CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:
Beginners: These classes are open to everyone. They will introduce you to the basic yoga postures and breathing practices, and how to do them intelligently. This takes time and often students stay with the beginner classes for many years, as they give you an all round understanding without having to extend too much. The basic postures ensure healthy joint mobilisation, gentle muscle strengthening and stretching, hormonal balancing and peace of mind. Who could ask for more!
Beginners to General: These classes are a step up from the beginners classes. If you are a beginner, yet the only time slot you can fit in is the ‘beginners to general’, that’s fine….but please stay with the simple movement options. In these classes you will be given options to work a little more strongly so you can make these classes as challenging as you like by taking the stronger option if you feel ready. A good way in yoga to know if you are ready is to practice within the range where you can keep your breath calm without bringing tension to the eyes or the tongue.
General: These classes will expect from you some prior knowledge of Yoga asana, meaning that the basic qualities of each posture may not be as big a focus. You will explore all the fabulous variations and stronger postures and breath work within the class. These classes are not for the beginner or those with injuries (you are better to develop your beginners postures first before attempting these classes). You will learn more about inversions in these classes, like head, hand, forearm and shoulder stands. Often the general classes may have a flow/vinyasana aspect as a warm up. For all round good health and the development of your practice, come and enjoy.
General FLOW: The general flow classes are designed for those with experience who wish to develop their aerobic capacity and increase strength, balance and flexibility. Each class will begin with warm-up exercises before diving into the flow. You will have the opportunity to develop arm, leg and core strength and get a little more hot and sweaty. These types of flow classes are generally detoxifying for the body and mind, but they are more challenging. Come and see for yourself and watch how deeply you relax towards the end of class.
Rest & Restore / Restorative: These classes are wonderful for every one, as we all need time to recharge our battery by learning the precious art of relaxation. In the Relax and Restore class you will do primarily floor based gentle movement practices. These will be nourishing and supportive. So come along and recognise just how energising these classes can be. If you suffer from anxiety, chronic fatigue, stress, have health issues that limit your natural movement or just need to CHILL OUT these classes are for you.
Meditation & Movement: These classes are to ground you in the basics of gentle movement and the practice of meditation. The first 20 minutes of the class are spent feeling into some loving stretches to enable the body to be a little more prepared for the sitting meditation practice. You will be surprised just how quickly your ability to sit and focus develops over time. Meditation is the perfect practice for anyone who can breath and anyone truly looking for connection and peace with the world. You can always sit on a chair, if sitting on the floor is not for you.
Inversions and Pranayama: In this class Kate will lead you through some of the slow and vigorous yogic breath control practices, as well as preparation for the wonderful inversions of Handstand, Forearm balance, Headstand and Shoulder stand. Both Pranayama (breath control) and inversion practices relate to the ether (air) element. They are practices that go so well together, and help you to strengthen the immune system and calm the mind. This class is not for beginners nor those who are menstruating.
