CLASS CONTENT (WHAT TO EXPECT AT ONE OF MY SESSIONS based on a 90 minute practice)

Practising child’s pose easy yoga posture

1)Simple Breathing Practice (about 5 minutes)

We begin each session by taking five minutes just to focus on the breath and explore the subtle connection between the breath and the body. This helps to mentally prepare for the practice by bringing the attention into the session.

2) Asana (physical practice including yoga "postures" -about an hour)

We start with some gentle breath and movement normally from lying down on the mat and then build up to stronger practices. Often we work up to a "peak posture" but I also like to go through all of the major spinal movements in each class so we'll do at least one twist, a forward fold, a back bend, a side bend as well as a balance . We then move back to gentler practices before we end the section. This is called a "vinyasa" approach and its a bit like a wave that builds in intensity before gently falling away. NB I teach a "staged " approach to every single practice as everyone has things they can do really easily and things they find more difficult. We will always find a version of each posture that works for you!

3) Longer Breathing Practice (about 10 minutes)

This second breathing practice lasts a bit longer and can include some of the classical breathing techniques called "pranayama". Once again we proceed according to individual capacity and I always stress that the breath shouldn't be forced or uncomfortable. The main intention in this part of the class is really to use the breath as a focal point to help the mind to settle in preparation for the final section which is ….. .

5) Relaxation/Meditation (about 15 minutes

We end the session with a guided relaxation or meditation technique. And as I'm constantly saying this isn't just "something we put on the end of a Yoga class to make up the time!" The yoga asana are all about improving range of movement and releasing physical tensions so we can sit or lie comfortably for relaxation or meditation. The breathing practices give the mind a focal point so we can let go of the mental "chatter" and this final relaxation /meditation section brings those two elements together. The word "Yoga" means to yoke or join and its here that we bring together those elements of physical comfort and mental calm. It's the real purpose of your practice!

6) Bringing it All Together