YOGA CLASSES

Yoga is a very powerful and complete form of exercise (asana). It stretches and strengthens muscles, ligaments, and tendons (especially increasing core strength), whilst at the same time massaging and toning the inner body (joints, glands and organs). It detoxifies and cleanses the body, whilst at the same time improving the concentration and focus of the mind. The deep breathing that is practised during the exercise pumps fresh oxygen and energy into every cell of the body, rejuvenating and healing.

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Yoga is also a set of powerful breathing exercises (pranayama). These techniques have a number of benefits, but primarily they help to energise and oxygenate the body, as well as balancing and purifying the mind.

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Yoga is also deep relaxation. One of the effects of the practice of postures and breathing exercises is that we release muscular and nervous stress. However, we also practice a deep relaxation technique called ‘final relaxation’ at the end of each session, in which each person consciously relaxes the body and mind to their fullest extent. This is extremely restorative and rejuvenating, on every level: cellular, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

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This deep relaxation, when combined with concentration of the mind, leads naturally to meditation, a state of awareness in which all our energetic resources are channelled into healing and nourishing our being.

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Yoga is many things, but it is not: religious; competitive; or exclusive. Anyone can do it, no matter how old, and regardless of physical condition. We have taught people with asthma, stroke, depression – all have felt better after practicing. Many have been completely healed. The only thing you need, is the desire to work on yourself. As the late, great yoga teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois said:

“Do your practice, and all is coming”