YOGA + STRETCH CLASSES
A choice of 4 different types of Yoga and Stretch classes to improve your flexibility and strength
A choice of 4 different types of Yoga and Stretch classes to improve your flexibility and strength
Each type of Yoga class brings a different focus, but with each offering you gain the benefits of improved flexibility, strength, postural alignment, relaxation and rejuvenation.
– Vinyasa Flow – A continuous of movement and breath which can help bring about a meditative state. A great way to relax your mind and focus on your body.
– Slow Flow – A slightly slower tempo with a focus on longer holds to improve alignment.
– Yin Yoga – A variety longer 3-5 minute holds in seated and lying postures, aimed at calming your mind.
– Stretch + Restore – An opportunity to work on a variety of stretches in your most common tight spots, improving flexibility and strength and with the goal of improving your performance in the gym.
All classes are suitable for beginners through to those of you more who are more advanced.
Most frequent questions and answers
No you don’t have to be flexible to do yoga.
It is an urban myth that people who have tight muscles can’t do yoga.
With consistent practice, over time you will more than likely gain flexibility, however yoga isn’t just about stretching it can be strength building, stress busting, meditative, spiritual, healing and opening.
Flexibility is only one aspect of it.
Practising yoga has a myriad of physical and mental health benefits.
Despite being widely recognised for the flexibility aspect, it has also been shown to improve breathing mechanics, energy levels and metabolism.
Regular yoga practitioners also report feeling generally more calm and better equipped to manage the stress in their life.
Yoga can also improve circulatory and cardiac health, as well as fitness levels, pain and posture.
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.
Basically, it comes down to whenever you can fit yoga in.
The morning is a great time to practice; you might wake up stiff, so opening up your body with some energising yoga sets you up for the day.
In the evening, a more relaxing yoga practice can be a nice way to unwind after work.
Some of us are early birds while others are night owls, so experiment with finding your own yoga rhythm and what works for your schedule.
It’s better to have a more or less empty stomach during a yoga session, so leave at least two hours between a main meal and yoga.
Digestion of food requires energy and when you do yoga straight after a meal, your energy goes to the muscles you’re exercising and the body can’t digest the food properly.
Personally I might have half a banana or a handful of nuts if I feel I’m too hungry to practice, to give me the fuel I need.
Yes, during the warm up our coach will take you through basic technique drills so during the class you will feel safe to throw punches.
However, the emphasis will NOT be on proper technique during the class – if this is something you would like to improve talk to our coach.
If you are pregnant, check with your doctor or health professional before starting yoga.
If you’ve never done yoga before, it’s generally recommended not to start during the first three months of pregnancy, since your body isn’t used to it.
However, if you’re a regular practitioner, you can continue.
But there are some poses to avoid, including twists and strong core work.
Lying on your back is not advised once your bump becomes substantial.
You also need to be aware that during pregnancy and breast feeding the body produces hormones (relaxin) which will make you more flexible, especially in the hips and pelvis.
Therefore you will need to work more on maintaining stability in the joints so that you don’t overstretch them. Where possible stick with specific pregnancy yoga classes.