It is not about the stretch, it is about the reach
It is not about the stretch, it is about the reach
Hatha yoga is a set of physical postures that have been sequenced to create a flow. These are accompanied by breathing techniques and meditation, and together these are used to preserve and channel energy within the body. Yoga was developed up to 5,000 years ago in India as a comprehensive system for wellbeing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. While Yoga is often equated with Hatha Yoga, the well-known system of postures and breathing techniques, Hatha yoga is only a part of the overall discipline of yoga.
Yoga is a system, not of beliefs, but of techniques and guidance for enriched living. Among Yoga's many source texts, the two best known are the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. Both explain the nature of, and obstacles to higher awareness and fulfilment, as well as a variety of methods for attaining those goals.
As in any field, some aspects of yoga are too subtle to be learned from books or lectures; they must be acquired through experience. Hence yoga's time-honoured emphasis on the student-teacher relationship, in which the teacher helps the student develop a practice that brings deeper understanding through personal experience. As we perfect our practice, we become more focussed and more grounded, as well as fitter, healthier and stronger.
The class will start with a short centering practise with the intention of bringing you to focus and to be present. We will then flow through a series of poses, or asanas. We will introduce some breathing practices, designed to bring our awareness to our breath; a fundamental part of yoga. As the class comes to a close, I will lead you through a guided relaxation to finish off our practise
Classes are held at:
Culcheth High School
Warrington Road
Culcheth
WA3 5HH
Schedule:
Wednesday 18:30 - 19:30
Sunday 09:30 - 10:30
For more information on times and classes please sign up above for further information
Be not afraid of going slowly, only of standing still
Be not afraid of going slowly, only of standing still
Strength vs flexibility
There is a great emphasis on flexibility in yoga, in fact flexibility is synonymous with yoga. Ask someone who has never practiced yoga if they would like to try it and their usual response is 'I'm not flexible enough'. I've never heard anyone say 'I'm not strong enough', yet when it comes to keeping the body safe while practising, being strong is actually more important than being flexible!
Why we do yoga
Improves muscle tone and strength
Increases flexibility
Improves posture
Improves breathing
Lowers blood pressure
Lowers the risk of injury
Helps you lose weight
Lowers stress and improves mood
Boosts confidence
Time
Please arrive a little early to give yourself time to lay down your mat and get comfortable. Perfect time for a little chat too! Please try to be on time as late comers can cause a distraction to others
Feet
Shoes are removed before a yoga practice
Yoga is best practiced barefoot, and we spend a great deal of time focusing on gripping your feet, spreading your toes and evenly distributing your weight over your entire feet. Make sure to not have lotion or cream on your feet as you can slip
Clothes
Comfort is important during a yoga class. You'll be spending a good deal of time bending, stretching and twisting your body, so you'll want to wear something that will stay put. You will want to avoid clothes that are so tight that they impede breathing or make it difficult to move. Shorts and loose shirts often move around and expose too much skin, while skin-tight running leggings make it hard to move your body. Opt for cotton or sweat-absorbing microfibre fabrics.
Talking
Yoga is a quiet, contemplative activity, and students are discouraged from talking throughout the class. The teacher will describe how you will transition from pose to pose and offer encouragement throughout. In addition, you might hear long, complicated-sounding names like Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog) and Virabhadrasana (warrior). Teachers often include the traditional Sanskrit names of poses, but most beginners classes will use the English names. In addition, you might hear the words drishti (gaze), bandhas (energy locks), asanas (poses), among other Sanskrit words. If there is a word you don't understand, feel free to ask the teacher about it after class
Adjustments
Yoga teachers are trained to adjust students to keep them in proper alignment, help them go deeper into a pose and try out a pose they might not feel strong enough to attempt on their own. Don't be surprised if your yoga teacher is more "hands on" than other fitness instructors you've encountered. Teachers are usually pretty good at gauging a student's willingness to be assisted/touched. If you feel uncomfortable with hands-on adjustments, feel free to let your teacher know
What to bring
Please bring your own mat and equipment if you have them. Otherwise I do have a small selection of mats, blocks and belts that you can borrow. Please also bring water to drink at any point during the class. You may want to bring a blanket or anything else to help you feel comfortable for our relaxation
Rest
At any point during our practice, should you feel the need to rest, please do so. It is traditional to rest in Child’s pose but please feel free to find whatever position helps you bring your breath to a more comfortable pace, ready to reenter the practice
Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like at the beginning or end of our class!
