There are many types of yoga, (Raja Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Bhakti Yoga are but a few) but Hatha Yoga is the primary type of yoga concerned with strengthening and maintaining a healthy body. Under the Hatha Yoga banner there are again many styles and these continue to evolve especially in the west (e.g. Astanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Anusara Yoga, etc).
Hatha Yoga evolved from Tantra Yoga and was developed around the 12th & 13th centuries AD by Goraksanatha, as learned from his teacher Matsyendra. Fundamental to Hatha yoga is the principle that a strong body is needed for i) enabling a good energy flow within the body, ii) aiding meditation and iii) for the state of samadhi (enlightenment) as the latter has a powerful effect on the nervous system and body.
In the 15th century AD one of the main text, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika was compiled by Yogi Swatmarama, which contains information on; satkarma (purification procedures), asana (postures), pranayama (breath control), chakras (energy centres), kundalini (serpent power), bandhas (locks), kriyas (techniques), shakti (goddess force), nadis (channels) & mudras (hand gestures).
During a class, we will tend to focus only on the asanas (the physical postures that most people think of when they think of yoga) which promote strength and flexibility of the body. When performing asanas, we focus our attention on the body and the breath, which enables the mind to be stilled and can reduce stress and aid relaxation.
Additionally, people often find that when they start yoga, they become more mindful of their bodies and the environment. Consequently, many people choose to reduce the amount they smoke, they drink and the animal products they eat and start eating more wholesome foods and exercising more. This however is not a pre-requirement for starting yoga and is just another of the benefits of yoga.
Many people who come to yoga classes also choose to start meditation, practising in their own homes or work places on a regular basis. This can provide many benefits, including reducing stress and making people more mindful of their surroundings, what they say, hear and how they are feeling.
Absolutely not, it is never too late to start yoga. During a yoga class, you will work at your own personal physical edge, listening to your body and going at your own pace. I will design each class to meet your personal needs.
Yes! Yoga is about working at your personal physical edge, wherever that is, and I will be able to give you modifications or props to ease you slowly into some of the more challenging asanas (postures). In some ways, the less flexible are at an advantage, as they can feel that edge a lot sooner than the more flexible. You should notice the improvements in your flexibility within a matter of weeks.
Wear comfortable clothing, preferably something figure hugging, so that I am able to see what your body is doing in the asanas (postures) and make suitable corrections. Shoes and socks are not required as you will be barefoot.
You don’t need any equipment, as I will provide a yoga mat, blankets, straps, and blocks. However, after you have been practising yoga for a while, you may wish to buy your own yoga mat and yoga mat bag.
In yoga practice we move the body a lot and if you have not fully digested your last meal, you may feel uncomfortable. It is therefore recommended that you do not eat two hours before your class, although if you don’t think you can manage that, try a light snack such as yogurt, a smoothie, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.
Please let me know if you have an injury or condition. In some instances, you may need to get the go ahead from your GP before you start classes. Generally, depending on the condition, I will be able to work with you to provide modifications for certain asanas and design the class so that you can have an enjoyable and safe class.
Having had two children and trained in pregnancy yoga, I can teach pregnant women. Please contact me to discuss your requirements.
If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out—I'm here to help guide you on your yoga journey.
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