What is Yoga?

 

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing.

 

The practice originated in India about 5,000 years ago and has been adapted in other countries in a variety of ways. There are many different types of Yoga, but they all have the common aim to bring harmony and peace to the whole being.

 

Yoga means oneness or unity (the Sanskrit word “yoga” means to “yoke or join”).  The practice of Yoga therefore aims to unite mind, body and spirit.

 

Yoga is a safe way to increase flexibility and muscle tone, improve posture and develop stamina. You will practice a wide variety of postures and learn relaxation techniques which aim to bring clarity, awareness and peace of mind into your daily life.

 

We have a non-competitive atmosphere in all our classes, enabling you to work at your own pace. Yoga is performed in loose comfortable clothing and bare feet.

 

For all classes please consider the following points:

 

• -Eat only a light meal before Yoga Practice – do not eat for at least two hours before class. You should not eat or chew anything whilst practicing as you may choke.
• -Bring along a blanket.
• -Do not wear jewellery – long chains, bracelets and earrings can get caught and cause damage. During menstrual cycle inverted positions must not be performed.
• -If you feel pain in a posture, stop and tell your tutor. Always talk to your tutor. Explain any problems you might be having. Your tutor will find you alternatives if needed.

 

If you are suffering from any of the following you must inform your tutor:

You might need to check with your doctor after talking to your tutor.

• High or low blood pressure
• any heart conditions
• any physical problems
• Meniere’s disease
• Conditions affecting sense of balance
• Epilepsy including petit-mal
• Diabetes
• Detached Retina
• MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
• ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
• Any recent operation
• Any other problems the tutor should know about

Make sure you inform your tutor if you are pregnant.

 

Useful Links:

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/yoga

www.yogauk.com/teachers/styles

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jan/10/yoga-beginners-guide-different-styles

 

 

Iyengar Yoga

You can find out more about Iyengar Yoga at https://iyengaryoga.org.uk/iyengar-yoga/frequently-asked-questions/ :

Iyengar Yoga is firmly based in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an Indian sage who lived about 1700 years ago. The Yoga Sutras guide the yoga practitioner towards peace of mind and harmony and ultimately to bliss (Samadhi). 

Iyengar yoga is characterised by precisionand alignmentin the execution of the postures (asanas), sequencingof the asanas towards a desired result,timingin the length of time the asanas are held for maximum benefit, and the use of propsif required to help a student gain the maximum benefit from each asana.

Iyengar yoga concentrates on postural alignment and body awareness. This is not just for the alignment of one body part with another, but also for the proper functioning of the human being. If the body is aligned with precision then the breath is aligned with the same precision. If the breath is balanced then the mind, emotions and senses become balanced.

With regular guided practice, effects of Iyengar Yoga can include a general feeling of physical health and psychological and mental well-being.