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WHICH CLASS?

There are so many classes in yoga today and so many variations. Choosing the class that is best for you, especially when you are just starting yoga can be difficult to say the least. The key is to try out classes for your self, as even classes with the same name can be taught very differently. You will need to find a teacher that you like and trust and preferably one who has a recognised teaching qualification and insurance. If you are a beginner try and find a beginners class and preferably a course as opposed to a drop in.

Hatha Yoga

This is traditional classical yoga, it incorporates a range of varied asana (postures). The class will begin with savasana (relaxation) and end with the same. Emphasis is on the breath, foundation of the asana (posture) and the spine. This class is suitable for all as modifications for each posture will be given to each individual props such as blocks and yoga straps are often used to help achieve the best from the posture. Some meditation and/or OM chanting may be practised as well as some pranayama.

Partner Yoga

This form of yoga is practiced in a pair and only taught as a workshop. Each of the asanas (postures) are done in a pair, sometimes it is the same posture mirrored by the partner other times two different postures may be done at the same time with one supporting the other. This picture shows a partner in child’s pose whilst the other partner is supported in a backbend over the child’s pose. Partner Yoga is fun, it gives an opportunity to safely enter a posture more deeply, feel the energy exchange between each other and share the yoga experience.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is for everyone. We all suffer from depletion in energy at times, we all could do with rebalancing ourselves so that we can function more efficiently. Restorative Yoga is particularly beneficial when recuperating from an injury or illness, in times of stress, tension or depression. The elderly can do restorative yoga, as can pregnant women. Restorative Yoga uses props like yoga belts, bolster cushions, fitness balls and chairs.

Astanga Yoga

This is a form of yoga developed by Sri Pattabhi Jois in Mysore India. It is an athletic form of yoga, which will quickly develop your strength and stamina as well as flexibility if practiced regularly. Celebrities such as Sting and Madonna have made this form of yoga very popular, although it is not a form that suits everybody. Not for the elderly, those with injuries or certain medical conditions or women that are pregnant, indeed it should not even be practised fully whilst menstruating. The primary and subsequent series all follow a set sequence of asana (postures) that do not vary. Ujyaiie breath make this form of yoga unique to others as it is practised all through the series and vinyasa (a sequence of flowing postures) is performed in-between all of the sitting postures.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

These classes explore the union of seemless sequences of flowing yoga postures synchronised with the breath. Yoga as a moving meditation. This class is sometimes accompanied with music becoming the dance of life. Suitable for all.

Pranayama

The art of breathing. Breathing in a healthy body is a gift often taken for granted. Our breath is indicative of how we are and how we feel. Stress can affect our breathing mechanism, making the breath shallow or unbalanced. Pranayama teaches various breathing and breath control techniques leading to the union of the soul with the ultimate divine, bringing us closer to complete bliss.

Meditation

Meditation with amasuyoga can be either passive, just sitting and being in a quiet space with spoken direction or with philosophical teachings. Dynamic forms of meditation include breath work, movement and dance.