WHAT IS HATHA YOGA?  

Yoga is as old as civilisation and has been practised for thousands of years as a gentle, but powerful means of achieving strength, flexibility, stillness and balance in body and mind.

For most people, yoga is the practice of body postures, called asanas, combined with controlled breathing, or Pranayama. Asanas are the physical exercises that were developed alongside the whole philosophy of yoga in order to keep the body healthy and strong and to bring about a more balanced state of mind. They are always performed with a conscious awareness of breath. Asanas give the body a sense of grounding, which in turn leads to a release of energy.

More and more people are turning to yoga as a way of dealing with the stresses and strains of modern living.

GUIDELINES OF YOGA

Start with simple postures and progress to more difficult ones.
Asana practice is not an endurance test. Be aware of your muscles working or feel the stretch but never strain or rush during posture work. (You may feel some discomfort in muscles that may have forgotten how to work through lack of use!)
Stay in each posture for as long as comfortable. Everyone’s body is different. Some will be able to hold poses longer than others. Some will be stronger and some will be able to stretch further than others. Work to your own maximum.
Keep movements steady, slow and deliberate. Do not lever, jerk or bounce into a position.
Counteract backbends with forward bends, and energising asanas with quietening ones.

BENEFITS OF YOGA

Yoga can be taken up at any age and can be adapted to suit the challenges that life presents us with. The therapeutic use of yoga can have an extraordinarily positive effect on a whole range of illnesses and conditions.

However, it is important to let me know of any medical problems. This includes any major difficulties in the past, any current dealings with the medical profession or if you are on any medication. Health problems may include:-

• High or Low Blood Pressure
• Recent Surgery
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Ulcers
• Hernias
• Serious Injury or Accident
• Problems with the back, heart, knee, eyes, ears
• Mental Health

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Your yoga class will generally consist of breathing techniques, posture work and a final relaxation session.

These classes are for mixed ability students and beginners are very welcome.

Please wear comfortable clothes in which you can move easily and bring extra warm layers, blankets and mats if you have them.

Avoid eating at least two hours before yoga practice.

Please make sure you let me know if you are pregnant.

If you are unsure about whether you may have a particular medical condition, please come and talk to me.

Always feel able to seek advice from your doctor if you are unsure as to whether yoga is suitable for you.

 

 

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