Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Practised regularly, Ashtanga can bring about real transformation. The method involves set sequences of postures (asanas). In a Led Ashtanga class, the teacher instructs the class and everyone works together in unison. The teacher will demonstrate the poses, offer verbal instructions and suggest different modifications to suit students’ individual needs and abilities.
- It is best not to eat for at least 2 hours before the class
- Drink water before or after, but not during, your practice as there are many forward folds and some inversions during the practice
- A shower before practice helps to increase flexibility and mental focus. It also makes the experience for your teacher and others practising around you more pleasant!
- Please take of your shoes and socks when practicing (mostly for safety reasons)
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is perfect to balance a fast paced Ashtanga practice as it is beautifully calming, slow, more meditative style of yoga practice that targets deeper connective tissues. In a Yin class, poses are usually held for 3-5 minutes at a time, allowing to turn our awareness inward and feel the different sensations in the body whilst staying focused on soft smooth breathing. Many Yin yoga poses are seated or reclined to allow muscles to release in order to focus on areas like the hips, sacrum, and spine.
It’s important to note that Yin yoga isn’t the same as restorative yoga, and can be quite intense physically but, as always, the teacher will offer alternative options to try.