HATHA YOGA • VINYASA YOGA • PRE-NATAL YOGA • RESTORATIVE YOGA

HATHA YOGA is one of many yoga styles, but it is the most commonly recognised in the Western World. The reason for this is that it mainly focusses on the physical body, through the practice of Asanas or poses, Pranayama or breath awareness and meditation and relaxation. However, students will discover through regular practice of Hatha Yoga, that it is not just physical exertion or a "workout", but that it helps to restore the connection between the inner self and the physical body.

Asanas (pronounced "arsnas") are physical exercises of a special kind. The form that they take is the result of many years experience: trial and error, experiments, and scrupulous observation. The yogis discovered that by placing the body in certain positions or postures helped realign the spine & strengthen the physical body as well as the nervous system, balance the hormones and generally heal the body, bringing it back into balance (homeostasis).

Hatha Yoga is NOT gymnastics or contortions! The discipline of working initially with the physical body leads the student further into the "mind/ body" experience, the core of Yoga.

When you practise Yoga, you engage your whole being in the actions your body is making, and this is why Hatha Yoga is said to be a form of meditation in action.

Breath awareness (PRANAYAMA) exercises are taught.

RELAXATION/MEDITATION plays an important part in the class; Classes commence with a quiet restorative asana and finish with a 10-15 minute relaxation/meditation session.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE PRACTISING YOGA:

•   Come to your class with an EMPTY stomach - if you must eat something, make it light. Save your big meal for later.

•   Wear comfortable stretchy clothing such as tracky daks and T shirt, leotard, etc.

•   Let the teacher know if you have any new injuries, headache, menstruating, pregnant, etc.

•   Practise yoga WITHIN your own limitations. Yoga is not competitive (even with yourself!). Injuries can occur if you strive to reach a posture that the person in front of you is performing.

To practise yoga correctly, you need to be able to breathe comfortably in all of the poses, be grounded and steady and have good intentions as to the outcome of your practice.

SOME OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF HATHA YOGA:

•   Builds bone density

•   Releases stress

•   Builds confidence and vitality

•   Improves posture

•   Improves strength and flexibility

•   Relaxes and centres the mind

•   Calms the brain, helping us to think more clearly

•   Relieves backache, headache

•   Helps breathing problems

•   Strengthens the immune system

•   Helps balance the hormonal system