What is yoga?
Yoga means "union". It is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj" meaning "to unify". The practise of yoga seeks to unify mind, body and soul making it one of the most holistic practises you can do. Why is it good for me? The benefits are infinite. Only a few of which are listed here:
For a more comprehensive list, click here: ABC of Yoga - Benefits What kind of yoga do you teach?
Formally trained in Purna Yoga in 2013, my style incorporates this plus the many different kinds of yoga I have experienced over the years since I began practising in 1997. Purna means "complete" and takes a holistic approach to yoga incorporating asanas (poses or movement), pranayama (breathing), meditation, philosophy and ethics. I enjoy teaching a combination of Purna, Hatha, Vinyasa flow and Power Yoga. Oh and Hip Hop Yoga! Yes, that is actually a thing. |
What is hip hop [power] yoga?
An East meets West fusion of traditional yoga and hip hop beats. This is a high energy Vinyasa Flow class with elements of Power Yoga to build strength, stamina and flexibility. Classes begin with breathing, floor warm-up, Sun Salutations and Vinyasa Flow often choreographed to a specific hip hop track, balance poses, inversions, cool-down and relaxation. Music includes chill-out, reggae, funk, jazz, hip hop and more. Expect to reap all of the benefits of a "normal" yoga class whilst rocking out to the latest in hip hop music and having fun! What do I wear? Comfortable clothing like leggings, trackies or shorts and a singlet. Ensure you have a jumper for the cool-down. Shoes and socks are removed for practice. What do I bring? Please bring your own mat. If you don't have one, I can provide mats and props. Props include blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets. I have mats you can purchase at a bargain price of $15! Can I eat something beforehand? It is best not to eat at least 2 hours before a yoga session. That way your body can feel the full effects of your practice without any uncomfortable bloating. Also, you will be less likely to fart. |
For a more comprehensive list of Sanskrit, check this out: LiveYoga
What if I can't do a pose? There are always options given in a class, so just choose the gentler option or simply find a comfortable seated position and breathe. Yoga is non-competitive and non-judgmental. The biggest competition will be with yourself. Yoga is practised in a supportive and uplifting environment and most people are too busy concentrating on their own practise to notice that you can't get in to or out of a pose! Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and no two bodies are the same. Some days, you will find a pose easy and the next day, that same pose might be nearly impossible. That is the nature of the practise. This is what will make you coming back. Nobody will point and laugh at you if you can't do a pose. |
Isn't yoga just for girls? Nope. Yoga was originally an exclusive form of physical, mental and spiritual practise invented by men, for men. It is thought to be over 5,000 years old and has traditions rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Not until the late 19th Century was it brought to the West by Swami Vivekananda. In the 1980s it was embraced largely by women as a form of exercise and has since had many modern influences adapting it to Western culture. As such, it is still a practice which is crucial to the health and wellbeing of both genders. |
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Is yoga for me? I'm not a hippy, I eat meat and I work out at the gym.
Guess what. I am all of the above too. I'm not really a hippy, occasionally eat meat and enjoy cardio and weights sessions. Yoga is for everyone. Give it a go. |