What is Yoga?
Yoga is a general term from the Sanskrit word Yuj meaning to yoke or to bring into union, and is a system originating from ancient India. Whilst the practices of Yoga can appear quite varied, the system of Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga) is widely accepted and used interchangeably for ‘yoga’ in the UK. In the Raja Yoga system, expounded by Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, there are eight distinct categories or ‘limbs’ of practice. These are a combination of observances and codes to follow (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asana) breathing practices (pranayama) and mental relaxation techniques (pratyahara) which lead into more advanced practices of meditation (dhyana, dharana, samadhi).
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, so long as it allows you to move, stretch and breathe. Yoga is not a fashion competition.
Can I Eat Before Yoga Practice?
It is best to wait an hour after eating before practicing yoga, but a small snack before your class is perfectly alright. Observe your body to learn how much time you need to digest your food before practice.
What are the benefits of yoga?
Practising yoga has loads of physical benefits: it creates a flexible, toned and strong body and improves breathing, energy and metabolism. Yoga improves circulatory and cardiac health, as well as fitness levels, pain and posture. It also has benefits for your mental health, making you happier, more balanced and emotionally calmer. It helps you relax so you can handle stress better. Yoga encourages self-confidence and helps you to focus your energy.
The spiritual benefits of yoga are also key: Yoga teaches you to be aware of what is going on inside and outside of you. Yoga teaches you to be present in your surroundings and open to what is all around – in other words, more mindful.
You will feel some benefits immediately, such as the release of physical tension, the body opening and muscles strengthening – the “feel good” factor that keeps people hooked on yoga. Other benefits depend on how much you practice and every person is different. But most people will feel a positive change after a few weeks, if not before.
Do you have to be flexible?
You do not have to be flexible to practice yoga. A consistent yoga practice will help make your body more flexible, open and mobile. Just because you’re not flexible doesn’t mean you cannot do yoga. Yoga will help you make your body more flexible and strong.
Just be careful and take it slow when you’re first starting out. An important part of yoga is being able to listen to your body and know when to back off to avoid injury. If you are worried about flexibility in your yoga class, don’t hesitate to use props like yoga blocks and yoga straps to make the poses more accessible.
What should I bring?
For a yoga class where a mat will be provided, you can consider bringing the following items for your comfort and convenience:
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated during your practice is important, so bring a water bottle to sip on throughout the class.
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear breathable, stretchy clothing that allows you to move freely and comfortably. Yoga-specific attire or athletic wear works well.
- Towel: You might want to bring a small towel to wipe off sweat or to place over the provided mat for extra grip or hygiene.
- Personal Yoga Mat (Optional): While a mat will be provided, some practitioners prefer to bring their own for hygiene or personal comfort reasons.
- Personal Items: If needed, bring any personal items such as keys, phone, or wallet, and consider leaving them in a designated area or in a small bag near your mat during practice.
Remember to also bring a positive attitude and an open mind to fully enjoy your yoga experience!
What’s the class size?
The groups will be appropriate to the room size to allow plenty of distance between the mats. It varies between 6 and 20 people, but there will be at least 1m between you and your neighbour in class
How much does it cost?
The cost for one yoga lesson is £10.
What type of yoga is it?
Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga that focuses on physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to align the body and mind. It emphasizes the practice of holding poses for longer durations, with a focus on proper alignment and mindful breathing. Hatha yoga classes typically include a combination of stretching, strengthening, and relaxation exercises, making it suitable for practitioners of all levels. The word “Hatha” itself is derived from the Sanskrit words “ha” meaning sun and “tha” meaning moon, representing the balance of opposing forces within the body and mind that Hatha yoga seeks to achieve.
How long are the classes?
45 mins per class but can go over