Choosing the right yoga class
There are a wide variety of types of yoga to choose from. Here is a brief
summary of the principal forms but you will find more detailed information
about these and others on the other pages on this website.
Anusara Yoga
Anusara Yoga is a combination of body awareness, dynamic poses, yoga philosophy
with the Universal Principles of Alignment. Its objective is to allow a
student to make contact with their heart - something which most will find
a pleasurable experience - through uptempo and dynamic and often fun classes.
The roots of Anusara Yoga are in the Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness
and the learning of Asanas and Vinyasas are a key part of this form of yoga.
Astanga Vinyasa
The aim of this form of yoga is to elevate heat levels within the body in
order for it to open up and release its toxins. As a consequence of its
objective, it is a very active and physically challenging form of yoga.
Dynamic Yoga
Dynamic Yoga uses a mixture of Iyengar, Astanga and Vini Yoga styles and
concentrates, in particular, on the Asanas, Bandhas and breathing as based
on the Vinyasa doctrine and also the teachings of Godfrey Devereux.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is based on the union of opposite pairs and its objective is
the harmonisation of mind, spirit and body. The name 'Hatha' comes from
the apposition of two nouns - 'ha' meaning 'sun' and 'tha' meaning 'moon'
in Sanskrit. Hatha yoga is a very easy form of yoga and is suitable for
most people.
Hatha Shadow System
Zhander Remete introduced this form of yoga which arose from reading original
texts on yoga and also his own research. Hatha Shadow System aims to develop
a resilient physical body as well as improving the mental and emotional
condition of the spirit. It incorporates three choreographed 'preludes'- Balakrama (Stepping
into Strength), Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam (Churning the Shadow) and Kartikkeya
Mandala (Garland of Light).
Mysore Style Astanga Vinyasa
This is the form of Astanga Vinyasa yoga that was practiced in Mysore (hence
its name). Its primary difference to conventional Astanga Vinyasa is that
each student works alone in the group endeavouring to achieve his or her
own progress. Teaching (or, more correctly, tuition) is on a one-to-one
basis with the student being encouraged to progress to the next pose Mysore
Style.
Pilates
Pilates uses knowledge of human anatomy and combines it with an holistic approach
via internal strength. Postures and exercises teach the body breathing co-ordination, mobility and stability
which are grounded in modern medical understanding. Pilates uses liquid kinetic exercises to improve wellbeing and muscle tone.
This latter benefit is especially beneficial for tightening stomach muscles (eg post-natal) and also helping with back problems.
Postnatal and Baby Yoga
Mothers and newly-born babies over six weeks old can improve their physical and mental health while, simultaneously, increasing
their bonding by undertaking some gentle yoga postures.
Pregancy Yoga
This is a special form of yoga aimed at expecting mothers in the 3 to 9 months pregnant bracket. The instructor will work on breathing
exercises and other postures which help reduce the physical discomforts of pregnancy as well as relax both mother and baby. Mums to be are also helped with pelvis-opening
postures which will ease the birthing process.
Yin Yoga
This is a very gentle form of yoga which unites both gentleness and toughness by using the prolonged holding of set postures
to promote softness but, at the same time, increasing strength. It is a very fluid type of yoga.