If you're new to yoga, or even if you've been practicing for a while, the range of different styles can be quite baffling. Over the years of practicing and teaching yoga, I've found that I love many of the different styles and sometimes mix them in my classes. However, if you're trying to decide which of my classes to come to, below is a sense of what you might expect.
GENTLE YOGA - In a gentle class, we usually start with a subtle enquiry into the body and breath - often lying flat on the mat. Using gentle movement, we feel into our joints, our muscles, our skin and gradually seek to synchronise the breath with larger movements, eventually coming to working with postures (Asana) which can be standing, sitting, or lying down but usually a combination of all of these. Postures may be static, sometimes using props like belts, bolsters, bricks. Or sometimes a sequence of postures may come together in a gentle flow. I like to include a breathing practice and a relaxation in my Gentle Yoga classes. These classes are suitable for everyone - complete beginners or advanced practitioners who are looking to slow down and sense into the subtleties of a gentle practice. They are perfect if you're feeling tired, rusty, recovering from illness or injury, or simply wanting to get in touch with your body.
HATHA FLOW - A Hatha Flow class might start similarly to a gentle class in that we may start slowly, sometimes with subtle movements and a real check-in with how we're feeling. I may also include breath work and relaxation. These classes build up more strength and momentum however and do require a degree of physical fitness as we can move into a slow flow of continual movement for some time and often feel our way into more challenging poses. The point isn't how good you are at the poses, but what you notice about how they feel and how they may change over time. These classes are perfect for runners, cyclists, swimmers, surfers, climbers, walkers - or anyone non-sporty, who wants to develop a more vivid, resilient, and comfortable relationship with their body and the world around them.
YIN/RESTORATIVE YOGA - In Yin Yoga we work very close to the mat, holding poses for between 3-5 minutes so to work deep into the connective tissue (Fascia) of the body. Yin tends not to work at a muscular level although sometimes it is beneficial to introduce a little bit of muscle and movement (yang) into a Yin practice. Yin can best be understood as an embodied meditation. We have time to become very intimate with our breath and our mind and through this beautiful practice experience ever-deepening tranquillity and release. Sometimes we practice Restorative Yoga using lots of cushions, bolsters, blankets to find full comfort in the posture. In these classes, we give ourselves permission to fully rest and let go, focussing particularly on calming the nervous system.
And something you'll always hear me say, is that whatever style of yoga you're doing, for me, the most important thing is how, through yoga, we become more finely attuned to our bodies, our breath, our emotions - on and off the mat. Yoga is not about achievement - there are no medals to be won here! But it can be fascinating and life-changing to notice changes over time, often thanks to a regular yoga practice.
Do give me a ring or an email if you want to talk through which class might work best for you.
07907 374278