Deborah Sladen
         
   


What is Yoga?
The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutra an estimated 2,000 years ago. Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.

ASHTANGA YOGA Ashtanga, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga practice. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding, because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

What can Yoga do for me?
Over time Yoga will increase flexibility agility and blood flow around the body. This in turns improves cardio vascular health, co-ordination, and balance, as well as giving a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognize our habitual thought patterns without labeling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

If you are not flexible don’t worry. You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.

Going for a Yoga lesson?
Firstly you are asked to wear lose clothing. Shorts are a lose tee shirt are ideal as are stretch leggings. Music will be played. You will shown movements and encouraged to do them to the best of your ability without causing you any pain or distress. At each session you will learn more movements and at the same time be shown how to do them to a higher and higher standard.

How many Yoga lessons will I need?
Yoga is an ongoing process and therefore there is not limit to the number of classes taken. In addition, the more it is practiced at home the better you will become.

Yoga for children
Children of all ages love doing Yoga and as they are already flexible they usually find it particularly easy.

What will it all cost?
A one-hour one-to-one yoga session costs £60.00.