Courses

In Studio Ashtanga Beginners Yoga: 6 week course 

Every Saturday for 6 weeks starting

Saturday 13th April 2024

1:30 – 2:30pm

£35

Pay for 6 Week Beginners Course

For more information please contact yogabradford@gmail.com

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is a strong, dynamic, breath-centred style of yoga to cleanse, stretch and strengthen the body.  This style is great if you want to build strength, stamina and develop focus; expect to build heat and sweat to cleanse and tone the body!  You can read more about Ashtanga here

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Looking for a more gentle style of yoga?  The 10:30am Rise and Shine class on Saturday mornings is a slow-paced, gentle yoga to both stretch and strengthen the body.  The class will incorporate mindfulness meditation and simple breathing techniques that will relax the body and calm the mind.   You will feel both calm and energised – a great way to start the weekend!  This class is open to all, including complete beginners! Variations of postures will be offered to suit all levels.  This class is not a course, rather an ongoing class that you can drop-into whenever it’s convenient =)  You can book the Rise and Shine class here

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If you would like to learn the traditional style of Ashtanga yoga, over the six weeks we will break down the fundamentals of a well-rounded Ashtanga yoga practice: asanas (physical postures) and body alignment, movement and transitions, pranayama (breathing techniques), basic meditation and some philosophy and history of yoga. Build strength, flexibility, improve posture, balance and mental focus whilst practising in a relaxed and friendly group setting. Once you’ve completed the course you will have the experience, confidence and knowledge to attend the open level yoga class and start to build a regular yoga practice.

Course structure: The beginners yoga course is taught in a six week sequence. Each class will include a complete basic yoga practice with emphasis on the following:

Week 1: Introduction to meditation, breathing techniques & sun salutations

Week 2: Forward bends and seated postures

Week 3: Side-bends, twists and balances

Week 4: Heart-openers and back bends

Week 5: Introduction to inversions

Week 6: A typical class with pranayama (breathing) and meditation techniques

Some supporting information will be provided in class/via email so you can deepen your knowledge and understanding.

What to expect in each class:

• We will start each class with a short mindfulness meditation to connect with our breath and allow the mind to settle.
• We will then review the function and benefits of the postures included in the weekly theme
• Following this we will learn and practise some physical postures (asanas), including Sun Salutations to build heat and strength, followed by some seated postures to develop flexibility.  Modifications/alternative postures will be offered to ensure you can practise safely and choose the best pose to suit you.  In some postures I may physically adjust you to ensure safe alignment and/or to deepen your stretch in the pose.  If you prefer not to be adjusted, or the adjustment feels too strong, then just let me know.
• Finally we will rest in Savasana to calm and relax the mind and body, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

To ensure you get maximum enjoyment from the class, there are a few things that will help you prepare:

• Wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in; nothing too tight or restrictive
• Ideally you should practise yoga on an empty stomach (e.g. 3 hours after food)
• Bring some warm clothing to wear for the relaxation at the end of the class
• If you have any illness or injuries, check with your GP to make sure you are safe to practise
• Bring your own mat if you have one, but we do have mats and props at the studio that you can use
• Before your first class, we will ask you to fill out a health questionnaire.  This is available at the studio (please arrive at least 5 mins before class to complete this) or you can download the Health Questionnaire and Disclaimer and bring it to class.

Location:

Testimonials

I’m really enjoying the course so far, it’s making me more aware of body and in particular where I’m tense.

Following session 2, Saturday evening onwards I felt like I was glowing, really warm & cosy and quite chilled.

Yesterday, my body ached and aches a bit today, all in a good way because it makes me feel I’ve done something good and want to continue.

I regularly explore options and recommendations on how to manage my wellbeing, stress, anxiety and the menopause and these classes so far and your supporting videos are a real positive for me!

Thank you

Tracy