Yoga

Yoga

Much is being made of yoga’s ability to help with stress, anxiety, and depression.  I have felt the benefits of my yoga practice on my mental health first hand, and have been lucky enough to see those benefits in those I have taught. 

I would argue that both the body and mind need to be given equal attention for a happier and fulfilled life. Yoga’s ability to help in both of these areas is unparalleled. Exercise in itself is one of the biggest contributing factors to help alleviate mental health issues and with yoga, the concentration of the breath and mind in both our posture work and meditation practice add yet another layer, helping the practioner to gain a little more control of the wandering mind, and gain greater focus.

The feedback I have received from some students include improved flexibility, greater freedom in their joints and alleviated problem areas such as bad backs and shoulders but I have also heard from students that they have felt a greater sense of calm, that their sleep has improved and that they have the ability to stand back from intrusive thoughts and perhaps act differently.

What to expect:

My classes are informal and relaxed, and ctare to all age ranges, sexes and abilities, we run through a series of warm ups followed by some more dynamic postures and always end with a relaxation session. I will help to guide and modify postures to suit ailments, injuries etc,

I want you to enjoy the experience, we do not aim for contorting into pretzels in my class, we work with our bodies to develop an ease of movement, a connection to our breath and learn how to develop a little more control over wandering minds.

What to bring:

Yourself!! Perhaps a blanket or warm clothing for the relaxation.

Water if required.  Mats are provided, but there are a limited number, so feel free to bring your own, if you have one. I would not encourage rushing out to buy one, until you are ensured of your commitment to practice.

What to wear:

Comfortable clothing, something that doesn’t restrict your movement, especially through the waist area. Most of the practice is done without socks, but of course this is not compulsory, you can buy specific yoga socks if you suffer with cold feet, arthritis etc, they will allow a firmer grip to the mat, which is important in standing/balancing postures.