What is Yoga?
The practice of Yoga and the Pilates method are similar in many ways. Both personify an ideal lifestyle, attained through balance of the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of our existence. By engaging our mind on a more conscious level when we move, both mental vigour and physical awareness are improved. This renewed spirit of
movement and mental awareness are the first steps towards improving our overall wellbeing.
Yoga is an ancient tradition which ultimately leads to greater enjoyment of life through increased awareness of the physical and spiritual self. The practice of yoga encompasses elements such as meditation, breathing exercises and internal cleansing on both a physical and spiritual level. In the western hemisphere however, yoga tends to focus more on the postures (asanas). This element of yoga is known as Hatha yoga which means ‘physical yoga’. Physical yoga aims to strengthen, stretch and purify the physical body so we can then focus on our spiritual self.
There are many variations of Hatha Yoga. Planet Yoga offers:
Hatha Yoga: Generally the class will begin with several Sun Salutations followed by standing and seated postures. A slower class which is well suited to beginners or anyone with injuries. More advanced participants will also benefit as progressions in each pose are also offered.
Dynamic Yoga: Also a flowing and dynamic class although the order of postures may vary. Both Vinyasa flow and Astanga yoga aim to leave you feeling energized yet calm and mentally balanced.
Pre-Natal Yoga: This is a gentle class with an emphasis on relaxation and breathing. Many women find however that with a regular practice of Hatha yoga postures and breathing, discomfort during both pregnancy and birth can be eased and a calmer mind can be maintained.
Mother and Baby Yoga: This combines gentle stretching and massaging movements for baby, and yoga exercises that you can do together leading to an enjoyable experience for both of you!
As with adult yoga, baby yoga has also been found to bring about contentment in babies and peaceful and deep sleep.
N.B. Modifications and progressions for each pose are offered in all classes and so will suit beginners to the more advanced. Each class finishes with guided relaxation.
Others forms of Hatha (physical) Yoga:
Astanga Yoga: Developed in Mysore, India, this style is flowing and dynamic. It consists of a set sequence of postures each of which is linked with a vinyasa (sun salute).Ujjuyi (Victorious) breathing and bhandas (core engagement) are fundamental elements in Astanga Yoga.
Bikram: Teaches 26 postures in a room heated to about 38 degrees (Celsius). Helps with detoxification, internal cleansing and healing injuries. It is suitable for beginners and more advanced practitioners alike.
Kundalini: Less focus in the physical and more on the spiritual, Kundalini yoga combines asana and mudras with mantras and breath work to increase our connection with our chakras and awaken our ‘kundalini’.
Iyengar: A very thorough form of yoga where emphasis is placed on correct alignment and learning each asana in great detail, leading to improved posture and a more balanced skeletal system. Such attention to detail also helps focus the mind.
Sivananda: Based on 12 basis asanas, this form of yoga places much emphasis in breathing techniques. There is also a focus on relaxation to leave you feeling calm and uplifted.
Power Yoga: A very physical yoga that may vary from teacher to teacher as the asana sequence is not set. When taking a Power Yoga class be prepared to work hard!