A Vinyasa Yoga class is an engaging, empowering and energising experience!
Come prepared for a strong, dynamic practice. Translating as ‘Breath synchronised movement’, Vinyasa comprises a progressive series of postures, with each movement accompanied by a focussed inhale or exhale, linked together to form one flowing movement. This builds internal heat, which confers many benefits. It helps the body expel toxins, as well as stimulating blood flow, bringing fresh nutrients to all the muscles and organs. A raised body temperature helps strengthen the immune system, reducing chances of infection. The muscles are warmed and joints lubricated, which helps you go deeper into a stretch than if you were doing it at a slower pace.
The synchronised breathing gives control and rhythm to your yoga session, and helps achieve conscious control over the body. The continuous focus on the breath aids concentration, and relaxes and quietens the mind. In the sequence, all muscle groups receive attention, creating balanced strength. An emphasis on accurate body alignment ensures correct movements, and the breath flow allows fresh oxygen to fuel and loosen the muscles and keep them flexible.
Of course, an hour of moving through sometimes rigorous postures takes time to build up, especially for those new to Yoga or unused to exercise. But don’t be discouraged – most of the current classes are geared to accommodate beginners, and I am always ready to give advice and to work with any limitations a student may have, modifying poses as necessary. And for those with experience who wish to push themselves further, there are many advanced variations that can be incorporated into the sequence. It is my firm belief that we are capable of far more than we often allow ourselves to think. And breaking through the limitations of the mind is a very liberating experience for people.
Come prepared for a strong, dynamic practice. Translating as ‘Breath synchronised movement’, Vinyasa comprises a progressive series of postures, with each movement accompanied by a focussed inhale or exhale, linked together to form one flowing movement. This builds internal heat, which confers many benefits. It helps the body expel toxins, as well as stimulating blood flow, bringing fresh nutrients to all the muscles and organs. A raised body temperature helps strengthen the immune system, reducing chances of infection. The muscles are warmed and joints lubricated, which helps you go deeper into a stretch than if you were doing it at a slower pace.
The synchronised breathing gives control and rhythm to your yoga session, and helps achieve conscious control over the body. The continuous focus on the breath aids concentration, and relaxes and quietens the mind. In the sequence, all muscle groups receive attention, creating balanced strength. An emphasis on accurate body alignment ensures correct movements, and the breath flow allows fresh oxygen to fuel and loosen the muscles and keep them flexible.
Of course, an hour of moving through sometimes rigorous postures takes time to build up, especially for those new to Yoga or unused to exercise. But don’t be discouraged – most of the current classes are geared to accommodate beginners, and I am always ready to give advice and to work with any limitations a student may have, modifying poses as necessary. And for those with experience who wish to push themselves further, there are many advanced variations that can be incorporated into the sequence. It is my firm belief that we are capable of far more than we often allow ourselves to think. And breaking through the limitations of the mind is a very liberating experience for people.
