What Happens in a Yoga Class
Below is an outline of a general yoga class. All classes will vary to work on specific areas and adapt to the needs of the students but generally they follow the same structure.
COMPOSURE – Usually lying down or sitting in a comfortable position in peace and quiet. We try and rest the mind of any worries and troubles that the day has brought and we try to still our mind by bringing ourselves into the present. We mentally scan our bodies to see where any tension may be and focus on deepening the breath
WARM-UP AND LIMBERING – We begin by doing gentle curling and stretching movements to warm up the muscles, gently stretch the spine and to articulate the joints
SUN – SALUTATIONS (SURYA NAMASKAR) – This is a sequence of 12 postures that we synchronise with our breathing to make a continuous cycle of movements. We do a few cycles to really warm-up the body and to gently push the heart rate up, these cycles increase the flow of energy round the body and work every muscle.
MAIN PART OF CLASS –During this part of the class we perform a series of yoga Asanas or Postures. These are taught through demonstration and vocal instruction and there will be lots of time to rest and recover after the more strenuous Asanas. Alternatives are always suggested to match the needs of the individual.
BREATHING (PRANAYAMA) EXERCISES – These are done to improve lung capacity and to learn good breathing techniques. Breathing exercises may also be performed at the beginning of the class
RELAXATION – At the end of the class, warm clothes and a comfortable position either lying or sitting is adopted and we try to deeply relax. Sometimes a visualization is used or soft music to help, this part should be completely enjoyable and a reward for the hard work performed in the class
Attending yoga classes will improve both mental and physical well being. It will also help the body maintain its mobility and agility. The lessons in class will help students to cope more calmly with everyday pressures along life’s way
WHAT TO BRING: If you have your own yoga mat please bring it. However if you are just starting out or you forget your mat then I have mats to borrow for the class. Please also bring a blanket or an extra layer of clothing for the relaxation as the body will cool down quite a bit during this part of the class and it is hard to relax if you feel cold!
WHAT TO WEAR: Whatever you are comfortable in, just make sure you can move easily. Sometimes wearing a few layers is better so you can take them off and on depending on your body temperature. The class takes place in bare feet but it's nice to have some socks for the relaxation!
COMPOSURE – Usually lying down or sitting in a comfortable position in peace and quiet. We try and rest the mind of any worries and troubles that the day has brought and we try to still our mind by bringing ourselves into the present. We mentally scan our bodies to see where any tension may be and focus on deepening the breath
WARM-UP AND LIMBERING – We begin by doing gentle curling and stretching movements to warm up the muscles, gently stretch the spine and to articulate the joints
SUN – SALUTATIONS (SURYA NAMASKAR) – This is a sequence of 12 postures that we synchronise with our breathing to make a continuous cycle of movements. We do a few cycles to really warm-up the body and to gently push the heart rate up, these cycles increase the flow of energy round the body and work every muscle.
MAIN PART OF CLASS –During this part of the class we perform a series of yoga Asanas or Postures. These are taught through demonstration and vocal instruction and there will be lots of time to rest and recover after the more strenuous Asanas. Alternatives are always suggested to match the needs of the individual.
BREATHING (PRANAYAMA) EXERCISES – These are done to improve lung capacity and to learn good breathing techniques. Breathing exercises may also be performed at the beginning of the class
RELAXATION – At the end of the class, warm clothes and a comfortable position either lying or sitting is adopted and we try to deeply relax. Sometimes a visualization is used or soft music to help, this part should be completely enjoyable and a reward for the hard work performed in the class
Attending yoga classes will improve both mental and physical well being. It will also help the body maintain its mobility and agility. The lessons in class will help students to cope more calmly with everyday pressures along life’s way
WHAT TO BRING: If you have your own yoga mat please bring it. However if you are just starting out or you forget your mat then I have mats to borrow for the class. Please also bring a blanket or an extra layer of clothing for the relaxation as the body will cool down quite a bit during this part of the class and it is hard to relax if you feel cold!
WHAT TO WEAR: Whatever you are comfortable in, just make sure you can move easily. Sometimes wearing a few layers is better so you can take them off and on depending on your body temperature. The class takes place in bare feet but it's nice to have some socks for the relaxation!
