The teachings of what is now considered to be classical yoga have been compiled by the Indian sage Patanjali, around the third century before Christ. Patanjali systematized the teachings of Yoga in the Yoga Sutra.

Yoga involves a number of practices – some of which are revolving around physical postures, some are based on breathing techniques and some are meditation practices.  These practices enhance well-being and can help us to maintain and restore health.

The word Yoga derives from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, to join, and it means unity. One of the interpretations of this unity relates to regaining the lost harmony and union between the different aspects of our being – physical, mental and spiritual, in this sense Yoga can be regarded as the oldest method for self-development and personal growth.

Anyone can learn Yoga and benefit from it. Yoga is not just for those who are strong, flexible, thin, etc. Yoga is a discipline open to everyone and it gives us the opportunity to come to our practice as we are: working within our own limitations, strengths and weaknesses.

We just need to approach the practices with an attitude of openness and self-acceptance.

Even though we do work with the body, through postures and movement, and there are undeniable physical benefits deriving from the asana practice (postures), getting fit is not the ultimate aim of the practice. Even the physical practices of Yoga are a tool through which we can find more ease in our body and create harmony between body mind and spirit and become aware of and, eventually, experience the ultimate nature of existence.

Yoga can help you in many ways, on a physical and mental level. Here are some of the benefits coming from practising Yoga regularly:

• Muscular tension and mental stress are released
• Energy levels increase
•  Posture, balance and flexibility improve, which will help decreasing back, neck and joint pain associated with poor posture
• Strength increases
• Lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons increases, thus helping to increase joint range of motion
• All the internal organs are massaged, which also helps to flush out the toxins
• Concentration and alertness improves
• Body awareness develops
• Self-acceptance increases

Yoga asana (posture work) is best practised first thing in the morning or early in the evening, around sunset. Morning practice is a great way to revitalize mind and body. Evening practice should incorporate more restful postures, breathing and meditation exercises to help induce a deep, restful sleep. You can drink water before and after class, but as Yoga is best practised on an empty stomach, you should avoid eating a heavy meal 2-3 hours beforehand.

Having said that, it is of course better to fit in your practice whenever you can rather than not practising at all. In the beginning, you may find it difficult to set aside time, but even if you start doing Yoga regularly for 10 minutes a day, it will complement your teacher-led classes and yield benefits. You may find yourself on the path of regular practice sooner than you think.

For a general Yoga class, the only equipment you need is a non-slip yoga mat and maybe a blanket that can be folded over a few times to provide support for seated postures as well as to keep you warm during relaxation.

For Pregnancy Yoga you may also want to bring a pillow or two with you to make sure you are super comfortable when sitting or lying down on your mat.

If you have any mobility restrictions that prevent you from sitting comfortably on the floor or from getting up and down from the floor, consider joining a chair Yoga class, you will be able to enjoy some gentle posture work as well as work with breathing and meditation techniques as we do in our general class.

You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to stretch and move freely. Posture work in Yoga is traditionally practiced barefoot, however you can wear socks if you wish.

A session usually starts with a few minutes spent on developing awareness of the present moment, by focusing on the breath, concentrating inwards and becoming physically grounded.

Then it moves into a series of gentle limbering postures, which help to open up and warm up all the joints and muscles.

Limbering postures are followed by strengthening ones, which create heat and energy in the body.

The session then slows down as we move into a series of calming poses, where we allow the body to soften and release before entering final relaxation.

We are all different when it comes to mobility and range of movement, or we may have some medical conditions that need to be taken into account, this is why it is important that the practice adapts to the individual, not the other way round. For this purpose class size is small so that you can be guaranteed to receive individual attention and feedback as well as suggestions on modifications or alternatives to poses or practices that may not be suitable for you.

Whilst breath awareness is something we focus on throughout a Yoga class, there are also specific breathing techniques (pranayama) which will be used in combination with certain postures and practices. We allow the body to enjoy movement as well as times of complete stillness and relaxation, creating an atmosphere conducive to our meditation practice.