What is yoga?

There are many branches of yoga, but in the west the most popular form is classical hatha yoga, often described as the physical path to spiritual realisation. Hatha yoga includes Ashtanga, Iyengar and dynamic flow styles of yoga.
The dedicated yoga student acknowledges that yoga is more than just stretching and practicing physical postures (asana), but also includes breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation. These principles are based on ancient teachings commonly known as the eight limbs of yoga.

Yoga works on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of us. Most ancient traditions recognise that the human body is more than its gross physical components, but also contains subtle channels, and layers of energy vibrating at different frequencies. There are five such energetic bodies or levels of experience. Yoga practice permeates every level.

Physical – the physical body is part of our waking conscious experience. Yoga practices such as diet, cleansing techniques, and postures (asana) are used to maintain physical health and well-being.
Energetic/pranic – part of our subtle body or subconscious. Pranayama consisting of correct breathing and breathing exercises work on this level to remove blockages stimulate and balance the pranic circulation.
Mental – a subconscious layer conditioned by stimulus response. Concentration and meditation help to focus this lower aspect of mind.
Intuitive/wisdom – also subconscious, the subtlest aspect of mind accessible through dreams, and deep meditation. Include practices such as study of scriptures, self-study and meditation.
Spiritual/transcendental – the experience of bliss, reflected in deep dreamless sleep. In this restful state there are no thoughts or sense of ego. A state where harmony, contentment and joy exist.

Yoga Styles

Beginners Yoga

Based on the classical yoga taught in India, a beginner’s class will take you through the basics of yoga. You will learn all the foundations from physical postures, and breathing techniques to relaxation and meditation training. Our courses are small for quality teaching that suits everyone, whatever your age or experience. With a maximum of 8 students per class you can be assured that your individual needs are catered for. Each student works at their own pace with individual health needs and abilities catered for. Beginner’s often report feeling calm, relaxed and focused after just one 5 week course. Research shows it improves health, mental alertness, improves sleep and much more...book now to ensure your place.

Pre-Natal Yoga

For mums to be, a special class is needed as some yoga postures are unsuitable during pregnancy. Prenatal yoga is a gentle yet invigorating course suitable for all mum’s, no experience necessary. Prenatal yoga focuses on the challenges of pregnancy, baby bonding and preparation for birth. Learn about how yoga can help you with pregnancy related ailments and natural birth preparation. Learn about breath work, active birthing and natural pain relief.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is a relatively gentle, inward experience that involves both co-ordinating the breath with movement and holding postures. It is usually not an athletic or aerobic practice and less of a workout then some of the other dynamic styles. Hatha literally means Sun and Moon and is the linking of the active and passive aspects of nature. There is usually a focus on breath, movement, relaxation and meditation. Hatha yoga uses asana (postures) and pranayama (breath) to harmonize body, mind and emotions, and if practiced regularly, attune oneself with higher levels of awareness. An experienced yogi can awaken, experience and begin to control the subtle energies within oneself, especially the energies of the chakras.

Dynamic Flow / Ashtanga yoga

For those who want an aerobic workout, Ashtanga or Dynamic flow yoga may be the perfect yoga for you. Participants move through a series of flows, jumping from one posture to another to build strength, flexibility and stamina. It's not for beginners, this is a fast-paced physically demanding style. Using a series of sequential postures taught by yoga master K. Pattabhi Jois. It is based on six series of asanas which increase in difficulty, allowing students to work at their own pace. In class you'll be led nonstop through one or more of the series. There's no time for adjustments, you'll be encouraged to breathe as you move from pose to pose. Be prepared to sweat. The so-called Power Yoga is based on Ashtanga.

Iyengar

In an Iyengar class postures are typically held much longer than in other styles of yoga, so that practitioners can pay close attention to the precise muscular and skeletal alignment this system demands. Also specific to Iyengar is the use of props, including belts, chairs, blocks and blankets to help accommodate any special needs such as injuries or structural imbalances.
Iyengar yoga is the style of B.K.S. Iyengar one of the best-known yoga teachers and the creator of one of the most popular styles of yoga in the world. His style of yoga is noted for great attention to detail and the precise alignment of postures as well as the use of props such as blocks and belts. At 80 years old he continues to teach thousands of students from all over the world encouraging them to penetrate deeper into the experience of each pose.