Asanas

Clothing to be worn comfortable, loose or in stretching materials to allow easy movement of the body. In the cooler months, bring socks and jumper for the relaxation, to keep you warm.

Eat about 1 - 2 hours before Yoga class.  A full abdomen will make you uncomfortable and tired as your system works to digest the foods.

Non-Competitive. Yoga promotes selfless focus on oneself.  Yoga encourages one to do their best.  When one compares themselves to others, the focus becomes about them, not the yoga.  Simply be aware of your abilities. Regardless of age, level of fitness or state of mind and health, ALL persons are encouraged to practice Yoga.

Do Your Best as self-effort is a Yoga discipline. Try your best, no matter how many times you have practiced an asana or brought your mind back into the moment. Experiment within the yoga asanas to discover how it best suits you.

Allow yourself to relax. Relaxation is not a luxury, it is a necessity for everyone, especially if we have a busy or stressful lifestyle.

Concentrate on your Breathing in each of the Yoga asanas. Your breath will help your body relax and keep the mind focused. Nothing will inhibit steady progress when you maintain Breath Awareness.

Work within your physical limits of your body. The emphasis is on ‘letting go’ rather than pushing the body through borders of pain.

Be Aware during the class. Heighten your senses to areas of tension or discomfort in your body, in your mind; be aware of your personal space and keep the area around your mat clean and uncluttered.

Rest when you need to.  Use resting time to meditate, reflect and absorb your Yoga experience.

What a Yoga Instructor would know about you . . . .

During menstruation women are recommended to practise the more gentle yoga exercises and avoid inverted asanas (upside down asanas). During this time be careful not to exert the body because the body is working from within to cleanse.

High blood pressure, dizziness & heart conditions are conditions Important for your Instructor to know about before the class so that they can offer variations on certain asanas.

Light-headed, Headaches, Dizziness, Cramps & other physical complaints may be experienced after a Yoga class. Newly stretched muscles may respond by cramping or twitching, and toxins liberated from usually tense muscles, may cause headaches or nausea. This is a good sign that your body is detoxing! Symptoms will quickly disappear by drinking water, a warm shower and breathing fresh air.

Pregnant Women may practice Yoga throughout their full pregnancy.  Asanas practised before pregnancy may be practised while pregnant: this is personal.  Inform the instructor the trimester of pregnancy, so that if you wish variations, recommendations can be made. Meditation and Relaxation is wonderfully beneficial for mother and child.

Asana = Yoga posture are exercises done with mindful attention to breath, body and moving inwards.

Full Yoga Breath = inhaling deeply without force, first into lower lungs, feeling the abdomen rise, then filling the mid-portion of the lungs, feeling side-ribs expand and finally taking the breath to the top of the lungs, feeling top of the chest rise. Exhaling slowly and gently, relax.

Meditation = sit comfortably in any position, with back straight, arms, shoulders, face and abdomen relaxed. Allow the body to become peaceful and still. Relax the mind by focusing on your breath.

Yoga Nidra = is a Deep Relaxation technique that provides profound physical & mental relaxation. The ability to deeply relax at will deepen one’s sense of inner peace and calm.

Yoga & Meditation will improve your health & quality of life!

The Benefits of Yoga :

• Less Stress
• Improved Posture
• Bodily Strength & Flexibility
• Relaxed Breathing
• Clear Thinking
• Self Confidence
• Ideal Weight
• OOODLES of Energy
• Inner Peace & True Happiness