rocket I (75min)

March 25, 2025 • 5:45 am - 7:00 am
5009 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC
Allie Labate
I came to yoga for the physical—but I stayed for the transformation. After years of bodybuilding, I was searching for something to ease the tightness and chronic pain in my body. What began as a way to build strength and flexibility became a lifelong path of discipline, devotion, and deep inner work. Asana is powerful. It builds resilience, sharpens focus, and teaches the mind to stay steady under pressure. These aren’t just qualities that support meditation—they are the very foundation of it. The physical practice prepares us for stillness. It lays the groundwork for inner awareness, deep states of meditation, and ultimately, samadhi. My teachings honor the full depth of yoga—from the physical to the subtle. I blend challenging, intentional movement with breath awareness, energetic awareness, and yogic philosophy. Outside the studio, I’m immersed in daily study and practice, focusing on pranayama, meditation, and internal cultivation. I’m currently studying Nei Gong with Damo Mitchell of the Internal Arts Academy and Kriya Yoga through the Self-Realization Fellowship, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda. My formal training is in Ashtanga, Power Yoga, and Rocket Yoga, and I’ve had the privilege of learning from teachers who deeply understand both the physical body and the eight-limbed path. Their wisdom continues to shape my own practice and teaching, and I’m forever grateful for their guidance. I also hold a certification as a Chopra Health™ Ayurveda Teacher, trained by Dr. Deepak Chopra and his faculty, and weave Ayurvedic wisdom into how I live, move, and teach. At the heart of it all, I teach because yoga continues to change my life—and I believe it can change yours, too. Whether you’re here to build strength or seek stillness, you’ll find that the deeper you go, the more the practice becomes not just something you do—but who you are. Training & Certifications - Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider - Ongoing Nei Gong studies with Damo Mitchell of the Internal Arts Academy - Ongoing studies with the Self-Realization Fellowship (Paramahansa Yogananda) - 300-Hour Chopra Health™ Ayurveda Health Teacher with Dr. Deepak Chopra - 12-Hour Handstand Seminar with Yuri Marmerstein - 50-Hour Rocket Yoga Teacher Training with Carson Calhoun - 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga for Special Populations) with Michelle Young - 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Ashtanga & Rocket Yoga) with Carson Calhoun - 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Power Yoga) with Jennifer Eddins

Description

Rocket I is a moderately-paced sequence inspired by the Ashtanga Primary Series, designed to establish a strong foundation while preparing the body for peak postures like arm balances and inversions. The class places a special emphasis on seated forward folds to develop flexibility in the hamstrings, hips, and back, while simultaneously building strength in the core and upper body. With breath as your guide, you'll refine foundational poses and explore the dynamic flow that makes Rocket Yoga so energizing. Think of Rocket I as the "baseline beat" of your Rocket journey, laying the groundwork for deeper exploration.

Rocket Yoga is a reimagined take on the traditional Ashtanga system, offering a dynamic and empowering flow designed to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. If traditional Ashtanga is the classical composition, Rocket is the remix—vibrant, experimental, and energizing, much like electronic dance music blending layers of rhythm and melody. With a focus on creative progression, Rocket Yoga introduces modifications and variations that make advanced postures more accessible, helping you break through perceived limitations and explore new heights in your practice. Each class emphasizes breath count, alignment, and fluid movement to cultivate a deeply meditative state.

Rocket is divided into Rocket I, Rocket II, and Rocket III, each of which take the traditional primary and intermediate Ashtanga series, and focus on targeted body strength and flexibility. The three series total 142 poses. Sweat and hard work are expected, and meditation comes easily at the end!

Rocket I: based on Ashtanga Primary Series
Rocket II: based on Ashtanga Intermediate and Advanced series
Rocket III: (aka "Happy Hour") combines the seated Rocket I and Rocket II