Traditional Hatha Yoga Practice is modified according to need, keeping you strong and healthy on all levels of being. A different variety of postures (asanas) will be undertaken each week, and comprise movements that are designed to fully stretch the body, and include some basic postures that must be worked upon regularly, plus other postures that will be used more intermittently to help increase mobility, suppleness, strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, co-ordination and generally improve your well being. Commencing with a warming up session to stretch and energise the whole body, bending the spine forward, backwards, laterally and rotational, the postures also invert the body and work on the eyes, the head and the neck.

Moving onto ASANAS.... This sequence can be adapted to suit individual needs and abilities; familiarity with such can help form the basis of personal practice, development and evaluation. Students are encouraged to work within their own personal limitations without forcing or straining and are also asked to work sensitively, feeling their way and gradually building up a greater self awareness, thereby avoiding over exertion or injury.

Breathing Work – Known as PRANAYAMA exercises. Students are asked to develop a conscious awareness of their breathing and its importance in de-toxifying the whole body, improving digestive processes, calming the emotions, steadying the action of the heart and slowing down the mind. These techniques are introduced at various points throughout the session and you may be asked to observe, slow, count or balance the breath during asanas and meditation/relaxation.

Relaxation, Concentration and Meditation – In either seated or lying down positions, students are helped to identify levels of tension within their bodies and to contrast it with the feeling of relaxation or ‘letting go’; some of this work is encompassed in the asana period. After relaxation the student then gradually progresses to concentration turning the attention inwards so that the mind and body are stilled and quiet, before moving onwards to meditation, where guidance is given to become more self aware using creative imagination and the senses.

Philosophy of Yoga – This is, in part, incorporated into the various components of class, and occasionally a short talk may be given to provide some insight into the background of yoga and related issues. Information handouts are given on a monthly topic.