I'm not very flexible, is yoga for me?

 

Yoga is for everyone, it doesn't matter how flexible you are. Yoga will help you become more flexible in time and with continued practice but you do not need to be flexible to start practising. Yoga is about combining movement with breath, it's not about straining to get into a posture. It's about respecting your body and acknowledging any limitations you may have. Wherever you are in a posture is just perfect.

 

What does 'yoga' mean?

 

Yoga means union; to unite. The practice of yoga is to unite your inner Self with the Universal Spirit that is a part of everything in this world. It's a practice of uniting physical movements with breath. Hatha Yoga is the practice of moving into and out of a range of postures safely. These postures are designed to move energy to certain parts of the body, release energy locks and ultimately any tension felt in the body. It's about allowing the body to fully relax and rejuvenate by combining movement with breath.

 

What are the benefits of yoga?

 

The benefits of yoga are vast. Yoga helps you to become more flexible, supple and healthier in your physical body. The gentle movements allow you to gain strength and flexibility without causing injury to the body. Each asana (posture) has different benefits so when we practice working through all the various muscles and joints, the whole body is stimulated in a variety of ways. Yoga cleanses the inner body as well as strengthening the outer body. It helps to regulate and stimulate the digestive system, regulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, balances the hormones and strengthens the heart muscle. Yoga helps you to relax and rejuvenate the body through the process of combining physical movements with the breath. It also allows you to increase your concentration and focus. Yoga can also help to tone the body. The breathing techniques that are practised help to correct improper breathing habits, energise the body and mind and also bring the mind to a calm and relaxed state before the practice of the postures. This is only a snippet of what yoga can do for you - come along to a class to find out first hand what it feels like!

 

I have some health concerns, can I still practice yoga?

 

If you have any health concerns, please let your teacher know before the class. Once the teacher knows about your health concerns, they can ensure that you are able to practice safely.  Variations for certain postures can be given if you are unable to practice the normal sequence.

 

I'm pregnant, is your class still suitable for me to attend?

 

It is always better to look for a specialist pregnancy yoga class. There are some great teachers in and around Frome and Bath.

 

What do I need to bring to class?

 

You need to wear comfortable clothing that you can stretch in. Please bring your own yoga mat as it's always good to practice on your own mat. A warm layer for final relaxation is also recommended as the body temperature will drop and you may feel cold without a blanket or jumper to help you retain your body heat. Feel free to bring water to keep you hydrated throughout the class. It's also advised to tie long hair back to avoid any irritation to the face during your practice. It's also a good idea to not eat before the class. If you must eat, please eat something light and preferably two hours before you start your practice.