Types of Yoga
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga focuses on precision and alignment of the body and is very innovative in the use of props, to help develop greater intelligence in one’s body and a deeper understanding of the classic yoga asanas (postures). Evolved by BSK Iyengar, who is generally considered to be one of the worlds leading yogis, Iyengar yoga can be practiced at the highest level. Iyengar yoga teachers go through a rigorous training. Before they begin they must have done at least three years of Iyengar yoga classes and are selected for teacher training if their yoga practice is of a sufficient standard. The basic training is then a minimum of two years.
Ashtanga Yoga
Empowering and fluid, Ashtanga Yoga is a classical yoga practice, evolved over many years and finally committed to paper by Sri K Pattabhi Jois in the last century. Practitioners fuse breath, bandha and drishti, to flow through a set series of yoga asana linked by vinyasa. This powerful practice cleanses the organs and systems of the body to leave it, the breath, and the mind, invigorated, integrated and calm. As the gross body becomes flexible, strong and centred, so the practitioner’s attention drifts to the more quiet shifts of the subtle and physical body, movements that stimulate discoveries, growth and ultimately transformation.
Mysore Style Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Mysore style is a way of practicing and learning Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. It takes its name from the city of Mysore in Karnataka state in South India where the tradition was passed in one unbroken chain of knowledge and inspiration from luminaries Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), to Shri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), to his grandson R. Sharath Jois (1971-present).The method is characterized by its self
guided nature within a group format. There is time for the instructor to teach students one to one during the class, and a quiet, supportive space to go more deeply into the meditative flow of the Ashtanga practice. For current details of the Mysore programme at bodywise, please check out the Ashtanga Yoga East blog.
GoldenYoga
Yoga for Cyclists
This class specifically addresses a cyclists typical physical tendencies as a result of the imbalance created by repeated overexertion of some muscle groups and underutilisation of others. The class would concentrate specifically on:
- Increasing full mobility in the hip joints
- Strengthening postural muscles to encourage correct seated alignment and ease overuse of the upper body and back strain
- Lengthening the commonly overdeveloped quadriceps, hip flexors and tight hamstrings
- Counteracting postures to balance out the cyclists position when astride a bike (eg. backbends etc)
- Controlled breathing for increased exertion, endurance and efficiency
- The main aim being that students learn how to strengthen and stretch mindfully in class and apply these at any point pre or post ride and keep commonly developed cycle related injuries at bay.
Scaravelli Inspired Yoga
Scaravelli Inspired Yoga is a slow, careful yoga that is inspired (loosely) by the teaching and writing of Vanda Scaravelli. In this class we only do a handful of postures but we do them intensely. A key aim is to lengthen and release the spine and never compromise the comfort of the spine to achieve any particular shape. So postures aren't forced onto the body - the body is encouraged to open into the postures. There is also on emphasis on core strength and specific work to strengthen the core. We will also look at some movements/techniques to open the body so postures can be approached without force. The practice can be deeply relaxing (although work is involved) - and this can be a great yoga for bad backs.
Kundalini Yoga
Known as the Yoga of Awareness, consists of simple yogic techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter his or her age or physical ability. It is a complete science that includes breath (pranayam), yoga postures (asanas), chanting (mantra) and meditation. It is designed to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your Kundalini. These practices enable you to experience fusion with the divine.
The primary objective of Kundalini yoga is to awaken the full potential of human awareness in the individual; that is, recognise our awareness, refine that awareness, and expand that awareness to our unlimited self. We clear any duality, create the power to deeply listen, cultivate inner stillness and prosper and deliver excellence in all that we do. In Kundalini yoga the results are tangible and immediate.
All are welcome, both beginners and more experienced practitioners.
Restorative Yoga
There will be times for all of us when a particularly sensitive approach to our yoga practice is required. This class aims to do just that and is suitable for anyone who is tired and stressed or recovering from illness or injury, pregnant (with at least 1 year’s experience of Yoga) menstruating, elderly, or who has a medical condition. Please wait 3 months after surgery. No previous experience of yoga required.
Yoga for Pregnancy
Yoga is a wonderful way to get in touch with all the natural positive changes that will occur during pregnancy. It can help ease any discomforts that may arise and is a valuable way to prepare physically and mentally for the birth of your baby. The class can be used in conjunction with Active Birth and/or National Child Birth Trust classes and provides an opportunity to meet other pregnant women. You can join any time during your pregnancy from 14 weeks onwards and don’t need any previous experience of yoga.
Mother (and Baby) Yoga
Designed to help regain strength and energy after the birth of your baby, the class consists of gentle yoga techniques and relaxation exercises. Combined with an informal, baby friendly, sociable atmosphere, the Post Natal Yoga class helps you combat fatigue, anxiety and depression, reclaim your body and enjoy your baby. You can join any time after your six week post-natal check up and don’t need any previous experience of yoga. Bring a blanket for you baby to lie on.
Amanda's post natal (Mum and baby) yoga class has moved to a new location.
Vijnana Vinyasa Yoga
"Vijnana vinyasa yoga" was developed by Orit Sen Gupta; which is sanskrit for "centred yoga" and is a return to a wholesome form of yoga with the integration of vinyasa flow influenced by ashtanga, the precision and alignment of iyengar and the wide heart practice of viniyoga. The practice connects with inner presence by letting the mind settle through meditation and feeling the body from the inside, by connecting body and mind through the breathing techniques of the vayus; pranic alignment is found and a cultivation of connection to the body's centre. It is then possible to develop a practice with a calm mind, relaxed body and wide heart, where the postures flow from the body with greater lightness.
