resilience. This workshop builds on material shared previously, and is open to anyone.
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Cator Shachoy, is the author of "The TMJ Handbook: A Therapeutic Guide to Relieving Jaw Tension and Pain with Yoga and Mindfulness", available from Shambhala publications. She has practiced yoga, meditation and craniosacral therapy since 1990. Cator has an inclusive private practice working with all ages and teaches workshops around the SF Bay and beyond. www.catorshachoy.com.
Soul Voice® Sound Bath Meditation
with Carol Jean Patterson
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 5:00 - 6:30 pm
$25 (in-person)​​
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Join Carol in a guided visualization to relax and recharge. You will then be bathed in primordial vocal heart sounds encouraging you to travel within. This will be an opportunity to release old patterns and to connect with a deeper, more integrated You.
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Carol Jean Patterson is a certified Soul Voice Practitioner in the Soul Voice method developed by Karina Schelde (see www.SoulVoice.net). Carol is a 2011 graduate of the Yoga Room Teacher training and in a previous life was a yoga teacher, a metaphysical minister and a social worker.
Yoga Rope Wall Workshop: Moving from the Pelvis
with Gay White and Sandy Zirulnik
Saturday, Feb. 28 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
$65 (includes course guideline in .pdf format)​​
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Consider the movement and position of the pelvis as a guide to the intent of a yoga asana. We will explore pelvis, hips, and spine using the Yoga Rope Wall to experience static and dynamic components of our yoga practice. Develop a deeper feeling and understanding of how your body works in relation to gravity and movement as you build confidence. Suitable for all levels.
Limited to 10 students.
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Gay White is Director of The Yoga Room and Co-Director of The Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program. She has studied asana and pranayama from Donald Moyer since 1991, and she studied from Geeta Iyengar at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India. Gay’s classes and workshops are dedicated to alignment and awareness in a safe and creative mixed-level learning community. Gay also leads yoga retreats and intensives locally and in Mexico. She has been making dances since 1975, and is director of the Yoga Garden Dancers.
Sandy Zirulnik, RYT 500, E-RYT 200, YACEP, leads yoga classes that explore structure, movement, strength, and balance through the practice of asanas, breathing awareness, and the study of anatomy. Sandy began studying Yoga in 1998 and graduated from The Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program with a 500-hour certification. He currently teaches the Anatomy courses for the Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program. szir@earthlink.net
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Focus on Seated Twists
with Mary Lou Weprin
Saturday, March 7 | 2:00 - 4:30 pm
$60 (in-person and on Zoom)​
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Mary Lou will lead a practice focusing on a number of Seated Twists, including Bharadvajasana 1 and 2, Marichyasana 1 and 3, Ardha Matsyendrasana 1 and 2. There will be various warm-ups and preparations, some standing poses, and practice of various twists using props, chairs and the wall. Shouldertand will round out the sequence. There will be time for observation and discussion.
This class is open to 2–4 and 3–5 level students, or by permission from the instructor. In-person space is limited. Please contact Mary Lou to reserve a space at mweprin@comcast.net.
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Mary Lou Weprin has taught all levels of classes and workshops at The Yoga Room since 1980, and is Co-Director with Gay White of The Yoga Room’s Advanced Studies Program. She enjoys supporting the practice community in Its endeavors.
ADVANCED STUDIES PROGRAM 2026
Practice of Forward Bends
with Betsy Weiss
Tuesdays, March 10 - April 28 | 5:45 - 7:15 pm
8 classes / $256​
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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.
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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.
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– INTENSIVES –
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coming soon
