About Yoga
I began my “yoga journey” about 17 years ago at the age of 16 when I attended my first yoga class. I would be lying to say I loved the actual class but what did intrigue me was the idea that there was more to yoga than just the postures (asanas).
After a number of classes with different teachers and flitting in and out of a variety of recommended readings some read from cover to cover, BKS Iyengar, Light in Yoga, a real gem. Others still with many unread pages, I was drawn in.
I felt there were so many benefits both physical and mental to be gained not just through the actual asana practice but also through the yogic philosophy. I’ve been wrong about many things but I was right about this.
For the past 10 years yoga slowly but very surely really become a huge part of my life, it has had an enormously positive effect on me and I would say those around me. I am so lucky to have found and benefited in so so many ways from yoga. I’m still learning and always will be, the more I discover the more I want to know.
I can pass so little of this on in my classes but I do hope that my love of yoga does shine through!
FAQs
Can anyone do yoga?
Yes Yes Yes, many believe or perceive yoga to be all about touching your toes or taking your legs behind your ears.
There are postures that if you want you can do such but this is not what it is about. The yoga class is all about listening to your own body and not going past your own limitations.
You can for the entire class just focus on the flow of your inhale and your exhale or you can take your body deep into asanas maintaining the flow of your breath. I encourage all in the class to go only as far as the breath will allow.
If you find your breath is shallow and you are in a pose that hinders the length of your inhale and exhale you come back to a position that allows and steady focused breath.
I love when I see yogis just sitting on the mat bringing their awareness back to their breath, rather than looking “impressive” in a strong pose with a purple face as then cannot maintain their steady breath. So again once are you prepared to listen to your on body, to practise in a non competitive manner be that with yourself or other students..yes anyone can do yoga.
Which type of yoga is for me?
As yoga is in recent years had a surge in popularity there is some confusion about the different styles of classes. A very general guide if you’re looking for a gentle, relaxing class look for a Hatha yoga class.
There are postures that if you want you can do such but this is not what it is about. The yoga class is all about listening to your own body and not going past your own limitations.
If you want to focus on alignment try Iyengar yoga where you may do fewer postures in the class but would hold them for longer. Ashtanga yoga is a set sequence of postures, a strong fluid class which works on strength, flexibility and challenges the mind. Bikram yoga is a set of 26 postures done in a very warm room; the heat of the room causes the body to sweat releasing toxins and also allowing you to go deep into the postures.
Power yoga, Dynamic yoga or Vanessa flow is normally led by a teacher who has a background in all of the above in my case anyway. It combines the alignment focus of Iyengar, the flow of Ashtanga and through the strength of the postures heat it built up in the body which not only has a detoxifying effect but also safely allows the body to go deeper into stretches promoting a feeling of well being.
What to wear and bring?
Comfortable loose clothing that allows freedom of movement. A blanket or cardigan to use for relaxation. If you have your own mat bring it if not you can purchase one at class.
Can I practise while pregnant?
There are so many varying opinions to this……I can only give mine – “Yes you can” provided you are with an experienced teacher.
I have had 2 children now age 1 and 2, I practiced (and taught) all the way through both pregnancies and believe it kept me grounded, very in touch with my pregnancies and gave me strength for the birth and all those night feeds!
Please, Please if you have any questions submit them as that is when they become “frequently asked Questions”...
Why Do Yoga?
When the body feels good and energetic, it stimulates the body boosting our immune systems. No other form of exercise has such a remarkable effect on the body’s natural healing powers.
Breath – By controlling the breath you can increase your energy levels, alertness and clarity of mind and gain an overall feeling of wellbeing.
Energy – The slow controlled movements of yoga – combined with effective breathing which oxygenates the blood helps to generate and store energy in the body.
Body – Yoga unlike other forms of exercise works each and every single muscle in the body, toning on the outside while massaging your organs.
Circulation – Each posture improves circulation in different areas. This can aid in the treatment of anxiety, depression and other such illnesses. Calming – The controlled breathing and steady movements of yoga relax the mind.
The Mind – Every movement in yoga requires the participation of the conscious mind. All thoughts and distractions are suppressed to achieve these postures, which makes them great mental as well as physical exercise.
Improves Posture – Bad posture is responsible for many common health complaints, including spinal problems such as backache, fatigue due to poor circulation and neck problems, poor muscle tone, flatulence and constipation.