With so many people now practicing yoga in the west, it is clear that yoga isn’t a religion, an Indian cult and is so much more than just the new aerobics!
Yoga is a philosophical approach to life lived within a practical framework of working with the body and mind every day to gain clarity and awareness. The practice of the physical postures (asana) imparts flexibility, stamina, and endurance, balance, concentration and clarity. Most importantly, for 21st century living, it greatly reduces physical tension and mental stress.
Based on sound physiological principles, the regular practice of yoga keeps the joints loose and mobile, it keeps muscles strong and relaxed, it tones the internal organs and glands, it boosts circulation of blood and with it, oxygen, and it does all this without expending energy, but building it!
By releasing contracted muscles and emotional tension, a yoga practice can liberate vast resources of physical energy. Aside from moving the body into poses, a yoga practice often employs a simple, rhythmical breathing technique that revitalises the body and refreshes the mind.
People have been benefiting from yoga for over 2,000 years.
You don’t have to be flexible or strong to begin with - or even to end with! – though you will soon notice improvements. There are so many benefits to practicing yoga on top of a looser body, from a calmer mind to an expansive sense of life’s possibilities.
When the gardener plants an apple seed, does he expect the apple to appear at once? Of course not. The gardener waters the seed, watches each day, and feels happy seeing the growth. Treat the body in the same way. We water our asana and pranyana practice with love and joy seeing the small progress. B.K.S. Iyengar
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There are thousands of different physical poses (asana) practiced in yoga, and each exerts a specific effect on the body. It can seem a little overwhelming even to a seasoned practitioner! Useful to know is that the postures can be grouped into five major categories, with an overarching physical or mental effect that will be felt when performed, depending on duration, intensity and sequencing.
These help correct the alignment of the structural body (bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments) and strengthen the spine and skeletal system. Standing asana build strength and endurance.
These massage the internal organs, especially those involved in digestion, assimilation and elimination, to help cleanse and regulate the body. Twisting postures also release tension and emotions stored in the core muscles.
These lower blood pressure and relax and calm the central nervous system, bringing a restorative effect to the body and mind. These are especially beneficial when the body is tired, stressed or unwell.
These calm the mind, relieve anxiety and depression, purify the lymphatic system and regenerate energy. Inverted postures also balance the endocrine (hormonal) system.
These open the heart, clear the mind and stimulate the central nervous system. These are energising and fatigue reducing.
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All classes are based on the traditions of Iyengar Yoga which is a precise and exacting form of yoga taught by its namesake B.K.S. Iyengar, whose dedication and integrity has elevated this form of yoga to science, therapy and art. In this style of class the emphasis is on postural realignment, coordination of movement and breath, breath regulation, and allowing the mind to focus and the body to strengthen and open. Excellent for beginners and beyond.
The course begins with the basic foundation postures (asana) and over the course of the eight weeks; new poses are introduced while understanding of existing ones is deepened. The primary focus is on imparting a solid grounding and correct alignment in the postures. Ideal for those with no previous experience with yoga, or who have had an extended break from practice.
This course is designed to be a transitional course between begginers and Level 1, it is ideal fro those students who have Yoga experiance and are not quite ready to delve into a Level 1 class.
These courses refine technique in foundation poses and introduce inverted postures and basic backbends. Ideal for students wishing to develop further confidence in the postures, minimum 6 months regular attendance is necessary.
These courses focus on building resilience and strength. Students are introduced to inverted postures and backward bends that have a greater degree of difficulty. Self-practice is encouraged at this level, as is an understanding of the deeper meaning of yoga.
These courses regularly include the practice of headstand, shoulder stand and backbends. Students are expected to have a deep awareness of their personal practice. Attendance is welcomed with prior consultation with the teacher; casual attendance is not permitted. A strong commitment to the understanding and practice of yoga is required, along with consecutive weekly attendance.
These classes offer students a chance to follow an experienced teacher through the practice of a set yoga sequence. Ideally suited to students who are level 1 and above.
Ideal for students wishing to develop further confidence in various asana, recommended for students who are level 1 and above.
Ideal for mothers returning to practice after giving birth. This class allows mothers to share new experiences in motherhood in a supportive environment. It is recommended that mother wait a period of 6 weeks prior to returning to practice. Bubs can be from newborn to pre crawling.
This class offers a specialised program for women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The program will help your body adjust to the rapid physical changes taking place, while cultivating a warm environment where you can explore the emotional changes of approaching motherhood. No previous yoga experience necessary.
: This class is for anyone who is new to yoga. It is a very gentle class that introduces basic techniques for breathing, stretching and toning. This class is ideal for the complete beginner and suitable for those recovering from injury.
Offers children aged 7-11 the opportunity to be introduced to yoga in a fun, supportive and non competitive environment, allowing them to develop a greater sense of body awareness, focus, attention, relaxation and quietening of the senses. Students will be introduced to the exploration of postures through the use of story telling, games and more.
Suitable for Teenagers 12 year +, Students will learn the foundations of asana (postures) in a class setting specifically designed for teenagers, which will assist in balancing and nourishing the body systems, build confidence, improve posture, strength and address the needs of teenagers in a non competitive and supportive environment. Asana help to maintain hormonal balance, assisting teenagers through the physical and emotional ups and downs of adolescence
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Please make payment in full before the first class of your yoga or Pilates class.
Most courses fill quickly, however sometime a course may be canceled or postponed if it attracts only a small number of students. If this happens, your course fee will be transferred to another course of your choice or be refunded in full.
Payment Options: cash, cheque, ETPOS, Visa, MasterCard, secure online payments for credit cards
8 week course $135 ($120 Student/Concession)
6 week course $100 ($95 Student/Concession)
Kids or Teen Yoga $100 (10 weeks) or $12 Casual
10 class pass $170
Unlimited Pass $340 (8 weeks)
Student Unlimited Pass $300 (8 weeks)
Casual $20
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Yoga Glossary VIEW PDF
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ASANA 1
