Yoga at Raintree

The Yoga and Pilates Center at the RAC is a self-contained studio within the club. It provides an environment for the best teachers in Fort Collins to instruct our member and non-members. 

The Yoga department has over 30 regular scheduled classes per week, available to members and non-members (non-members can purchase punch passes). We offer a variety of classes. Each class is signified by its level of intensity from Beginning, All-Levels and Intermediate. We also offer fee-based workshops throughout the week to help deepen and develop your practice further. Workshops are more specialized styles of classes (please see description for pricing and alternative information).

Anjali Yoga Workshop

Class Schedules Click for links to downloadable PDF's

• Yoga & Pilates Schedule - MAY

Class Descriptions

Click a title below to reveal descriptions

COMMUNITY CLASS (All Levels - Vinyasa Yoga)

All levels Vinyasa flow yoga. This is a great way to start your week. A challenging class focused on strength and connecting the breath with the movement of the body. Helps you to open and release the joints while working on strengthening the muscles. You get a full-body workout while allowing your mind to clear and you open up to welcome the new week. The perfect close to your weekend. FREE to members, $8 for non-members.

TAI CHI

Tai Chi, which originated in China as a martial art, is a mind-body practice in complementary alternative medicine (CAM). Tai Chi is sometimes referred to as “moving mediation” because practitioners move their bodies slowly, gently and with awareness, while breathing deeply.

HATHA YOGA

Hatha Yoga guides us into physical postures (asanas) that enhance flexibility and strength, creating comfort in the body. Through postures and a variety of breathing practices, we can become more mindful of present moment experience, which allows our consciousness to move toward a meditative state.

PRANA VINYASA FLOW : All-Levels

A breath inspired journey to dynamic music where movement and breath are synchronized. This whole body experience will offer a complete spectrum of rhythms from meditative and rejuvenating to the challenging and empowering. Transform your body as you learn to center your mind in this energetic class.

GENTLE/RESTORATIVE YOGA : Beginner

Restorative Yoga is a relaxing style of Yoga that uses passive postures that restore energy rather than deplete energy. It is beneficial to those needing relief from stress, recovering from illness or injury, needing support during periods of life transitions or just simply want to relax. The class focuses on: (1) Pranayama work – breath techniques that increase lung capacity and help recognize and release tensions held in the body; (2) Gentle repetitive movement – increase circulation to the larger superficial skeletal muscles and to the major joints creating length and space to the structural body and bringing attention to the functional needs of the body; (3) Restorative postures – poses that use props to relax without effort. The more the body is supported with props the deeper the sense of relaxation; (4) Savasana – a final deep relaxation. Join us - body will thank you by gaining an awareness that helps you practice the art of letting go and staying in the present moment.

YOGA FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH CANCER

The Raintree Athletic Club is happy to share with the Fort Collins Community Yoga for People Living with Cancer. This class is free to all people at any stage of treatment or recovery from any type of cancer. Each class will be adapted to support individual physical needs and will focus on the strengths of each person. Students will have an opportunity to inward, reflect, and reconnect with their very own being. this practice offers a time and space where students can experience the present moment and develop a greater knowledge of their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves. For more information, contact Faith Brandt at 970.308.4378

PILATES

Build your foundation for understanding the Pilates Method while emphasizing proper body mechanics, breath control, abdominal support and spine/pelvic alignment, while stretching, strengthening and lengthening your muscles. You will experience each movement from the inside out as you improve coordination, balance, posture and flexibility. No prior experience is necessary, beginners through advanced welcome! Beginners will be given modifications of exercises if needed so you can progress at your own pace.

YIN YOGA : Beginner

In this class, we will explore how the slow steady stretching of deep connective tissue can increase flexibility and gradually create more depth in poses. We will focus on developing sensitivity to our body’s subtle cues by quieting our minds and looking inward. Join Faith Brandt in the calming atmosphere of the Yoga Center as we explore how stretching and releasing our ligaments, tendons and fascia can promote an increased energy flow through the body.

INTRO TO VINYASA - Beginner

A great way to begin and acquaint yourself with Vinyasa. This class is perfect if you are looking to focus on fitness and resistance strength training. The class is a great way to introduce yourself to the world of Vinyasa Flow.

Anjali Restorative Yoga Fee-based Workshop

Anjali restorative yoga is a mindful practice that invites the student into a series of classic spine-lengthening poses supported by soft blankets and bolsters. The poses are held within an atmosphere of poetic and affirming language, aromatherapy, and soothing music—all of which open and align breath, body, mind, & heart, inducing a profound sense of well-being. A deeply healing practice, Anjali restorative yoga is the perfect counter-balance to our busy lives. Connect with the deepest expression and wisdom of the body, the mind, and the heart. Workshops are held every Monday at 6:00-7:15pm | $10 members, $14 non-members | Please register at the front desk early.

ANUSARA INSPIRED YOGA : All-Levels

Anusara means flowing with grace, following your heart, stepping into the flow. This unique style of hatha yoga celebrates the artistic expression of the human heart with the scientific principles of biomechanics. Using John Friends eloquent Universal Principles of Alignment and life affirming philosophy of intrinsic goodness, each student is offered the opportunity to step into and celebrate their own unique gifts from the inside out.

BREATHING INTO YOGA

Breathing Into Yoga is not a style of yoga but rather an approach utilizing its tools. This technique, known as viniyoga, uses Asana (postures) and Pranayama (breath work) principles. Through stretching and contracting we find that repetition increases circulation making our muscles stronger and more flexible. This prepares us for holding postures. Most postures are suited for all levels of students and can be modified.

CHAIR PILATES fee-based class

The Low Chair is a demanding piece of the Pilates Method. The chair works stresses of all the Pilates essentials - core strength, breath and flowing movement. And yet, builds more in terms of balance, strength and coordination. Chair classes are offered beginning through advanced level students and are limited to 4 students. Registration required prior to class: $20 members, $25 non-members. Package rates available. Only 4 spaces per class available. Please sign up at the front desk.

HATHA YOGA - Beginner

For students with previous yoga experience that are ready for a more vigorous class. The pace is quicker, poses are held longer and more challenging variations of poses are taught. Deeper instruction in revolved standing poses, back bends, inversions and balancing poses will challenge your practice.

HEATED POWER YOGA : All-Levels

This class is an invigorating strength oriented yoga class. It focuses on breath and will continually challenge your strength, balance and stamina no matter what level you are at in your practice. It is a 60 minute, challenging full body workout designed to make you sweat, utilizing the body for resistance strength training. It would be a great addition to any active lifestyle. **The room is at a regulated temperature that does not go above 90°F

PRANAYAMA FLOW

Using the breath to help pull meditation down deeper into heart space, you'll be finding more depth in poses and more movement from pose to pose. This class uses a mix between Hatha and Vinyasa yoga styles. It is designed for all levels of yogis. You will be given modifications for all spectrums. If you're a more advanced practitioner this class will give you the opportunity to slow your practice down and utilizing meditation through movement to help you dive deeper into your practice. If you're a beginning practitioner this class will give you the opportunity to learn poses and feel comfortable and confident on your mat.

YOGA FOR RUNNERS, HIKERS AND BIKERS : All-Levels

If you think you are not flexible enough to take yoga, this class is for you. Yoga for runners, hikers and bikers is geared toward relieving tight muscles due to these activities. The focus of this class is to actively release the muscles and find balance within the musculoskeletal system. The benefits of this class will enhance your overall comfort level in these sports.

YOGA WITH WEIGHTS : All-Levels

This class focuses on increasing flexibility and strength of the upper body and spinal muscles. Your core stabilizing muscles and respiratory system will benefit as you utilize specific breath and core exercises. This class may support those with Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, Scoliosis/ Lordosis and other structural misalignments as well as students who are interested in increasing overall physical wellness.

Heated Cardio Yoga Workshop - fee based class

Heated Cardio Yoga will challenge you mentally and physically by pushing you to the limit. The class will progress through basic yoga postures but will include high intensity interval cardio training. A focus on total body toning and cardiovascular endurance along with a heated room with motivating music will help facilitate a challenging and motivating experience. A yoga background is not necessary but is recommended as this is an intermediate class.

Kids After School Yoga - fee based class

An opportunity for children to learn yoga basics including Sun Salutations, Vinyasa Flow & Savasana (relaxation). The class will give children a resource for dealing with stress, anxiety and a way to calm themselves through breath awareness and calming postures. No yoga background is necessary for this series. Members = $15/month, Non-Members = $20/month, $5 each additional sibling

Beginner and All-Levels classes are appropriate for beginning students. Intermediate classes are more challenging in the sense that they are more strength oriented and/or more endurance challenging. Poses and exercises in an intermediate class may be physically more difficult if you do not already have an active lifestyle/workout regime. But regardless of what intensity of a class you participate in, it is important to remember to listen to your body and only do what you are capable of doing. If you ever feel pain during a class, it is important to back yourself out of that posture and/or modify your practice. 

Non-Member Yoga & Pilates Center Pricing

• Drop in | $14 per class

• 10-pass punchcard | $110 

• 20-pass punchcard | $170 

• Senior or Student drop in | $9 per class

• Senior or Student 10-pass punchcard | $85

• Senior or Student 20-pass punchcard | $150

For more information please contact the Front Desk or Alexzandra Carlson-Tooker alexzandra@raintreeathleticclub.com.

Our Instructors:

• Jennifer Atkins has been teaching yoga for 13 years in diverse places such as PA, Maui, CA, OR and CO. She has taught in various club and studio settings as well as Rehab centers as a Yoga Therapist. A Colorado native, she earned her degree in Kinesiology at CU Boulder in 1992. She then went on to work as a health and exercise professional in various settings including Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Kimberly Bearden began yoga in 2004 and fell in love with the practice immediately. Having been a dancer for years her body was yearning to leave the weight room behind and fulfill its need to flow, twist, bend and turn upside down. Kimberly received her yoga teacher training from world renowned Shiva Rea, the originator of Vinyasa Flow yoga. Her music filled classes guide students through a whole body experience that is meditative and rejuvenating as well as challenging and empowering. Kimberly also has a Bachelor Degree in Social Work from CSU. "It has always been my desire and my pleasure to help others and I believe that instructing yoga is just another vehicle that I can use to serve the community.

• Faith Brandt specializes in Yin, Partner, Adaptive, Beginning and Intuitive yoga. Faith offers support and stability to students, balancing serenity and peace with a playful, light heart. Faith is experienced in teaching a wide range of people with various abilities. She enjoys the nurturing interaction that allows the uniqueness of each individual to blossom. Guiding others toward their own inner knowing, through the exploration of body movement, is Faith’s passion.

• Alexzandra Carlson-Tooker found a new challenge in the world of Yoga after years of "traditional" sports, such as basketball, track, volleyball and lifting weights. She specializes specifically in Vinyasa Power Flow yoga but is knowledgeable in a variety of other forms of yoga, fitness and pilates. Alexzandra is passionate about keeping the body, mind and spirit balanced. She recognizes that life is a constant evolution of learning new things from both expected and the unexpected. Her classes are challenging but reserved for all levels of experience.

• Lee Cooper enters her second career as a Pilate’s instructor after performing and teaching in the dance field. She has devoted a large part of her life to dance education at Colorado State University, The University of Northern Colorado and Mesa State College. Past experience includes being the founder of The Dance Connection, a modern dance company based on body/mind modalities as well as presenting to the National Dance Education Organization as an arts education advocate. The study of Pilates inspired a new passion and a new path for teaching, which has culminated in a personal quest to bridge the science and art of human potential as it applies to each individual. She believes that Pilates, when taught as healthy movement, enhances every aspect of life and encourages people to live their lives for the better.
• Helene Kelly Frucci completed her B.S. in Dance Education, from Western Michigan University and then attended Colorado State University to complete a M.Ed. in Dance. She taught at CSU for 16 years in the Dance area of Physical Education and then in the Dance Program which moved to the Department of Music, Theater and Dance. She has been actively involved in the performing arts community for 27 years and has enjoyed every minute. She first encountered Pilates in the 70’s, then the 90’s and now has embarked on a journey full time to become certified in Mat and Standing Pilates. She will finish her Peak Pilates PPS1 training in November.
• Colleen Hoffman is certified in Structural Hatha Yoga. She is strongly influenced by the teachings of TKV Desikachar, Mukunda Stiles and the Yoga Sutras. Colleen's teaching style involves working with the structure of the body, joints, and muscles by using unique props and traditional postures (asanas) while developing an inner strength both of body and mind. 
• Kathleen Jones teaches Anjali restorative yoga, inviting students into spine-lengthening poses held within an atmosphere of poetic and affirming language, aromatherapy, and soothing music.  She’s also trained in Bhava Vinyasa, a gentle flow style, which translates as bringing about a healing state. She offers group and one-on-one yoga sessions, and leads workshops on self-discovery, personal growth, and mind-body connection. Her passion lies in helping others connect with their deepest expression and wisdom of the body, mind, and heart. Kathleen is certified in Intrinsic Coaching™ and is founder/director of Embody Change Coaching, guiding clients as they establish self-care practices that support health & well-being—eliciting change from within. She served as core faculty within a family medicine training program for many years, teaching Lifestyle Medicine and Spirituality in Medicine. She lives in the foothills west of Fort Collins, and enjoys hiking, designing jewelry, singing/songwriting, family & friends. Learn more at www.embodychangecoaching.com
• Kathy Kenney has been practicing yoga for 17 years and in September 2010 will be certified as an Advanced Viniyoga Instructor.Through Asana (postures), Pranyama (breath techniques) and Meditation (inner reflection), her unique classes focus on bringing   attention and awareness to the breath as it connects to the movement of the spine. “It is so exciting to observe students as they discover the power of their breath and experience how it can change their lives!” Her classes are perfect for any (body) at any age and can be adapted to the individual and their special conditions.   
• Marsha Killpack has a 500 hour level Yoga Instructor Certification studying the principals of Viniyoga, asana, pranayama and meditation under the teachings of River Cummings. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance. With each class, her emphasis is on the breath, the function of posture and the sequencing of postures that gives the qualities of order, harmony and efficiency for the practice. Her intent is to help each student bring balance and awareness to the mind, body and spirit. She received a BS degree in Botany from Butler University and has lived in Colorado since 2000.
• Tamara Monroe has been practicing Yoga for 11 years. She completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification at the Shambhava School of Yoga in 2010. Tamara teaches a meditative Hatha Flow class. She enjoys working with the breath and inner focus while moving through an energizing vinyasa. Tamara started practicing Yoga to compliment her cycling and quickly realized the benefits of Yoga. She began to build strength and muscle tone that could not be accomplished with cardio alone. Tamara also realized that Yoga was amazing for calming the mind and helping achieve balance in her everyday life. She is thrilled to share her love of Yoga with you. Tamara is also a cycling instructor here at the RAC. 
• Beth O'Brien has been teaching yoga since 1998. She became certified through Inner City Yoga Teacher Training in Denver. Her specialty areas include Vinyasa and Restorative yoga. She offers private yoga lessons, and encourages her students to feel alive and joyous in their yoga practice. Beth is a licensed Psychologist and has a private practice focusing on the mind-body connection. Clients often come to her with relationship and health-related concerns. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her family, biking, and riding horses. 

• Jenny Powelka has been active in athletics her entire life. Before adding Pilates instructing to her wide base of knowledge, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Coaching Minor. That education started a strong belief between the mind and body connection. After competing in Cross Country and Track at the college level, she started her career as a Coach and Fitness Instructor. After 9 years of teaching group fitness and personal training to wide ranges of ages and abilities, she found another way to challenge herself and her clients through Pilates. Her training and certifications from Balance Body® University, has enabled her to teach traditional Pilates Mat and Reformer classes. Since her training she has put her own touch on things offering classes’ specific to athletes, retirees, and all ranges in-between. Her dedication and enthusiasm bring people back to her classes to learn and improve themselves more.            

• Paige Ryan began practicing yoga eleven years ago. Through the inspiration and encouragement of her teachers she completed teacher training, as a Structural Hatha Yoga instructor, in June 2002.  Paige's teaching style is influenced by B.K.S. Iyengar. After using a series of poses to warm up, an indepth treatment of a pose or series of poses will follow to provide better understanding of the internal dynamics. The practice is slow paced focusing on balancing flexibility and strength as well as building endurance.  Props such as blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets are used to obtain the benefits of otherwise inaccessible postures and/or internal actions. 

• Tomi Simpson stepped into her first yoga class over ten years ago and has never looked back. At that moment, she knew she had found her life's passion both as a student and a teacher.  In 2003, she was drawing into the magical world of Anusara ® Yoga founded by John Friend. As an Anusara Inspired ™  teacher, Tomi endeavors to help each student step into the flow of their heart using Anusara's elegant Universal Principles of Alignment™ and life affirming Tantric philosophy.
• Mariah Spalding began her Pilates certification in 2007 and began teaching Pilates at a health and fitness center.  After relocating back to the Front Range, she has had the opportunity to teach at Pilates studios in Denver and Fort Collins. Her goal is to educate her students and lead them in attaining life-long health benefits using Pilates as both a mind and body exercise. She focuses on the basic principles of Pilates and aims to make each session unique, fun and challenging. She continues to gorw in the infinite world of Pilates with continuing her education and taking workshops and courses. She truly believes Pilates can enhance everyone's quality of life.
• Emily Wilson is trained and specializes in vinyasa yoga and enjoys the balance between both a yin calm practice and a yang more active practice. Emily has always lived an active lifestyle and loves partaking in any and all outdoor activities in Colorado such as skiing, hiking, and biking. In college Emily discovered a new way to challenge her mind and body through yoga. Upon realizing how good her body could feel she was hooked. She believes strongly in the benefits that yoga brings through connecting with one's body each day to restore the mind, body, and soul. She also believes yoga can cure restlessness, laziness, depression, anxiety and brings a more lighthearted stress free life.

RAC FAQs

What do I wear?

Wear non-restrictive, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Classes are all barefoot.

How early do I need to arrive?

Arriving 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time will allow you to settle in and set up your mat. We do provide mats for first-time users, but we ask that repeat students bring their own.

How long is the class?

Yoga classes typically run for 1 hour and 15 minutes, although some classes may only be 1 hour. Pilates classes run for an hour.

How difficult is this class?

We have tried to gauge the difficulty levels of each class and the higher the level, the more difficult the poses and activities will become. Please look at the schedule and check the levels before jumping into a class.

Yoga Facts for the Beginner

1.) Once you arrive, please enter the studio without shoes (you may carry them to the back of the space where we have coat racks and cubbies to store your stuff) set up your mat, collect any props (blocks, blankets, straps or bolsters are all kept in the storage room and you can help youself). Your instructor will tell you what you will need for that particular class, but feel free to use any props if you already know you prefer to use them in specific poses.

2.) We provide all props needed for class. Your teacher will tell you what props you will need for that particular class. We have several mats available but encourage students to buy their own.

3.) Wear comfortable clothing. You may wish to wear layers.

4.) If this is your first class with a teacher you haven’t worked with before please introduce yourself and share any information that might be useful to the teacher, such as injuries, medical problems, physical challenges, experience, etc.

5.) Be kind and loving to yourself by accepting where you are. Rest sometimes. Do what you can, with what you have, and where you are. Listen to your body, pushing yourself beyond comfort and pain is not part of any practice. Abandon the competitive mindset. Yoga is absolutely non-competitive. Yoga is a mindful practice which makes the body stronger, more flexible, and generally healthier. The aim is to calm the mind, open the heart, and accelerate our evolution as a whole. Have fun and celebrate where you are in this present moment!

6.) Yoga is for people of all religions and spiritual practices. Yoga is not associated with one specific religion and can deepen your connection to whatever you believe.

7.) If you’re not comfortable doing a specific pose feel free to watch or ask the teacher for a modification for that pose.

8.) Final Savasana is a period of relaxation at the end of every class. You can put socks on, a sweat shirt and grab a blanket to enhance complete relaxation and comfort. Because this is a time for silence, stillness and relaxation, we ask that if you need to leave class early, you do so before Final Savasana. It is disruptive and distracting to your fellow yogis if you pack up and leave as they are trying to relax into this already difficult posture.

9.) Each teacher has his/her own particular style. We recommend trying all the teachers to see what best suits your needs.

Yoga Etiquette