Vinyasa

A creative form of yoga where yoga poses are linked together with the breath in a flowing sequence.  The pace and intensity varies and no two classes are ever alike. As we extend and stretch the body, movement with breath we are creating that much needed space, our energy flows better, connections in the body are made and, the parasympathetic nervous system is enhanced. As a result there is clarity and a feeling of wellness. All Vinyasa classes end with savasana, a resting pose for approximately 5 minutes

 Yin

This practice is designed to help you sit longer, and more comfortably in meditation by stretching connective tissue around the joints. A passive practice, Yin involves variations of seated and supine poses each one typically held for 3-5 minutes accessing deeper layers of fascia. Yin allows us to access the deeper tissues of our ligaments, joints, deep fascial networks and even our bones.  

All of our tissues are important and need to be exercised so that we can achieve optimal health and vitality. Yang exercise targets the Yang tissues (the muscles) however if we apply yang exercise to Yin tissues this could be damaging as they tend to be more plastic-like hence the requirement for gentler but long-held stresses. The compression and tensile loads on our connective tissue in some postures helps to replenish, rejuvenate and re-energise our tissues making them thicker and stronger.

Our 90min once-a-month Restorative Yin class is more focused on the passive release of the mind-body using props to fully support long-held postures and elicit complete relaxation & restoration.

This very old style of yoga developed by  BKS Iyengar is a much slower and deeper practice proving to be very beneficial for all.

Stretch

Stretch classes focus on flexibility and include slow movements. Different to yin classes, there might be some standing poses and slow flowing movements but the main focus is to hold stretching poses. You will also improve your awareness of the power of breathing and the class is completed with relaxation and a 5 minute rest in Savasana.

Ashtanga (Vinyasa)

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic style of yoga that links a sequence of postures in a continuous flow with the rhythm of the breath.

Ashtanga is proven to be safe, highly effective and transformational. It is one of the most popular and well-practiced yoga systems with a large international community of students and experienced teachers.

Throughout the practice a deep internal heat is created that energizes, purifies, and strengthens the entire energetic and physical system. A calm focussed mind, light, strong and soft body rapidly develop, providing the optimal conditions for experiencing the self beyond the mind and body.

'Ashtanga' means 'eight limbs' and this corresponds to the eight sections of the teaching, also known as Patanjali or Raja Yoga. The first four sections focus on ‘external’ experience and include social and personal ethics, physical posture, and breathing. The next four sections focus on ‘internal’ experience and meditation.

PERSONALISED MORE EFFECTIVE LEARNING BY THE MYSORE METHOD

The traditional method of learning the Ashtanga practice is quite unique and is commonly referred to as the ‘Mysore’ method, taking its name from the city where it originated.

In a Mysore class students of all different levels, including beginners, practice together according to their needs and at their own pace. The teacher works with students individually. For beginners this means being gradually introduced to the practice in a way that makes it accessible, while still offering enough of a challenge for it to be stimulating and engaging.