About yoga
What is Yoga?
The word Yoga comes from the sanskrit
(the language of ancient India where Yoga originated) word “Yuj” meaning
to yoke, join or unite. In Yoga this uniting implies integrating all
aspects of the individual – mind, body and spirit to bring about a happy
and balanced life. Yoga is the scientific art of remembering our true
nature, however, along the path of Yoga one gains health, happiness,
tranquility and knowledge. What is commonly referred to as “Yoga” here
in the West can be described by the sanskrit word “asana” which refers
to the practice of physical postures and poses. However, “asana” is
only one of the eight “Limbs” of Yoga according to Patanjalis “Yoga
Sutras” written some 2, 200 years ago. The other “Limbs” of Yoga are
more concerned with mental and spiritual well being than physical
activity. The practice of yoga brings about a state of balance and
harmony of the mind, body and spirit and allows us to become human
be-ings rather than humans do-ing, as well as helping to remove dis-ease
from the mind and body.
Benefits of Yoga
Many of us come to yoga for lots of
different reasons, from gaining greater strength and flexibility,
physical healing from injury, reducing stress or just to gain a deeper
understanding of life. The beauty about Yoga is that anyone can benefit
from it. As B.K.S. Iyengar quoted “If you can breathe, you can
practice Yoga”. There can be many benefits from practising yoga and to
mention a few;- increased strength, stamina and flexibility, reducing
stress and anxiety, increased concentration, increasing energy and
vitality, increased self-esteem and posture is greatly improved.
Overall most students describe a feeling of well being and balance with a
regular practice of yoga in their lives.
For more information about yoga have a look at the local British Wheel of Yoga website here.
Styles of yoga
Vinyasa Flow
This is a dynamic flowing style of yoga synchronizing breath and movement while building strength and flexibility.
Anusara Inspired
Developed by John Friend in 1997,
Anusara means “flowing with Grace” or “going with the flow”. Anusara
yoga is a Hatha yoga system that unifies an uplifting philosophy,
epitomised by a “celebration of the heart” with specific alignment
principles to promote safety and to empower all students to achieve
their full potential. Anusara is an all-inclusive yoga in which each
students various unique abilities and limitations are deeply honoured.
Astanga Vinyasa Yoga
The Astanga system is an ancient form of
yoga, passed down through the generations by gurus and teachers, most
notably in the C20 Sri K Pattabhi Jois, who himself was a student of the
great teacher Sri Krishnamacharya.
The Astanga Vinyasa practice is unique
in connecting the breath with movement in a set sequence of postures
(asanas). The practice generates heat within the body, which cleanses,
purifies, stimulates and tones the internal and external bodily systems.
The energising Ujjayi breath is fundamental to the practice, with the
poses linked by the breath as beads on a thread. In addition, energy
locks or bandhas are cultivated together with focus points, or drishtis.
This dynamic form of yoga is one of the most popular in the West today and with practice becomes a moving meditation.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga describes any of the
physical practices of yoga. Traditional Hatha yoga is a holistic path,
including moral disciplines, physical postures (asanas), purification
procedures, yogic breathing (pranayamas) and meditation.
Gentle Yoga
This class is open to all levels of
student. This is a gentle flowing class with emphasis on the breath to
release tension and re-energise. Suitable for all, including those
recovering from injury or illness.
Mum & Baby
6 weeks to Crawling.
Mum & Baby yoga offers quality physical stimulation including
flowing postures, holding, movement, touch, voice and deep relaxation.
It induces a happy, carefree and lively parent-infant interaction which
develops as the babies grow. The experience of movement combined with
touch is probably the richest stimulation we can offer babies from
birth. In yoga, this stimulation occurs through the mutual involvement
of parent and baby, at a pace at which the baby can absorb and integrate
it. As yoga postures induce deep relaxation in adults, so in babies
they bring a state of deep contentment and promote deep sleep.
The classes are designed to be
entertaining for the babies as well as the mums, so fun music, games and
a light-hearted atmosphere are all the order of the day. As any new mum
knows, babies are unpredictable creatures and each class is always very
different to the next. One important aspect of the classes is that they
are very laid back – mums can stop to feed or tend a crying babe at any
time they need to, without fear of judgement or embarrassment. Mums
are always amazed at the mobility of little bodies and the
postures-for-two are a fantastic way to bond with a new baby – great for
helping mums cope with difficulties such as postnatal depression. In
fact, meeting with other mums also provides a great opportunity to
compare notes about motherhood and other mums are often the most
understanding and accepting of all of the feelings that come up in the
postnatal period, even if those feelings are perceived as being negative
by society in general. The classes are a fantastic support system and
the tea and biscuits afterwards are often as important as the yoga
practice itself.
Pregnancy Yoga
14 weeks to Birth.
Yoga provides many benefits – physical, mental and emotional that can
improve the experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting. Postures and
breathing practices are adopted to create greater ease and to support
each stage of pregnancy. The combination of breathing and movement with
awareness can be a great vehicle for self discovery and connection with
your baby. Toning the muscles that support the pregnancy as well as
increasing the elasticity of the birthing muscles are also benefits.
Yoga during pregnancy provides a gentle, safe, fun and supportive
setting for mother and baby. Classes will create space to connect with
your baby, give time to honour yourself through the practice of yoga
and to help you to prepare for birth share stories and meet other
pregnant women. these classes will leave you feeling lightness and
freedom of movement, more peaceful and at home with you and your baby.
Private one-to-one Yoga
Yoga Bodhi can offer private yoga
tuition here at our centre, at your home or office. Please call or
email the centre for further information.
Baby Massage
Baby massage is a wonderful way to
enhance your relationship with your child. It encourages bonding and
provides a time of mutual pleasure and togetherness. Studies show that
massaging your baby improves their breathing, digestion, circulation and
growth and provides a good source of sensory and muscle stimulation,
which is beneficial to all babies. It may be particularly good for
babies with special needs such as; developmental disabilities and Down’s
syndrome. Baby massage can also help mums suffering from postnatal
depression. It is a lovely way to get your baby social life started in a
relaxed and nurturing environment and can really help with common
issues such as sleep, colic and wind. The course includes everything you
need to know to massage your baby with confidence.
CORE TRAINING FUSION
All Levels
Aim: strengthen and tone your body from the inside out
Description: a non-impact strength workout suitable
for all ages and abilities, targeting the core muscles ( deep abdominals
and back muscles). This 60 min workout uses an effective combination of
Pilates-inspired mat based exercises as well as Swissball and light
resistance (body weight, dumbells and dynabands) to challenge the whole
body.
Benefits:
– Sculpted and toned muscles
– Improved lean muscle mass to help reduce excess body fat and improve/maintain bone density
– Improved posture
– Improved posture-related ailments such as back pain, sciatica
– Stronger pelvic floor muscles
– Improved balance and stability
– Improved strength and stamina to help with everyday demands on the
body and with performance in other activities/sports and to limit risks
of injuries.
Yoga Relaxation
This class will take you on a relaxing journey back home.
Traditional tantra yoga focuses on breathing, relaxation and meditation.
We will mostly work from a lying down position and slowly flow through
our poses, approaching each one from a place of care and love for
ourselves. We learn to let go of ‘performing’ and ‘comparing’. This
series (Tri-dosha Balancing Series) is designed to leave you feeling
balanced, relaxed and grounded – yet able to connect with a wider
awareness.
Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda Yoga is dedicated to a
holistic, integrated approach to Yoga, involving breathwork (pranayama),
asana (posture), some chanting, meditation and yoga nidra (deep
relaxation). There is a set format to most lessons although this does
vary, as we move through 12 postures, starting with breathing and sun
salutation. The classes are suitable for all levels of yoga students and
can be taken to a high level work out or used restoratively, depending
on the variations used in the class. The teacher is sensitive to the
student’s needs and requirements and responds accordingly. Sivananda
yoga will leave you feeling invigorated, released and totally relaxed.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a cooling practice and
therefore complimentary to any dynamic practice. Holding postures for
some time whilst remaining still, and listening to the body to find its
appropriate edge are a few qualities of this practice. Specific meridian
lines of the body are stimulated by the poses, and can help remove
energetic blockages thus encouraging the flow of prana. Yin Yoga is a
challenging practice yet deeply nourishing physically, emotionally and
energetically.
Yoga Theraputics
Yoga Therapeutics is a particularly effective practice for those recovering from, or living with, injury or illness.
Adult Ballet Classes.
Adult ballet classes
“AWAKEN YOUR INNER BALLERINA !! “
A Ballet class is a great way to
develop lean muscle mass while improving your balance, flexibility,
posture ,range of motion and self confidence.
Have fun and get fit to classical music.
Learn to appreciate the dance you watch more fully.
Expansive Yoga
Easy and fun routines to follow that improve your posture,
increase your energy flow and calm your mind. This is not a ‘keep fit’
class, it is a ‘gentle healing from within’ class. Relax and expand your
connection to the great universe within – enjoy!
Going Deeper Yoga
A
playful class employing a cocktail of different practices to come into
stillness. Including asana, partner yoga, Qigong, walking mediations,
laughter, pranayama, deep relaxation and guided meditations to include
self inquiry. Each class will follow from the group energy and feel of
the day.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is the yoga of
awareness. The practice calms the mind and develops awareness and
intuition. It supports the nervous and glandular systems and builds
strength and stamina.
This style of yoga combines asana
(posture), pranayama (breath), mudra (hand gestures) and mantra (chanted
sounds) to create a powerful practice.
The class begins with a set of exercises
with a specific intention, called a kriya, followed by relaxation and
then a meditation with mantra. Suitable for all levels.