Our Classes
“Aerial Yoga is my favourite class! Dealing with ADHD and an overactive mind is tiring, but hanging upside down in the hammocks really allows my mind to relax like nothing else.”
“When I rest in the cocoon it feels like I’m back in the womb, safe and supported.”
Aerial Cocoon
Aerial Yoga
Aerial Yoga is a relatively new addition to the world of Yoga, only starting in the 1990’s.
Aerial Yoga introduces the innovative use of a hammock or silk to enhance and extend individual postures. From the gentlest downward dog to the most blissfully weightless shoulder stand, this approach liberates the body to explore new dimensions. The support provided allows for complete inversions, creative movement exploration, and the development of core strength, flexibility, and much-needed decompression for the spine and joints.
Inversions (hanging upside down) has many benefits as listed above. Anecdotal evidence suggests that being inverted has a calming effect on the mind. One thought for this calming effect on the mind is the increased flow of blood to the brain. With extra blood comes extra energy, and as we well know in yoga, the more energy we are able to cultivate, the quieter the mind becomes.
The remarkable versatility of this prop ensures that it can be tailored to suit your individual needs, ensuring you derive maximum benefit from the session.
The hammock has a unique benefit that other forms of yoga do not offer. This is the physical sensation of the hammock touching the body and skin. The sense of being hugged and gently supported activates the PNS (Parasympathetic Nervous System) signalling to the body and mind that we are safe and at ease.
And of course we can’t leave out the Blissful Cocoon. To open and close an aerial session we lie in the cocoon (as pictured here) gently swaying (or still if you wish). This has a wonderfully grounding and relaxing effect on us which some people have described as a hug, or it’s like being back in the womb.
As well as adults classes we also offer children’s aerial yoga classes open to neurodivergent and neurotypical children.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a physically demanding style of yoga
Students follow a set sequence of postures each time, gradually progressing through the series. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga emphasises the linking of movement and breath (vinyasa), Ujjayi breathing and bandhas (energy locks).
Ashtanga Yoga is a system of yoga said to be derived from an ancient manuscript called the Yoga Korunta. The text of the Yoga Korunta was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya around the 1900s who then taught it to his student Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Jois then used this as the basis for Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga which he started teaching in 1948.
Philosophy & Principles
The Sanskrit word Ashtanga translates as Eight-limbs, referring to the Eight-limbs of yoga as outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.
According to Pattabhi Jois, daily asana practice is necessary to make the body strong and healthy which can then allow the mind to be steady and controlled.
Ashtanga Vinyasa is a very dynamic and athletic form of yoga. It is made up of six “series” (Primary, Intermediate and four Advanced series) each of which has a fixed order of poses. The traditional sequence starts with five Surya Namaskara A and five B, standing poses, one of the six series and ends with a finishing sequence. Traditionally this is taught in a “Mysore” style where the student learns the sequences gradually under the personalized guidance of a teacher, progressing onto the next posture when they are ready.
Central to the practice is Ujjayi (victorious) breath. This deep audible, breath helps the student to keep the attention on the breath.
The term Vinyasa refers to the alignment of movement and breath but is also used to describe a series of movements used to link each asana in a series. The asana system is a moving meditation with the transition between each pose being as important as the postures themselves.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is also practised with the use of bandhas: Mula bandha, Uddiyana bandha and Jalandhara bandha. These are locks or seals which help to direct energy in the body and create stability.
The Practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Today
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is still often practised in the Mysore style, however led Ashtanga classes are now also popular where students practise the poses at the same time together. A led class will usually still follow the traditional sequence. However, the teacher may sometimes skip postures or vinyasas, or add some in depending on the length of class and level of the students.
Hatha Vinyasa Yoga
What is commonly called yoga in the West is technically Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga (ha=”sun” tha=”moon”) attains the union of mind-body-spirit through a practice of asanas (yoga postures), pranayama (yoga breathing), mudra (body gestures), bandha (energy locks or seals) and shatkarma (internal cleansing). These body-centered practices are used to strengthen and purify the physical body, and cultivate prana (life-force energy) and activate kundalini (dormant spiritual energy).
What is Hatha Yoga?
The Sanskrit word “hatha” can be translated in English two different ways: as “willful” or “forceful,” as the active path of yoga—or as “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha), as the yoga of balance. Taken together, hatha yoga can be described as a set of willful and active practices that aim to achieve harmony and balance in the mind, body, and spirit. This approach to yoga is often called “the forceful path” and includes the practice of physical postures and breathing techniques.
Hatha yoga is the generic type of yoga classes taught in the West. Most of the popular types of yoga taught in yoga studios are derived from this style. It is often used to describe a more gentle or beginner friendly style.
History of Hatha Yoga
In the history of yoga, hatha yoga is a fairly recent technique that was developed from theories and techniques of Tantra Yoga. The tantrics embraced the physical body as the means to achieve enlightenment and developed the physical-spiritual connections and body-centered practices that lead to Hatha Yoga. But Hatha Yoga is uniquely focused on transforming the physical body through purification and the cultivation of the subtle energies of the body. The ultimate goal of this type of yoga is to direct the vital energy into the central channel and draw it up towards the crown chakra. Most modern classes do not teach the esoteric exercises of breath retention, bandhas and mudras that would channel and raise one’s energy levels high enough to attain enlightenment. And all of the techniques of this form of yoga are seen as preliminary steps to achieving the deeper states of meditation and enlightenment found in the path of raja yoga.
The oldest and most widely used ancient text on the physical practices of Hatha Yoga is the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This book was composed in 15th century CE by Swami Swatamarama and is derived from older Sanskrit texts, the teachings from well-known teachers, and from Swatamarama’s own yogic experiences. The main goal of this text is to illuminate the physical disciplines and practices of Hatha Yoga and integrate these with the higher spiritual goals of Raja Yoga.
Swatamarama begins with explaining the relationship between the two, informing us that Hatha is a preliminary practice for Raja Yoga. He tells us that obtaining self-control and self-discipline is much easier when we start with the physical and energetic body, versus trying to directly control the mind as in Raja Yoga. Through the mastery of the prana, or energy of the body, we can then easily master the control of the mind and obtain success with Raja Yoga.
What is Vinyasa yoga?
Vinyasa is an approach to yoga in which you move from one pose directly into the next. There’s a flow to a Vinyasa yoga session, though the specific poses and the pace of the flow vary from one instructor to the next.
You may also hear the term Ashtanga yoga used interchangeably with Vinyasa. While they’re similar in approach, the key difference is that Ashtanga sessions follow the same pattern of poses every time.
Vinyasa, on the other hand, usually moves from one pose to the next at the teacher’s discretion. This transition coordinates with your breathing. It’s done specifically as you exhale or inhale, and it gives you the feeling that your breath is moving your body.
A slower paced Vinyasa session can be tough as it require’s endurance and patience as the asana’s are held for longer which build’s strength and flexibility.
A faster paced Vinyasa session can be physically challenging, in terms of stamina and strength, as the heart rate increases this requires the breath to be regulated more.
Who is Hatha Vinyasa suitable for?
A Hatha Vinyasa class is suitable for all levels of student, beginner’s to practiced Yogi’s. General level classes allow for all levels of practice, the teacher can give variations, modifications and support with props if certain poses are not achievable due to ability, mobility issues or injuries.
Iyengar Yoga
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar yoga is named after the late yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, who taught for more than 70 years in the tradition of Patanjali, the sage of yoga and author of the Yoga Sutras. Iyengar’s teacher was T. Krishnamacharya, known as the grandfather of modern yoga.
BKS Iyengar’s 1966 book Light on Yoga (often called the ‘bible of yoga’) has been translated into many languages and sold millions of copies. The method is kept alive through Iyengar’s granddaughter Abhijata and son Prashant, who lead the global Iyengar yoga school and teach at the main Institute in Pune, India. There are thousands of certified teachers, and many associations, around the world.
Iyengar yoga is known for its emphasis on alignment, precision and gaining a depth of knowledge of the asanas (postures). Iyengar pioneered the use of yoga props including mats, blocks, bolsters, belts and bricks, to enable correct alignment and safe practice for people of all abilities.
Who is it suitable for? What sort of people would it appeal to? Is it suitable for beginners?
Iyengar yoga is non-competitive and is suitable for people of any age, shape or size. There are classes for all levels of experience and you’ll also find specialist classes including gentle, restorative, therapeutic and children’s.
Beginners with little or no experience will gain a thorough grounding in the basics, learning to extend and align the body progressively through careful sequencing before gradually moving on to more challenging poses.
If you have an injury or illness there are a number of highly experienced yoga therapy teachers in the UK and Ireland, as well as a specialist group of teachers running Covid recovery classes.
If you’re not flexible, don’t worry – our teachers often say it can be a hindrance to be flexible! Your teacher will make sure you have the right equipment to avoid any harmful strain on the body.
Why should I try it? How will it make me feel during / after class? What will I get from it?
In general, classes are reasonably active but not exhausting, and end with relaxation. They are carefully sequenced to leave you feeling warmed, awake and with a refreshed mind.
Authentic tradition: Iyengar yoga has a long-established teaching system with its roots in traditional teachings of India that live on through the new generations of the Iyengar family.
Experienced teachers: It takes many years of practice and training to qualify as an Iyengar yoga teacher so you can be sure that you are receiving high quality teaching.
Specialists in yoga therapy: Training standards in the Iyengar yoga system are very high and it takes many years to qualify as an Iyengar yoga therapy teacher. There are a number highly-skilled therapy teachers who have the experience to help a wide variety of health conditions. Many people find that through regular practice their long term health issues are resolved.
Meditation in action: Being totally aware and absorbed in the poses as you practise is meditation: body and mind communicate at a subtle level and are harmonized. As well as the many physical benefits, the ultimate aim is to integrate mind, body and inner self.
Kundalini Yoga
WHAT IS KUNDALINI?
Kundalini is said to be a powerful, primal energy that represents the unmanifested potential within us; it is referring to the great field of the unknown that lies beyond the limits of our minds. The term “kundal” means “coiled” and “ini” can be translated as “power”, leading to a definition of Kundalini as “the dormant energy coiled at the base of the spine”. Kundalini shakti can be seen as the very energy of all consciousness that dwells within each one of us. Often depicted as a serpent wrapped three and a half times, this powerful energy can be awakened by the physical and spiritual practices of yoga such as mantra, mudra, asana, and pranayama. When awakened, the kundalini shakti rises through the chakras (energy vortices) in the energetic body and leads to spiritual awakening manifested as freedom of choice, awareness, and a greater opportunity to live one’s life with fullness.
KUNDALINI SHAKTI VS. KUNDALINI YOGA
With kundalini shakti being such an integral concept in yogic philosophy and Kundalini Yoga being a widely popular style of practice, it is important to differentiate the two and understand the key differences.
While kundalini shakti is the essence of consciousness that dwells within each of us and is the portal to higher states of awareness, Kundalini Yoga is a systemic practice using a variety of techniques to awaken the energy. It uses sequences of poses, kriyas, and mantra chanting that have been passed down from teacher to teacher. You can think of kundalini shakti as an umbrella under which Kundalini Yoga sits. It shares some common themes with classical hatha yoga but follows its own science and techniques. Unlike classical yoga which uses Sanskrit, the modern Kundalini yoga mantra is chanted in Ghurmuki - the language of the Sikh holy book. Kundalini Yoga brings a unique experience and a rich culture to its aspirants and is one of the more popular styles of yoga in the Western world to date.
Mmmm -
Monday Movement & Meditation at Midday
Start your week with a MMMM...
This session takes in simple, nourishing movements to relax, connect, focus and ease into the week ahead. Followed by a lovely long Yoga Nidra, which balances the nervous system and where magic things can happen.
Come and join our new teacher Tasha for her new class, kicking off the week in the right way.
Mens Active Hatha Vinyasa Yoga
Following the same principles from Hatha Vinyasa mentioned above, this mens only class is more focused on the active side of the Asana’s (postures).
The pace of the class is a little slower than a traditional vinyasa flow class and is focused on using postures and breath work to increase concentration, stamina, strength and flexibility, whilst strengthening the cardiovascular system, respiratory system and the core.
Yin Yoga
“This wonderfully relaxing restorative class will allow you to calm the nervous system and mind, getting deeper into the floor based poses, giving you a sense of rejuvination and elation. Utilising the breath, and support from bolsters, we will spend a few minutes in each pose to truly relax, opening up the body and fascia.”
Yin Yoga is slow-paced style of yoga as exercise, incorporating principles of traditional Chinese medicine, with asanas (postures) that are held for longer periods of time than in other styles. Advanced practitioners may stay in one asana for five minutes or more. The sequences of postures are meant to stimulate the channels of the subtle body known as meridians in Chinese medicine and as nadis in Hatha yoga.
Yin Yoga poses apply moderate stress to the connective tissues of the body—the tendons, fascia, and ligaments—with the aim of increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. A more meditative approach to yoga, its goals are awareness of inner silence, and bringing to light a universal, interconnecting quality.
Yin Yoga was founded in the late 1970s by martial arts expert and Taoist yoga teacher Paulie Zink. Yin Yoga is taught across North America and Europe, encouraged by its teachers Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. As taught by Grilley and Powers, it is not intended as a complete practice in itself, but as a complement to more active forms of yoga and exercise. However, Zink's approach includes the full range of Taoist yoga, both yin and conventional.
Roots in India and China
Long-held postures have been used both in India's Hatha yoga and in China's Tao yin (Taoist yoga). For example, B. K. S. Iyengar recommended holding Supta Virasana (reclining hero pose) for 10–15 minutes. Long-held stretches are similarly recommended in Western physical disciplines, such as gymnastics and ballet, to increase flexibility. Tao yin included poses like those of Yin Yoga in the system of Neidan (internal alchemy), intended to improve health and longevity. Taoist priests taught long-held poses, along with breathing techniques, to Kung Fu practitioners beginning 2000 years ago, to help them fully develop their martial arts skills.
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation and relaxation practice that is often referred to as "yogic sleep". It is a systematic and structured form of meditation that induces deep physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. The practice is derived from ancient yogic traditions and is designed to promote a state of conscious relaxation, which allows the practitioner to access the deeper layers of the mind and subconscious.
Yoga Nidra is often practiced in a comfortable lying-down position, making it accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. It is used for stress reduction, relaxation, improving sleep, and as a tool for personal growth and self-awareness. Regular practice of Yoga Nidra can help reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and foster a sense of inner peace and well-being. It is sometimes used as a therapeutic tool in various healthcare settings and is increasingly popular in modern yoga and wellness communities.
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