I could tell you a lot of things about me, but probably the most important thing I can share with you is that I feel really at ease in my own skin, and it wasn't always like that. I've been practicing yoga since my senior year at Barnard College. I used to struggle with anxiety, depression, debilitating migraines and body image issues. I used to be attracted to people who couldn't love me in a way that felt good. I used to be attached to stories about how things should be, or how people should behave or what other people should do, say, want, need or feel. Life is not like that anymore. Yoga is not a magic bullet, it's a process of discovering what is really true about you, and a letting go of anything that isn't. It's an art form that teaches you how to listen deeply not just to your own intuition, but to the people in your life, without gripping the steering wheel with your sticky fingers, white-knuckling your way through it all. It's an acceptance of the impermanence of everything, in a way that inspires you to live each day fully and to love with your whole heart. Not everything in my life is perfect. I have faced some real heartbreak along the way, as we all have. I've lived enough and seen enough to know better than to use phrases like, "everything happens for a reason." Some things just happen, and our job is to rise up and grow beauty from whatever it is life puts in our path, and sometimes that is really, really hard. Everything good, real and true in my life, everything that flows and is fulfilling and rewarding comes directly out of my yoga practice, and it is one of my greatest joys to share the tools, ideas and practices that have helped me create a life I love. I'm a mom with two kids and this site is my third child. I am very hands-on, and always here if you need support with your practice. I'm thrilled you've joined me and this incredible group of teachers I'm so privileged to know and share with you. Every teacher on this site is passionate, down-to-earth and committed to their yoga practice. Everyone here wants to share, support you and inspire you to keep unrolling your mat, even on the days when it's tough. Especially on those days! If you like some reading along with your asana practice, I've written two books, "Open Randomly: Fortune Cookies for the Soul" and "Yoga's Healing Power: Looking Inward for Change, Growth and Peace", both available on Amazon, Book Depository, and wherever books are sold. If things go well, my third book will be finished soon. If you have any questions, need some guidance, or simply want to connect with me, please reach out!
By Ally Hamilton on Sep 12, 2025
Do you ever have days when you want a nice mix of heat-building and heart-pumping with long holds and deep breathing? Me, too! This is a bit of a yin-yang practice, where we have moments of intensity interspersed with moments where we are still and steady and breathing deeply. I think you'll like it. Grab a couple of blocks, and let's have some fun.
By Ally Hamilton on Sep 6, 2025
If you need some serious decompression, this is for you. We start with grounding, diving right into awareness of sensation. You will want to have a blanket and a couple of blocks handy, and if you have a bolster or a firm couch pillow, please grab that, too. This practice is a nervous system reset, we do a lot of breath-work including alternate nostril breathing, but it's also a yin-style practice with deep hip and hamstring opening and love for your shoulders, chest and upper back. Perfect for evening, or for anytime you are longing for deep nurturing relaxation.
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 28, 2025
This is an "energizer" class where we get things moving with a special emphasis on the hips! It's a feel-good flow for days when you have half the time but want twice the joy :)
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 20, 2025
Hello friends! This is a classic intermediate 90-minute flow class with an emphasis on hip-opening while working with the concept of ahimsa. Ahimsa is one of the five Yamas and it is the practice of nonviolence. Most yogis will get behind the idea of trying to be kind as you move through the world, but what about the quality of your inner dialogue? What about your expectations of yourself each day in a world that is presenting lots of challenges? Are they realistic expectations, or are you setting yourself up? Grab a couple of blocks, and maybe your dog, cat, goldfish or ferret, and let's play. Rufus my new rescue dog is learning how to be in the room during yoga. He's a puppy, but he's doing pretty well. Mostly. Enjoy!
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 14, 2025
A class for days when you want a full-body practice in half the time. We start by getting grounded and tuning into the breath, and then we open the shoulders, hips and hamstrings. Deep core-work to support the spine, and backbends to send you into the day with your heart wide open. Two blocks and a strap may be helpful if cow face pose is challenging.
By Ally Hamilton on Aug 4, 2025
Perfect for days when you don't have a lot of time but want to get the energy moving! This short practice still packs a punch if you're looking to quiet your mind, slow down your breathing, and open the shoulders, hips and hamstrings. It's a full-body flow in a third of the time, but you'll walk away from your mat feeling grounded and open!
By Ally Hamilton on Jul 30, 2025
This is an all-levels old school flow where we move slowly and mindfully, breathe deeply, and stay curious about sensation. There is no rushing, no attachment to the outcome, just discernment from moment-to-moment and the desire to find an equal amount of effort and ease as we go. If you're looking for a deep, steady practice where we pause, play with focal points, stay with the breath, and remember why we're doing what we're doing, this is it :) Beginners and advanced practitioners and everyone in between, welcome! 2 blocks may be helpful to "lift the floor up" if your hamstrings tend to be a little tight, if you have long legs, and/or if you like blocks for restorative options!
By Ally Hamilton on Jun 23, 2025
A flow to say thank you to the givers. So many of you have been practicing with me for years. Some of you I've gotten to meet in person, like my dear friend Peggy, others I have not. Either way, I want you to know I think about you all the time and appreciate you so much. Peggy is retiring after decades of working, momming and putting her family first. I know so many of us who are always squeezing in time for ourselves and I wanted to say I see you. Congratulations on your retirement, Peggy. May you have time for long practices, good books, and time to put your feet up. This is a slow flow to open the hips, shoulders, hamstrings and heart. Lots of love.
By Ally Hamilton on Jun 22, 2025
A quick but thorough flow to get things moving and open up the whole body. Particular love for the hips, shoulders and hamstrings. Enjoy when you're short on time but want a full practice!
By Ally Hamilton on May 6, 2025
I said this would be short, but once I got going it felt so good, I kept going, so this is an hour-long flow. Sorry not sorry :) This is a flow to release your hips, hamstrings, psoas and IT bands which will feel great for everyone, and (bonus!) ought to help anyone after a long day of travel, after a run, or a long hike - or anyone who might be dealing with a little sciatic pain. I felt 95% better after this. Don't let the slower start fool you. We spend the first 15 minutes on the floor releasing the hips and hamstrings in a targeted, progressive way, then we move into some intense core work, surprise! Then we get moving with a fun, heat-building flow, and end with arm balances, backbends, and more hip and hamstring opening. You may benefit from a strap and blanket, you will want a couple of blocks. Enjoy, yogis!
