Yoga, Pilates and meditation are scientifically proven gateways to wellness for people of all ages and abilities. They provide the means to naturally balancing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the human experience to help people cope with the demands of twenty-first century living.
The central principle of yoga lies in focussing on the combined inner forces of mind, body and spirit, with several different styles which you can practise to hone your skill. Before launching headlong into having a go, it’s worth exploring some of the options to decide which yoga style will suit you. These are some of the most popular:
The word hatha means force and this style of yoga, dating back to the first century, features physical techniques known as asanas to channel the vital life force or energy.
In practical terms you might expect a hatha yoga class to involve all aspects of the body. Pranayama breathing exercises teach measured breath control through precise movement into specific positions, to enhance your balance, the alignment of your spine, flexibility and strength.
If you practise hatha yoga regularly you will notice improvement in your range of movement and relief from aches and pains as you ease out your muscles and stretch deep into your tissues in a gradual controlled way.
A very slow-paced style of yoga which involves less exertion than Hatha, Yin follows principles of Chinese medicine. Involving meditation and inner silence. Each asanas position is held still for much longer – up to ten minutes.
Yin concentrates pressure on the connective tissues -tendons and ligaments – to improve circulation in the joints and increase flexibility. Blocks, bricks or bolsters are generally used to help support your posture during each exercise. A guided session will teach you how to relax, unwind and focus on being present in the moment.
Yang yoga by contrast is more dynamic and flowing with more active movement to increase blood flow with rhythm and repetition. The two styles Yin and Yang complement each other well when practised together alternately in a session.
The physical aspect of this form of yoga makes it appealing to those who are keen to improve or maintain their fitness as it also serves as a form of physical exercise and discipline. However, it is not about pushing yourself too hard or too far as that would go against the very philosophy of yoga to protect and nurture your whole being. It features a flowing sequence of set poses that include standing, seated, lying and inversions to build strength and flexibility in the body and the mind.
The advantages of yoga for youngsters have been proven by leading paediatricians with a staggering 31 benefits cited by independent analytical health organisation The Good Body. It’s great news for parents who can easily tap into this ancient practice to help balance their kids physically and mentally.
While learning yoga poses is good for developing balance and increasing flexibility, as a non-competitive form of exercise rather than sport, it encourages empathy, improves self-esteem and builds confidence. By reducing anxiety and stress, it leads naturally to better sleep and helps with self-control and improved behaviour.
Multiple studies have shown that yoga can be a powerful tool for improving symptoms of ADHD and autism, with demonstrably improved symptoms including better socialisation, tolerance of sitting and adult proximity. Studies have also indicated that practicing yoga boosts immunity, with reduced markers of inflammation and improved immune responses to infectious diseases.
Yoga for kids needs to be fun, so yoga games are a good idea and a teacher who makes it entertaining to maintain their interest.
We offer many different classes, so there really is something for everyone in our studio timetables which run 7 days a week. Types of yoga that you can practice with us include Hatha Flow, Power Vinyasa, Yin, Booty Barre and Ashtanga with a mix of female and male teachers. There are weekly classes for children aged 4-8 and 9-12. Pilates classes are also available in the mat studio and on the reformer and circuit class apparatus, featuring gentle sessions through to high intensity cardio reformer Pilates. Additionally, there are regular workshops in manifestation, mindfulness and meditation. For people who want a completely immersive relaxation experience we also host yoga retreats in the Mediterranean and, closer to home, the Lake District – let’s face it, who doesn’t love a holiday disguised as a retreat!
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