About Ashtanga Yoga

Most of the classes I teach are Ashtanga Vinyasa. Ashtanga is a dynamic, flowing practice, characterized by its use of the ‘Vinyasa’, or a ‘special link’, which connects each posture to the next in one smooth movement, in synchronization with the breath. This marriage of breath and movement is the essence of Ashtanga Vinyasa. The heat created detoxifies the body and gives a great all round cardiovascular exercise; building strength, stamina, flexibility and tone. While Ashtanga is often seen as a more dynamic, challenging form of yoga, in reality anybody with an average level of fitness can do it. The strength and flexibility will come eventually – trust me!  

About Ashtanga Self Practice

You may notice that some of my classes are ‘Self Practice’. This is the traditional way of practising yoga from teacher to student. You will begin to learn the Primary Series step by step. At your own level. In a typical Ashtanga Self Practice class there will be students of all levels and abilities practicing together. This means you develop your practice at a pace suitable to you. I hold 5 week Level 1 and Level 2 Beginners Courses. If you are new to yoga these are a great introduction to the Ashtanga Yoga Practice.  

About Yin Yoga

While a dynamic yoga practice focuses on the muscles, Yin Yoga focuses on the connective tissues, such as the ligaments, bones, and  joints of the body that normally get less attention during a more active Asana practice. Suitable for almost all levels of student, Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to a dynamic (Yang) practice such as Ashtanga which focuses on heat building and purifying and muscle strengthening and lengthening. Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine and poses are generally seated using gravity and various props rather than any physical effort. A Yin Yoga class can be challenging though as we stay in the pose from 3 – 10 minutes and sometimes longer. Katia is starting a new Yin Yoga class in Caversham on Friday 24th October. Please check the weekly class schedule for details.