Yoga Alton - Class Information

During each yoga class, we will investigate different breathing techniques (pranayama) helping to decrease levels of stress and promote an overall state of well being.

When your body is operating under the 'fight or flight' response (stress), it releases an influx of hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) this causes our breathing to speed up, increasing our pulse and blood pressure.  

Breathing exercises can help to manage this response by relaxing your body and creating a feeling of calm.

Practicing breathwork also helps to :

* Reduce stress/anxiety levels

* Relieve tension

* Release negative thought patterns

* Process emotions

* Emotional detox

* Increase feelings of joy

* Bring clarity to mind

* Increase creativity

* Correct posture

* Relieve back pain

* Increase oxygen flow

* Boost immunity

The word 'yoga' means 'unity' and is derived from the Sanksrit word 'yuj' which means 'to join'.  

Yoga helps to harmonize the body, mind and emotions.

During our time together, we will explore different breathing exercises helping us to understand the relationship between the mind and the body and allow the day to melt away before our Hatha Yoga practice begins.

Traditional Hatha Yoga postures are practiced to help us soften, stretch and prepare the body for our relaxation to follow.

Each week will bring a different extended relaxation.  Wear comfortable layers and bring your mat and a blanket ready for your savasana!

If you are new to Yoga, please join us - Yoga is for everyone x

Yoga has many health benefits:

* Increase muscle strength

* Increase flexibility

* Improve posture

* Keep the spine young

* Drains lymph glands

* Detoxifying internal organs

* Boost immunity

* Reduce blood pressure

* Regulates your adrenal glands

* Improve cardio and circulatory health

* Improve athletic performance

* Reduce anxiety 

* Regulate the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that is responsible for either the rest/digest or the flight/fight response) 

* Calming the mind and lifting the spirit

* Massaging the digestive system....to mention a few!! 

All around us are examples of Yin and Yang.  Where there is light there is dark, where there is odd there is even, where there is up there is down, where there is fast there is slow.  Yin and Yang compliment each other and there is a balance to be acknowledged and understood.

A beautiful ground based practice.  Holding postures for 3-5 mins.  Here are the 3 principles of Yin Yoga:

* Come into the pose to an appropriate depth

* Resolve to remain still

* Hold the pose for time

This practice will give you the Yin you deserve to even out the Yang of modern day living.

Benefits include:

* Releases fascia, improves joint mobility and increases range of movement

* Balances the internal organs 

* Promotes wellbeing

* Develop consciousness 

* Stimulate the flow of energy 'chi' in Chinese medicine

* Mentally, emotionally and spiritually balancing

"We don't use our body to get into a pose, we use the pose to get into our body." Bernie Clarke

Focusing on the energetic and subtle bodies, there is true magic experienced with this practice x

Yoga Nidra and meditation are the same, a state of meditative consciousness called 'samadhi'.  A place between wakefulness and sleep, a place of calm and healing.

Start the evening with a breathing exercise, steady your breath to help steady your mind before entering relaxation with Yoga Nidra.  Follow a guided visualisation and body scan allowing your consciousness to operate at a deeper level of awareness.

During your relaxation a deeply restorative state will be found, revitalising the body and mind.

To conclude the evening, there will be an opportunity for journal writing if you'd like.

Yoga Nidra can help to : 

* Reduce anxiety

* Help with depression

* Aid with pain management

* Reduce stress

* Feel what you feel for acceptance

* Clear and focus the mind

* Yoga Nidra is a Yogi's secret weapon!