What is yoga?

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Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines movement, meditation,  breathing techniques, and relaxation to promote physical and mental well-being. 

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There are many different styles of yoga and teaching so it's worthwhile trying different classes and teachers until you find the perfect fit for you, something you can really connect to and feel inspired by.

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My classes are most similar to hatha yoga. My biggest influence over the last 15 years has been working with 'Pete Blackaby', an inspirational teacher and one of the kindest people I have ever met. His "intelligent Yoga' looks at what we as humans have evolved to do, as a starting point for which postures are relevant to practice, in order to restore and maintain function and to notice our inner objective sensations.

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Different styles of yoga:

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Ashtanga Yoga is a very physical practice, it is a set sequence of postures performed in the same way linking each movement to breath. A higher level of strength and mobility is normally required as the group move at the same time and breath together.

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Bikram Yoga is also known as hot yoga as it is performed in 40-degree temperature rooms. It is a set sequence of 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. 

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Hatha Yoga in the modern-day is a generic term for physical poses. It is very good for beginners and suitable for everybody. It may involve postures, breathing techniques, mediation, philosophy, relaxation, and chanting.

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Iyengar Yoga This type of yoga focuses on correct alignment using a range of props like blocks, straps, chairs, ropes, bolsters, and blankets. It involves performing specific isometric muscle contractions in pursuit of a perfect posture modeled on Iyengar himself. The emphasis is on form not function,  the posture itself, and not how you get there. 

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Kundalini Yoga is a unique style of yoga that practices set sequences of repetitive postures and breathing techniques with sound (singing and chanting). The idea is that we all have energy gathered at the base of our spines and these techniques will release it.

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Power Yoga is a very physical style of yoga that involves jumping and a high level of strength and mobility.

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Sivananda Yoga This system practices sun salutations, 12 asanas, and relaxation.

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Viniyoga the emphasis is on function not form and adapts to the individual. Posture, breathing, chanting, meditation, and relaxation techniques are used. 

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Vinyasa Flow Yoga is a style of yoga that sequences postures together so that you move seamlessly from one to the next, using breath.

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Yin Yoga focuses on holding poses for long periods of time targeting deep connective tissues.

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Restorative Yoga a very relaxing yoga using props to support you so each position is passive and your muscles can rest.

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