Yoga is an ancient philosophy derived from the Vedic tradition of India more than 2500 years ago. 

Our Western culture has connected with the system of physical postures (asana) that are used to strengthen and align the body, improve flexibility, bring health to all the body’s systems. Traditional yogic practices also include breathing practices (pranayama), sound, visualisation and meditation. The positive effects of this ancient science are being recognised and sought more and more.

Benefits of Yoga:

  • Build strength in the body and mind

  • Improve flexibility, also in both body and mind

  • Relieve pain

  • Improves breathing/ respiratory conditions

  • Enhance ease of movement

  • Facilitate relaxation

  • Improve balance

  • Improve the function of all the body’s systems

  • Calm the mind

  • Improve mental focus and ability to remain in the present moment (mindfulness)

  • Help us deal with the ups and downs of life by developing acceptance

Common Misconceptions

+ I AM NOT FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO DO YOGA

If you think you are not very flexible, then a yoga class is just the place to be! You will be in good company. You might see very flexible people in a yoga class and more often than not they will lack strength and that will be their reason for taking up yoga

+ YOGA IS TOO EASY AND IS JUST ABOUT STRETCHING

Yoga, by its very nature is designed to help you move forward from where you are at the moment. This means a beginner and an experienced person will work on many of the same postures but in a very different way. Building strength and endurance, concentration and focus on breathing and moving in and out of postures can be very challenging, both physically and mentally. It is a great workout for anyone. Yoga is more about working mindfully and allowing muscle to naturally lengthen rather than stretching.

+ YOGA WILL BE TOO HARD

Anyone can do yoga. It can be done as a strenuous and challenging practice or it can even be done in chairs. It just needs to be adapted to your level and you need to be discerning as you work so that you don’t try to keep up with the person on the mat beside you. You should however, select an appropriate class level and it is very important to work at your own pace.

+ I AM TOO OLD TO START YOGA

It is never too late to start yoga. You can experience enormous benefits at any age. Just choose an appropriate class level.

+ IS YOGA THE SAME AS EXERCISE CLASSES IN THE GYM?

Yoga postures are usually performed with a strong emphasis on breathing which sets the practice of Yoga apart from other forms of exercise. The breath is used as a tool to integrate the experience of the body and mind which promotes the calming and relaxing effects that are generally associated with it. This develops a stronger ability to remain focused in the present moment and has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the mind, the body and physiology.