Play, learn, grow! Classes at Tierra Pacifica and in Junquillal

At Tierra Pacifica, we want all of our residents to have easy access to wellness services for both the body and mind, which is why in addition to our gym, pool and tennis court, we also offer a variety of classes at Club Arbol including many types of yoga, and martial arts. Our community is lucky to have experienced teachers willing to share their passions in class, and we are happy to provide a beautiful studio space for Tierra Pacifica and Junquillal residents to come together.

YOGA

Costa Rica has become well-known as a yoga paradise for teachers and students. Many long-term practitioners come to live in the peaceful jungle surroundings, and share their practice with others who are interested in learning. This is why some of our most popular classes at Club Arbol are various styles of yoga, from ashtanga, hatha and vinyasa to a gentle class for all levels of experience. Learn to calm the mind, care for your body, and become flexible both physically and mentally in an intimate and comfortable class setting.

Our two resident yoga teachers who have been giving classes at Club Arbol and other venues in the area for quite some time, are Jessica Mundo and Catherine Paulson.

Jessica started officially teaching as a certified MultiStyle Yoga Teacher in 2011. Her classes represent her own journey and her main intention is to make yoga accessible and available to ALL, by using a simple and down to earth approach. Her personal practice is Ashtanga Yoga, which inspires many of the classes she offers, such as Very Gentle for All & Vinyasa Flow. Ashtanga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.  The weekly Gentle Flow class is for those who want a softer, nurturing, slow-paced, and relaxing practice. Gentle yoga seeks to provide therapeutic modifications to common yoga poses and helps increase mobility and flexibility in a slow, well-rounded approach. The Vinyasa Flow is a faster paced class for those who want to detox and get sweaty. All Jessica’s classes are bilingual (English/Spanish). If you can’t make any of her scheduled classes at Club Arbol, you can also book Jessica’s Yoga-to-Go services! This is a great option if you have a group of visitors or group of friends who want to practice together at a chosen time or in the comfort of your home.

Catherine Jane Paulson has been a student and practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda for 27 years. The depth of her practice lends to a manner of teaching that focuses on seeing the student and leading the session with an intention of liberating blocked energies and clearing the way to self-realization. She teaches a weekly Hatha Flow class at Club Arbol, and other classes in the area that you can find on the Todo Bien Facebook page. Catherine’s massages and bodywork are magical and highly recommended, as well.

MARTIAL ARTS

Club Arbol also offers weekly martial arts classes, including Kung Fu and Tai Chi, taught by 8th Dan Grand Master Gary, who has over 40 years experience. He has been inducted into the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors 3 times as an ambassador to Martial Arts. Gary’s classes are not only a great workout, but also improve self-confidence, mental focus and teach you self-defense skills at the same time.

***For an up to date class schedule of Club Arbol’s weekly classes, please follow the Tierra Pacifica Wellness page.***

… EVEN MORE CLASSES!

Beyond Club Arbol’s classes, the community of Junquillal is full of other great opportunities to learn new things, stay in shape, and of course, have fun! Here are just a few of our favorites:

Spanish Classes

This one is a must! Whether you’re living in or visiting Costa Rica you should get familiar with basic Spanish. Junquillal resident Nati Montella-Rolek offers fun, personalized Spanish classes in small groups or privately. Nati was born in the U.S. and is a native English speaker who was lucky enough to have adventurous parents who moved to Costa Rica when she was a child, making her fluent in Costa Rican Spanish and the perfect profesora for English speakers wanting to learn Spanish.

Contact Nati on Facebook or at fluidez.costarica@gmail.com to book a class!

Aqua Zumba & Belly Dancing

The talented professional dancer and Junquillal resident, Oksana Galdeeva offers two amazing and unique dance classes just down the street from Tierra Pacifica. She has 9 Years of experience teaching, performing and entertaining, and now offers Aqua Zumba and Belly Dancing classes to the community. You may be familiar with Zumba, but Oksana does it a bit different here in the tropics by getting in the pool! This is a fun class for everyone, and a great way to start the day with music, dancing, cool water and great energy. Belly Dancing is another fun class for all, where you can tone muscle, recharge your energy, build confidence and dance away stress! To find the current class schedule, check for Oksana’s posts on the local community Facebook page.