Yoga Styles

is based on Iyengar yoga postures (asanas) and the use of props. A restorative yoga sequence typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends.

an umbrella term to describe many of the forms of yoga taught today. Emphasis is placed on controlled breathing, holding and moving into postures slowly, building core strength, flexibility and mindfulness.

Vinyasa Yoga is the flow from one posture into the next and the pace of the flow may vary from class to class. The posture transition co-ordinates with the breath as you inhale and exhale. A fast-paced Vinyasa session can be physically challenging. Astanga Yoga is a traditional Indian yoga practice, involving intense discipline, movement, and flexibility. It is based on eight principles consisting of a series of poses executed in swift succession, combined with deep, controlled breathing.

is the practice of long-held floor postures (often 3 – 5 minutes) that are set up so that there is no muscle contraction or usage. Even though it is passive, Yin Yoga can be quite challenging due to long holds and the focus on stillness. The purpose is to apply moderate stress to connective tissues; such as tendons, joints, fascia, and ligaments with the aim of strengthening the connective tissue and increasing circulation in the joints and improving flexibility. It is key that there is no engagement of the muscles in these postures but to relax into them as much as possible, allowing gravity to play a role in developing a deeper stretch. Yin Yoga increases range of motion and is one of the best paths to improved flexibility.

is an excellent, gentle, and effective practice with all the benefits of traditional yoga, particularly if you have limited mobility or range of movement, due to an injury or otherwise, are a beginner or an older person. Safely stretch and strengthen your body whilst using a chair, as a prop, for balance and stability. Learn standing and seated postures, twists, side bends, forward folds and sequences whilst focusing on the breath. You will need a yoga mat and yoga strap.

When practising yoga, we inhale and exhale through the nose. Breathing in and out through the nose helps us take fuller, deeper breaths which stimulates the lungs to distribute greater amounts of oxygen throughout the body. The lower lungs are rich with the parasympathetic nerve receptors associated with calming the body and mind, the “rest and digest” reaction. Short, shallow breaths in the upper lungs which are stimulated by chest and mouth breathing, prompt us to hyperventilate and trigger sympathetic nerve receptors, which results in the fight or flight reaction when we are in danger.

Gentle breathing techniques (Pranayama) are introduced in a class:
– Even Breath (Sama Vritti breath)
– Humming Bee Breath (Brahmari breath)
– Alternate Nostril Breath (Nadi Shodhana breath)
– Ocean Breath (Ujjayi breath)

Should you require additional information on any of the yoga styles listed, please contact Jeanne via email or cell phone.