What is Yoga
The Sanskrit word yoga is translated as union. The union of the mind body and breath creates balance both internally and externally and promotes feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. My yoga classes offer students postures and movements to stretch, strengthen and flex the body, I also encourage development of breath awareness to relax, and sometimes meditate, finishing the class with relaxation.
About Yoga
By making yoga a part of your daily or weekly routine, you may become aware of subtle changes in your approach to life. In your yoga class you may well begin to glimpse a state of inner calm.
In our hectic modern world many of us are taking time out to practice yoga a system of philosophy that originated in India 5,000 years ago. Everyone can practice yoga, regardless of age or ability. Yoga offers us a holistic approach to body, mind and spirit that can provide us with tools to cope with every day life. Yoga can also complement medical science and therapy for specific conditions.
Vrksasana (Tree Pose)
The above image shows a student practicing Vrksasana (Tree Pose)
This Yoga pose Strengthens thighs, calves, ankles and spine and also Stretches the groin, inner thighs, chest, and shoulders whilst improving balance. It can also help to improve the relief of sciatica and flat feet.
When practising balance poses be aware of your body's alignment while you find a graceful balance. It is important to ground your feet firmly to maintain good posture. Your pelvis is the link between your torso and legs, and learning to stabilize your pelvis is key to mastering standing balances.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Down Dog)
The above image shows students practicing Adho Mukha Svanasana (Down Dog) Yoga pose.
This pose Stretches Shoulders, hamstrings and calves, Strengthens arms and legs and can Relieves stress and headaches.
As you age, your bones and upper body strength deteriorate, increasing the risk of injury and making everyday tasks more difficult. Arm supports work to reverse the weakening of bones and muscles. These poses strengthen and help prevent osteoporosis. Inversions lower the head below the heart, reversing the effect of gravity on you body. Inversions benefit the cardiovascular, lymphatic, nervous and endocrine systems, increasing blood circulation and building healthier lung tissue.