Essentials 1

About This Class

In "Essentials 1," Bryan Kest curates a selection of foundational yoga poses intended to make a short practice feel complete and nourishing. Beginning in Child's Pose with a focus on deep, fluid breathing, the class moves through Downward Facing Dog, a kneeling squat, balancing side-body openers, a flowing core and spine sequence (cat/cow, knee-to-elbow, plank, Cobra/Locust), wide-legged forward fold, seated hamstring and hip stretches (Baddha Konasana, straddle, seated forward fold), and a gentle supine spinal twist, closing in Savasana. Throughout, Bryan consistently encourages students to seek their personal "sweet spot" rather than maximum effort, to keep the breath deep and free as a measure of calm presence, and to honor how the body feels in the moment. Modifications are actively demonstrated and encouraged — including using a block for the kneeling squat and doing push-up movements on the knees — making the class accessible across a wide range of ages and abilities. The overall tone is meditative and introspective, framing each pose as a question the body answers through sensation.