YOGA

Yoga is a beautiful practice and can offer many different needs for all who practice. Whether you're an advanced Yogi or a complete newbie to the mat, you will find something for you.

Yoga is a part of system that looks at creating union between body, mind and breath and can be a completely different experience for everyone, you might be looking to improve flexibility within your body, a full body workout or looking for something to help ease life stresses, below are some of the documented benefits that can come from a regular Yoga practice:

increased flexiability in muscles, just improving a range of motion improves muscle flexibility
strength and balance
back pain relief
benefits heart health
yoga relaxes your body and mind, helping you sleep better
it can boost energy and bring brighter moods
manage stress
it can connect you with a community

Yoga is more than its health benefits, it also builds awareness from within, learning to lean in and trust your body. There are many types of Yoga practices and sometimes it can feel like a minefield if you've never stepped a foot in it. So knowing the different types can be helpful in picking a class that suits you and your needs, check out my mini guide (below) to some of the styles you might see. Also don't be afraid to try out different classes and teaches, finding a class you enjoy is important to make the most out of Yogas benefits.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha in Sanskrit means 'Force' and mostly focus on the physical postures (asanas), it is more of a gentle class due to it being slower, focusing on breathing whilst in a pose and improving that posture. This is normally a great class for beginners or developing poses

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa means to 'to place in a special way' so in a class you will typically find movement is flowing and normally linked with the breathe, classes can build a strong flow so expect a good sweat in some faster flowing classes.

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is a deeper practice and a contemplative one, it works deep into the body, with longer held holds in poses (asanas), it is a slow practive which you can be in posese from anywhere from 5 minutes up to 15 with more developed practices. It works into the deepest leverls of our muscles.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is a very dynamic and athletic form of hatha yoga, made up of six series or levels, with a fixed order of postures. It is rooted in vinyasa, the flowing movements between postures, with a focus on energy and breath. While it is a very physical practice, it also promotes mental clarity and inner peace. It is considered the most difficult Yoga style.

Classes

Gentle Vinyasa Yoga

Fridays

9:30am - 10:45am

Cedar Barn, Hazlemere

This is a moving and flowing class, easing you into the more physical yoga postures with options to increase the stretch if you feel ready. We will work with the breath with specific breathing techniques to help de-stress the mind and body, finishing with a peaceful relaxation to help the body completely unwind.

The world of Yoga can be a big place and everyone is welcome, this class will guide you at your own pace, with full support in starting your yoga practice. Come and explore what the mat has to offer you.