Where there is Yoga, there is prosperity, success, freedom and bliss
BKS IYENGAR
Preparing for the Yoga class
Allow a couple of hours after eating before attending a Yoga class. Yoga incorporates a range of movements and breath work aimed at increasing core strength and improving breath function.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement and stretching. Activewear or loose clothing is perfect.
Bring a firm, level and non-skid yoga mat, block, strap, eye pillow (if desired), water bottle, towel and blanket with you to class. I do have a small number of props available for use. Props allow you to safely move into and out of all poses. Blankets create lift in seated poses and towels are good if your hands and feet become sweaty during class.
Arriving at the Yoga class
Please arrive 10 minutes before class is due to start. Latecomers should settle in the back of the room and spend a few moments resting before joining in.
Before the class commences, please let me know if you have any illness or injury. This enables me to ensure alternative postures are provided so that the class does not incur further injury to you.
Turn your phone to silent, aeroplane mode or off. This enables you and others to disconnect from the world during the class so that your mind can rest.
Maintain a gap of 1.5m between you and the person next to you. This allows both of you to move freely through all of the poses without disrupting each other.
The Yoga studio is a place of connection, peace and stillness – feel free to either engage in light conversation with those around you, or simply rest prior to your practice.
During the Yoga practice
The best advice I can provide here is this is YOUR practice. Try to avoid comparing yourself to others in the class. Yoga is a personal practice, not a competitive sport and each week you will find you have strengths and weaknesses that need to be attended to, meaning that what you achieve (or don’t) each week will change, depending on what else has happened that day or week for you.
Yoga is a practice of self-love and awareness. Yoga should be practiced mindfully, with total body awareness, attention to alignment and body movement. When practiced this way, you will leave each class with a newfound appreciation for who you are and what you can achieve.
There are 3 parts to every yoga pose – moving into the pose with care and attention; holding it mindfully with an even breath; and coming out of the pose with awareness in the present moment.
I will commonly guide you into and out of each pose with alignment to the breath. If at anytime you become lost or confused, I will always be demonstrating the pose at the front of the class.
Yoga movements should always be done with a smooth flowing breath. If your breath becomes “ragged” then you may have met your “edge” in the pose and need to slightly back out.
Unless otherwise instructed, breathe through your nostrils, not through your mouth, keeping your breath slow and rhythmical.
Work at a pace that is comfortable for you. If you need to rest, simply stop and wait before joining the next position. If a posture is too difficult, I can either guide you into an alternative pose that works the same muscles or you can leave it for another time.
Yoga should never be painful. I don’t believe in the saying “no pain, no gain”. Pain is our body’s response signal to something that is wrong. Avoid straining to achieve a posture, and do not stretch beyond the edge of your comfort level.
We end every session with Savasana. Savasana is your reward for your hard work of remaining present throughout the entire practice. It is an opportunity to relax and totally let go. Known as one of the hardest poses, it is also my personal favourite. Commonly Savasana will include either yoga nidra or a visualisation.
Finally…
Yoga will bring you lots of health benefits – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.
Enjoy your practice and be patient with yourself. Commit to attending a regular class once or twice a week where possible and you will soon notice the difference. If you practice at home, find a place that is quiet and free from distractions.
To learn more about the benefits of yoga, click here.
