The British Wheel of Yoga is recognised by the Sports Council as the governing body for yoga in Great Britain. ALL ABOUT YOGA Yoga the practice of harmonising the mind and the body originated in India some 5,000 years ago. The Sanskrit word yoga is translated as 'union' or ’to join’. Yoga offers an holistic approach to body, mind and spirit, which can help us cope with the challenges of daily life. In yoga the body is purified and toned leading to concentration and gradual relaxation of the mind. You may be drawn to yoga for health and fitness or help with managing stress, yoga can help you achieve your objectives in a non competitive environment. Classes are open to all, come with an open heart and find out where yoga may take you. Practice description Ashtanga Yoga-full primary series Ashtanga Vinyasa consists of a fixed sequence of postures (asanas) linked together by the breath. Emphasis is on synchronizing the breath and movement in a continuous rhythmic flow of postures. Breathe, explore and challenge yourself as you’re led through this traditional series of flowing standing postures followed by seated work and inversions. An energizing practice, it is a complete fitness workout that can help you gain strength, flexibility, stamina and focus your mind. Ashtanga For those wishing to explore in detail the breath work, movement patterns, alignment, specific postures and philosophy of the Ashtanga system. Ideal as an introduction to Ashtanga or to deepen your practice working on selected portions of the traditional Ashtanga primary series. . Hatha Hatha Yoga consists of various stretching, toning and strengthening postures, with a focus on alignment and breath awareness. Hatha Yoga brings balance, strength, and a sense of well-being to the practitioner. A slower paced practice than Ashtanga. Yin & Yang Yoga An ideal balance to the stronger practices Yin & Yang Yoga bring together dynamic, muscular or ‘’Yang’’ forms of yoga with long-held relaxed floor postures to stretch and stimulate the deep connective ‘’Yin’’ tissues of the body. Pranayama Simple breathing techniques are taught to develop breath awareness. These are then developed into 'pranayama' where we focus our attention on regulating the breath to control the ‘prana’ or life force/energy within us. By controlling the breath you influence the mind. Creating harmony and balance, it has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Meditation Meditation brings the mind to a quiet centred state. The fluctuations of the mind are stilled by focussing your awareness on a single object- the movement of the breath, an image or sound. Meditation can help us to de-clutter our mind and increase our powers of concentration. Deep Relaxation-Yoga Nidra Yoga Nidra means yogic sleep, a guided relaxation, bringing the student to a deep meditative state of consciousness. All the organs and senses of the body are rested in a way that sleep seldom provides, yet the mind is awake. The senses are sharpened and you feel invigorated afterwards. One to One Tuition One to One tuition gives you the opportunity to focus on the practice of your choice in the comfort of your own home. You may be new to yoga or simply want to deepen your personal practice and work on specific postures and disciplines within yoga, One to One tuition can offer you a personalised programme. Yoga can help to: Increase strength, stamina, and flexibility Improve posture, skin, and muscle tone Reduce stress and increase mental clarity Provide inner calm and steadiness Aid weight control by encouraging healthy eating habits Create a positive self image