New Class in Hebden

Yoga in the Park

Thursdays 10-11.30

PAY AS YOU FEEL

Type 1 Class: Therapeutic Flow

A Therapeutic Flow Class for those who have previous experience of yoga and are happy working in standing postures and lying on mats on the floor. Breathing work will be integrated fully into this class.

Type 2 Class: Combination Class

A class which combines a seated start for all with a gentle flow down to the floor for some, and continuing seated for others. There may be some standing and supported standing (using a chair for balance). Some simple breathing work with movement will be taught.

Type 3 Class: Chair-based Yoga exercises

A seated class for all abilities. No previous experience or fitness necessary. Teaching will cover a basic understanding of breathing and how it can affect our bodies.

*All classes are Trauma-aware

Type 1 Class: Breathing Techniques

In every class at least one essential yoga breathing technique will be taught and practiced. The overriding philosophy is that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way of doing, being or feeling what you are doing in the class. The breathing is taught at a gentle pace and participants are encouraged to join in with a mindfulness-based attitude of ‘kind curiosity’ about themselves and their reactions to the breath.

Type 2 Class: Floor-Based or Chair-Based work

Following the breathing, there will be some easy, gentle movements of the joints and the muscles. This is so that points of the body which are generally tight in most people, such as the shoulders or the hips, are given a chance to become hydrated or ‘warmed-up’. The body then has much more chance of stretching or building strength in a manner which will avoid injury or strain. Emphasis is placed on the participant becoming aware of their body and working with it, rather than aiming for a particular ‘goal’ There may also be some simple self-massage of feet or face and neck in this section.

Type 3 Class: Standing or Balancing postures and sequences*

This section will follow on naturally from the earlier work and will be designed so that the particular body parts which have been exercised so far, will now be worked on in more depth and detail. For example, if the floor-based work has focused on releasing the hips, Sally will ask students to use the hips in a squat, or in ‘Chair Pose’ or perhaps ‘Warrior II’. There may also be some learning of a simple sequence which combines several movements into a flow. Alternatives are given for every movement so that each student, whatever their ability, is able to participate in a way which is comfortable, whatever their limitations.

Type 4 Class: Mindfulness and Meditation

All classes end with a return to the breath and a variety of interesting and fun techniques for stilling the mind and calming the nervous system. There is then an invitation to lie down on the mat with a blanket for a relaxing 10-15 minutes. Generally, since the class is just one hour, Sally will close the class after giving the focus for the relaxation, and individuals are encouraged to stay on the mat for this time. When you have finished, you are encouraged to send any impressions, sensations and suggestions to Sally via text or call.

*Care will be taken to suggest alternatives to those who wish to remain seated or using a chair for support throughout the class due to physical restrictions.