Styles & Benefits

Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a very dynamic, energetic and physically 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.

Dru Yoga
Dru Yoga, often called the ‘yoga of the heart’, consists of flowing sequences of movements, often performed slowly, to encourage maximum awareness of the body as it moves, particularly the spine. Maintaining a healthy spine is the key to mobility. Movements are co-ordinated with the breath, allowing the ‘breath to lead the body’, reducing and releasing tension through movement.

A Dru Yoga class begins with easy movements designed to warm the body and mobilise the joints. A vinyasa (series of movements) related to the elements may follow, or an Energy Block Release (EBR) sequence designed to lift the spirits and promote calm by slowing the breath and heart rate. Asanas (postures), with their roots in traditional hatha yoga, are performed in a flowing manner, to avoid stress on the joints and to encourage a free flow of energy around the body. Deep Relaxation is an integral part of a Dru Yoga class.

In a recent randomised, controlled study by Bangor University, Dru Yoga participants felt more composed, confident and clear-minded, and better able to cope when faced with stressful situations.

‘The effectiveness of yoga for the improvement of wellbeing and resilience to stress in the workplace’ Hartfiel et al. Scand J Work Environ Health Online first article. 6^th April 2010

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.

Read more about Forrest yoga on www.forrestyoga.com.

Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga dates back to 15th century India. It is what most people in the Western world associate with the word "Yoga" and tends to be practiced for mental and physical well-being. Modern day Yoga styles such as Iyengar, Viniyoga and Ashtanga, are derived and developed from Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga classes generally include; a combination of breath and physical movement - the breath being the indicator of so much about our physical, mental and emotional state, and the movement being so important to both strengthen and loosen the body. To this a little about the history of Yoga is added, as well as Yoga philosophy, and traditional Yoga breathing methods - to finish each class there will be some time for relaxation - a time to let the body be still. Over time the results are a delightful mix of a physically supple and stronger body, with stillness in the mind - a state of contentment. Over-riding all of this - in class you learn to be curious, interested, keen, but not judge yourself harshly - to rejoice in what you can do - to patiently develop what doesn't happen so easily - and to have some fun along the way!

Jivamukti Yoga
This exciting form of yoga has been created by Sharon Gannon and David Life in New York city. Since 1984 when Jivamukti was created it has caused a real buzz in the yoga world. 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.

Sandra is one of the few certified Jivamukti teachers outside London teaching this unique and exciting style of yoga.

Read more about Jivamukti on www.jivamuktiyoga.com.

THE BUZZ ON JIVAMUKTI YOGA

"All the spirituality of traditional yoga, but with a modern twist"
--Red Magazine

" Gannon and Life work hard to show that yoga is not just about health and fitness, and that spirituality can be congruent with the high-energy, vibrant lifestyle..."
--Yoga Journal

"I always learn something at Jivamukti; they really educate the students."
-- Christy Turlington, Time Magazine

"Looking for a highly meditative but physically challenging form of yoga? Try Jivamukti"
-- Yoga Journal

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.

Kids' Yoga
An important step in growing up for children is to learn how to become responsible adults. Through education, love and understanding, children can learn how to become independent and conscious of their decisions in life. Yoga is an excellent way of bringing this awareness into a child's life, because it makes the children connect with their inner being. Yoga also helps to develop focus and concentration, improve flexibility, strength and balance. The Children Yoga Classes are a fun way to get introduced to yoga. Classes are focused on learning the traditional postures, and using breathing techniques. We explore yoga through yoga games, activities and include music to make it more fun and a more open environment.

Family Yoga