We are generally familiar with the sun salutation sequence which is a lovely warming flow often done at the start of a class or the start of the day. The moon salutation is a standing series of postures, all likely familiar to anyone that practises yoga regularly. It is traditionally done before bed or in […]
Sun salutations are the foundation of many contemporary yoga practices but are actually an ancient vedic ritual rather than a form of exercise. The sun salutation is a graceful set of postures performed at dawn, facing the rising Sun and worshipping the Sun God, in Hindu mythology. The traditional salutation has 12 steps to represent […]
In this week’s classes we are exploring backbends and heart openers. Heart openers expand the chest and rib cage. These are particularly good postures for people that spend much of their day bent over a desk. Many heart openers are also back bends which is why I am combining them in this class. Back bends […]
I’ve known Annette Henn for years and have attended yoga classes with her up at William Penn Leisure Centre for the best part of two decades. Annette provides cover for my classes when I’m away and we have got together to create a joint workshop all about how to practice yoga safely – with particular […]
[Updated 12 March 2020] I felt it might be a good idea to make a statement about how I am responding to the Coronavirus risk in classes. I have no intention of cancelling classes unless government advice changes but want to ensure that all my students feel safe and are happy to continue coming to […]
Many women first encounter yoga classes when pregnant and yoga can indeed be highly beneficial bringing that mind, body, spirit connection as well as helping with mood, stress and anxiety, helping the mother-to-be with relaxation and breath techniques both in class and in preparation for birth. With significantly increased blood in the body as well […]
The last few weeks have seen us exploring a number of different themes in the yoga classes: balances, twists, power and more. This week I start a new class in Maple Cross so wanted to create a lesson plan that would function both as an introduction to yoga for beginners but would also work to […]
Twists are a regular feature in my classes and from time to time I’ll do a full class where we focus on exploring postures with a bit of a twist. These are typically called “Revolved Postures” or “Parivrtta Asana” in Sanskrit. Twists generally mean moving the shoulders to face in the opposite direction of the […]
This week’s classes are all about improving balance. We will be working through postures that strengthen the muscles that keep us upright including the legs and core. We’ll work on static as well as dynamic (moving) postures. Balance is a key component of fitness along with strength, endurance and flexibility – all elements that a […]
Plank pose: Kumbhakasana Planks are great for core stability and any of us (especially those with with bad backs) should be working towards 30 to 60 second holds on both front and side planks. Alignment is very important so do try and be aware of that – perhaps practice in front of a mirror if […]