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What is Yoga?

The Sanskrit word "yoga" means "union". Yoga is the science of union with the divine. However, it is not a religion. Yoga deals with universal truths and wisdom but is not associated with any religion. This all sounds very mysterious and perhaps even 'beyond' what you want to do. Please do not panic as all of our classes are friendly and informal: It's not about being perfect - it's about the journey and the physical, mental and spiritual benefits you can encounter along the way.

Where does Yoga originate from?

Yoga originated in India and has spread all around the world. It has been developed over thousands of years to promote health and happiness by working on the mind, the body and spirit. The ancient yogis practised meditation to join their inner spirit with the spirit of the universe. If and when they achieved this unity they became enlightened. All the yoga postures (asanas) that we now do, were initially developed to prepare our body to sit perfectly still during extended periods of meditation.

Hatha Yoga simply works because it follows a systematic system designed to develop and unite all aspects of the individual (mind, body and emotions).

Why should I practice yoga?

Regular practice will succeed in helping you become physically fitter, mentally more alert, emotionally and personally more stable and confident about your daily life. And remember the more you practise the more benefit you’ll get! As Swami Sivananda said: "One Ounce of Practice is worth one Ton of Theory". Yoga can be especially of value when you are going through periods of transition and change, such as pregnancy and coping with a new baby.

What type of yoga do you practice and teach in your classes?

I have been trained in and practice Ashtanga Yoga and also in Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga styles. These are sometimes refered to as Power or Dynamic Yoga. These styles are the basis for all of my practice and teaching as I belive they offer substantial phyiscal, emotional and psychological benefits. They also use excellent technqiues for toning up post-baby abs and keeping pregnant mummies toned and trim :)

Why this style of yoga?

Core strength vinyasa yoga is a form of yogic exercise that connects you to the inner power in you by improving the physical and mental challenges. This yoga heats up your body. Balance is obtained by stimulating the body and the mind.

This serves as a detoxifier for the body and the mind. This power yoga combines strength, sweat and spirituality. By combining these this forms a dynamic and challenging program. The physical power, the mental power and the spiritual power are all recognized through the power yoga.

The physical power is the power of the body, the mental power is the power of the mind that helps you to concentrate and the last one is the spiritual power that gives you enlightenment.

Core strength vinyasa yoga is sometimes refered to as the western version of Indian Ashtanga yoga. Power yoga was introduced to the west by a follower of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois who was a renowned Sanskrit scholar.

Western Yogis were inspired by his yoga style and philosophies. Power yoga is used to strengthen the abs and back, and makes use of specific muscle toning postures. Hence it is called the “Core Strength”.

Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga has many cardiovascular asanas to improve strength, flexibility, stamina, and focus. It also behaves as a detoxifier to remove all the toxins from your body in the form of sweat. The poses in the Core Strength yoga are held for less time than some styles of yoga and some poses are held for only 5 breaths.

How are these different from other yoga styles?

Core strength yoga is in Vinyasa or flowing style, moving from one posture to the next. In vinyasa yoga, the transition is as important as the asana (posture.) It focuses on strength, balance, and flow. This helps you to build a strong body, mind, and spirit.

Your muscles are increased in strength and length. It improves your stamina and strengthens the lean muscles. As your body heat rises, some of the bacteria in your body are destroyed. Your breath is coordinated with your body and mind and soul are connected.

What about the perinatal yoga classes: what style of yoga are they?

Our pre and post natal yoga classes are loosely based on the ashtanga style of yoga. We only hold each of the postures for 5 breaths and the practice tends to flow (where possible! :) Clearly these classes are not as dynamic or strenuos as general yoga classes, but the postures are based on the primary series.