Recent Articles in Beginner

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to calm and soothe you. In this practice you will inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right. Breathing in through the left nostril links to the right hemisphere of the brain, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to stimulate and energise you - inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Breathing in through the right nostril links to the left hemisphere of the brain, bringing a sense of being brighter and more alert. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A relaxing meditation to bring about feelings of calm and wellbeing.

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 27 minutes

Emphasis:  Some supine poses to stretch the front, back, inner and outer legs. A good practice to do after you've been exercising or if you're looking for more flexibility in your legs and hips.

Props needed: 2 blocks or a book, a strap and a blanket.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen so you can turn your head to see the poses.

Duration: 24 minutes

Emphasis:  Childs Pose, Cat & Cow Pose, Downward Facing Dog, Thread the Needle Pose, Malasana and a Standing Leg Stretch will all stretch the back of the body - finishing with Sphynx as a counter-pose and a face-down relaxation in Crocodile Pose.

Props needed: 2 blocks or 2 books (one thick and one thinner) and a blanket to kneel on if required.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 32 minutes

Emphasis:  A sequence of seated poses including Janu Sirsasana and Gomukhasana that will stretch the back of the legs, inner and outer thighs, and across the buttocks as you forward fold, and up into the muscles of the back as you twist.

Props needed: One blanket to sit on if required, plus another to roll up for a Savasana variation.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 20 minutes

Emphasis:  Strengthen your core muscles in this floor-based sequence.

Props needed: None required

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen.

Duration: 1 hour, 21 minutes

Emphasis:   Yin Yoga is a slow, quiet practice where the poses are held for much longer than in other types of yoga to stretch the connective tissue of the body more fully. If you haven't done any Yin Yoga before please take a look at this blog post to get a little more information about the practice before you start this class. 

Props needed: A block and a blanket.

Mat direction: It doesn't matter - you can do this class without a mat if you like.

Duration: 40 minutes

Emphasis:  Increase the range of movement in your hips with this sequence of kneeling and seated poses.

Props needed: A blanket for Savasana or to kneel or sit on if needed. 

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 31 minutes

Emphasis:  Enjoy some quiet time to rejuvenate yourself and let the stresses and strains of the day melt away as you relax supported by a bolster.

Props needed: A yoga bolster (or if you don't have one you can improvise using a pillow, your yoga mat and a blanket - I'll show you how at the beginning of the video), 2 blocks, an extra blanket to make a pillow or pad your shoulder and optional 2 more blankets or towels to support under your thighs in Supta Baddha Konasana if you find that helpful

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen unless you're using your mat as a bolster in which case make sure to practice on carpet so you can be comfortable.

Duration: 34 minutes

Emphasis:  Give your hardworking feet, ankles and calf muscles a bit of tlc with some stretching and massage.

Props needed: 2 blocks, a belt, a tennis ball and a bath towel.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 11 minutes

Emphasis:  A quick tutorial on this balancing pose - some tips and warm-up exercises that will help you wrap your arms and legs a little more easily and stay still and focussed like an eagle fixed on it's prey!

Props needed: None required but if balancing is proving too challenging then stand next to a wall to help steady yourself.

Mat direction: n/a