Yoga Styles & Benefits
Ashtanga
Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a
very dynamic, energetic and phyiscally challenging form of Hatha yoga. Its
main focus is on deep breathing as you travel through a set sequence of
therapeutic yoga postures. Breath is synchronised with movement guiding you
through the practice.
On one level,
Ashtanga Yoga helps you to increase body-tone, flexibility, stamina and
concentration, while working deeply on your body. The practice creates heat
in the body whereby toxins are released which reside in the deep muscle
layers of the body helping you to alleviate fatigue, stress, depression and
illness.
Forrest
Yoga
Forrest yoga has been
developed by Ana Forrest over 30 years to address the physical and emotional
stresses and challenges of today's people. Intense pose sequences and
conscious breathing will help to bring aliveness into your body.
As a beginner of
Forrest yoga you learn to breathe deeply and connect in feeling with your
body. As you progress, you get proficient at safely tailoring each pose to
work best for you; particularly with physical and emotional injuries.
Forrest yoga gets you
strong and centred by connecting you to your core. It uses heat, vigorous
workouts and deep breathing to sweat out toxins. The long holds in the pose
sequences help you flush, oxygenate, and rejuvenate every cell. Forrest yoga
does not require strength or flexibility; it only requires that you bring an
open mind.
Jivamukti
Yoga
Jivamukti is a
physically challenging and intellectually stimulating yoga style. It
combines a vigorous asana (physical) practice with chanting, meditation,
yoga philosophy and deep relaxation. Jivamukti yoga brings together the
physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of yoga keeping the goal of
the practice always in mind - liberation. It is a creative approach to yoga
and to living and being. Uplifting and inspirational music plays an integral
part in every class.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga
incorporates both physical and mental practices to purify and strengthen the
body and the mind. Hatha yoga involves asana practices (poses), pranayama
(breathing) and meditation practices.
Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda Yoga is a style of traditional yoga practice formulated by yoga
masters Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu-Devananda. It is one of the most
popular styles of yoga in the world and is a form of classical hatha yoga.
Sivananda classes use a set sequence of exercises, always in the same
pattern. The classes begin with a short relaxation, followed by breathing
exercises to centre the body and mind and prepare them for the class. The
physical aspect of the class begins with warm up movements including Sun
Salutations, followed by a sequence of held physical postures. These
postures are designed to stretch and strengthen all aspects of the body.
Most are held for several breaths and then followed by a short period of
rest. Towards the end of the class is a longer, guided relaxation and the
class then closes with an ancient yoga chant.
Simon's yoga classes all follow the basic principles of a Sivananda class
but this class will follow the strict Sivananda style throughout. More
information about Sivananda Yoga can be found at the Sivananda website
www.sivananda.org
Kripalu Yoga
(gentle Hatha)
Kripalu yoga is a gentle type of Hatha yoga. Classes begin with warm-up
movements and breath awareness to prepare you for yoga postures. The heart
of each class is a sequence of postures that stretch, strengthen and balance
the body. Each class ends with a deep relaxation and meditation. Kripalu
yoga works on a physical, but also on a mental and spiritual level,
creating self-acceptance, nurturing your inner wisdom and fostering a calmer
mind. www.kripalu.org
Baby Yoga
Baby yoga offers physical and mental stimulation for both you and your baby.
It will help to strengthen your baby's spine, to develop supple joints and
enliven all the body's systems. Baby yoga will give your baby an immediate
sense of well-being, and is a mutual process with a great deal of non-verbal
communication.
Toddler Yoga
Stretch, move and relax together, is continuation of the baby yoga approach
for mobile babies, toddlers and pre-school children. Using songs and rhymes
alongside plenty of movement and stretching, this class is designed to
support the transition from babyhood to independent movement. As babies make
this transition to independence, physical contact with their parents is
often diminished. The TOGETHER aspect of this class is an important way to
sustain loving and playful contact, to continue a mutual focus between
parent and child, and to provide a positive shared experience to carry young
families through what can be a challenging time as they tackle
tantrums and boundary testing. Classes provide an opportunity for parents to
exercise and have fun with their children promoting strength, flexibility
and balance, with relaxation to contrast with energetic activity.
Pregnancy
Yoga
Pregnancy
yoga is suitable for women who are at least 12-14 weeks pregnant.
It is an excellent way to bond with the unborn
baby. It not only helps to deal with problems which might occur during
pregnancy, such as back and shoulder problems, but it also prepares the
expecting mother for labour and birth. Specific postures and breathing
techniques will help to develop and improve strength, stamina and peace of mind.
We are currently waiting to offer pregnancy
classes. If you are interested, please contact the centre.