YOGA
/ derived from the sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘union’. It is the union of the body, the mind, and the spirit /
The word Yoga originates from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. It is derived from the word yuj, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘union’, and describes the union of the body, the mind, and the spirit.
Yoga is the practice of physical postures, combined with breathing techniques, chanting, meditation as well as other practices. Each physical posture has various health benefits, but the way in which they are practiced can vary depending on the style of yoga taught. Some styles of yoga focus more on the alignment of your body whereas other styles focus on the movement and flow.
A common misconception of yoga is that you have to be flexible to practice it or that it’s just stretching; flexibility is merely a biproduct of the practice of yoga so don’t worry if you can’t touch your toes.
Yoga is for everybody
YOGA STYLES
HATHA
Hatha yoga is a traditional form of yoga, dating back to between the 4th and 6th century AD. It is the original form of yoga as we know it today and which all other yoga styles are based around.
In the context of yoga ‘Ha’ represents prana or vital force/energy and ‘tha’ represents mind or mental energy. When the union between these two forces occurs within us, our higher consciousness is awakened.
Our Hatha classes are all suitable for all and have a variety of therapeutic properties such as relieving anxiety, stress and depression as well as physical ailments such as sciatica, diabetes and high/low blood pressure.
Classes often include meditation, joint mobilisation, dynamic movement, pranayama, asana and guided relaxation.
BENEFITS
Increases proprioception
Improves flexibility
Promotes relaxation
Reduces stress
Balances the mind and body
DYNAMIC VINYASA FLOW
This form of practice is a relatively modern adaptation, drawing on Hatha and Ashtanga styles. It can be practiced at a variety of speeds, but mainly focuses on flowing from one posture to another. The aim is not to compromise on the quality of the posture but not holding for too long, up to a maximum of five breaths.
This practice improves strength and flexibility along with both dynamic and static balance. There is a focus on harmonising each movement from posture to posture with the flow of out breath. The movements follow our breath and we adjust either the speed of movement or the length of breath to synchronise the two.
BENEFITS
Increases proprioception
Improves flexibility
Improves range of movement
Energising
Strengthening
YIN
A slow paced form of yoga developed in the late 1970s by Paulie Zink and combines Hatha yoga with ancient taoist practices. Postures are held for much longer and the emphasis is on relaxing the body and only applying slight to moderate pressure into the posture. Focusing on the body in this relaxed way naturally has a calming effect on the mind. This allows us to reach deeper levels of muscle tissue and facia whilst also working towards inner peace and awareness of the interconnected nature of reality.
This soothing practice is designed to counter the yang of our daily lives balancing out social pressures, rigidity of daily life and the negative energies that we become involved in. By slowing down in our yin practice, you allow the body to naturally become more supple and the mind to become calmer and more composed, as well as accepting our essential spirituality.
BENEFITS
Calms the mind and body
Increases circulation
Reduces stress
Releases facia
ASHTANGA VINYASA
Ashtanga yoga is a traditional form of yoga that was re-discovered from the study of ancient scriptures. Ashtanga literally translates from sanskrit as ‘Ashta’ - eight, ‘Anga’ - limbs/angle/steps. Vinyasa translates as ‘to place in a special/specific way’.
These eight limbs of yoga were defined in the yoga sutras of Sage Patanjali and are as follows:-
Yama - moral/ethical guidelines.
Niyama - daily observances.
Asana - physical practice of postures.
Pranayama - Breath work connecting ‘life force’
Pratyahara - Withdrawal of the senses.
Dharana - Concetration.
Dhyana - meditation.
Samadhi - Union, harmony, liberation.
Realising that we cannot spend all of our time practicing our physical yoga and still have to contribute towards society, the ashtanga vinyasa system sets out to combine all of this into a short daily practice. Observing yamas and niyamas in our lives as well as our practice.
Our ashtanga classes are suitable for people with generally good all round health and fitness. However, everyone is welcome to take part with whatever you feel comfortable with. Classes often include Sun Salutations A & B, pranayama and a sequence of challenging asanas. It is a dynamic and flowing class, with lots of information to absorb.
BENEFITS
Improves flexibility
Improves range of movement
Energising
Strengthening
Increases proprioception
RESTORATIVE
A variant of Yin, Restorative yoga focuses not on stretching the body but practices the art of relaxation through supported yoga poses. This style of class uses blankets, cushions and bolsters to create safe and quiet environment, giving you the opportunity to go inward and find stillness.
Restorative yoga helps to engage our parasympathetic nervous system, our 'rest and digest' system giving our body the opportunity to relax and rebalance. It helps to nourish us emotionally and spiritually giving us space to process our feelings and emotions with mindfulness and without judgement
BENEFITS
Deep relaxation for body and mind
Improves wellbeing
Boosts mood
Balances the nervous system
PILATES
This is a form of physical exercise developed by Joseph Pilates in the early part of the 20th century. It was developed as a form of exercise strengthen the human body and mind. As he believed that the mental and physical aspects of the human body are interrelated.
At the heart of pilates are its six core principles - Concentration, Control, Centre, Flow, Precision and Breathing. Pilates improves strength and flexibility, as well as our ability to concentrate. As with yoga it also develops the mind body connection, teaching us to understand our body by working on alignment and developing mental resilience. As well as working solely on the mat, Pilates often uses props or apparatus designed to accelerate the processes of strengthening, stretching, control and core strength.
BENEFITS
Improves concentration
Improves flexibility
Improves co-ordination and balance
Strengthening
TAI CHI
This is an ancient martial art which was based around Qigong and martial arts techniques, the Chen style of tai chi was developed around 1690 by Chen Wangting. Tai chi literally translates as the ultimate of ultimate. The term dates back to around 3000 years ago during the Zhou dynasty and is closely related to Taoist practices. There are many forms and styles of Tai Chi however the main principles remain the same. They are all focused on the flow of Qi (Chi) and use controlled gentle flowing movements, linked with the breath as a base. Some forms use this in contrast with strong and powerful exertions.
It is one of the worlds most popular and accessible forms of physical activity as around fifty million people practice Tai Chi in china and around eighty five million people worldwide.
Our practice of Tai chi is a gentle form of exercise focused breath work and gentle flowing movements, working towards developing a series of movements that seamlessly link together in harmony with concentration, controlled and balanced movement and steady breath.
BENEFITS
Reduces stress
Low impact
Improves mobility
Improves balance and co-ordination
