Recent Articles in Beginner

Duration: 30 minutes

Emphasis:  A standing flow class with minimal weight-bearing on the hands and wrists. Lots of moving the arms and shoulders in all direction to promote ease of movement and some long holds in the poses to strengthen the legs.

Props needed: 2 or more blocks to put under your hands if you need them in Standing Forward Bend.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 30 minutes

Emphasis:  Get a good stretch in this class where all the poses are done lying on the floor.

Props needed: A blanket and a long belt to loop around your feet.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  This practice will take you deep into relaxation - your awareness will be guided around 61 points of the body, pausing briefly at each one before moving on to the next. You'll become less aware of the outer world and just have a quiet awareness of your inner world, hovering on the edge of sleep. Note: there is the possibility that you will fall asleep so you might wish to set a timer in case you don't hear the end of the class. Yoga Nidra is a helpful practice to do if you find meditation challenging because your mind won't quieten down. You'll feel deeply relaxed and refreshed afterwards.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  Learn how to do this kneeling backbend (Sanskrit name Ustrasana) with good alignment so you don't hurt your back or neck.

Props needed: A blanket to kneel on, a bolster (or a pillow rolled in a blanket or towel - I'll show you how to do this).

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  The first in a series of Philosophy classes - an introduction to the roots of yoga and the ancient text the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. We will be using the Yoga Sutras to explore the 8 'limbs' or steps of yoga over the next few months, discovering how we can use them to guide us through modern day life - think of it as life-coaching the yoga way.

Props needed: A comfortable place to sit.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 9 minutes

Emphasis: This pranayama practice will ensure you are using your diaphragm fully - it's an important part of your breathing apparatus which, if you always breath quite shallowly can lose its flexibility and movement just like any other unused muscle. This is a very relaxing practice and will leave you feeling spacious and calm.

Props needed: A block and space to lie down.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 33 minutes

Emphasis: This sequence uses a strap to help you forward bent and twist with better alignment.

Props needed: A strap/belt/scarf, a blanket and 2 blocks.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 14 minutes

Emphasis: A short tutorial for Bridge Pose (Setu Bhanda Sarvangasana) to help you practice it with good alignment.

Props needed: A block and a belt, plus a blanket for under your shoulders if your neck would prefer a little padding.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen but please keep the neck still once you are in the pose and avoid turning the head to look at the screen.

Duration: 40 minutes

Emphasis: A slow sequence of seated poses to stretch the legs, open the hips and stretch the sides of the body.

Props needed: 2 flat blocks, plus extra blocks or cushion if Virasana is difficult for your knees, a belt and a blanket.

Mat direction: Long edge of mat facing screen

Duration: 27 minutes

Emphasis: Enjoy some quiet time in the restorative pose of Viparita Karani. We'll also explore some variations so you can stretch the inner thighs, outer hips and over the glutes too.

Props needed: Some wall space, a block, a blanket and an optional belt or tie.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis: This short sequence of exercises will focus on stretching and strengthening your hands, fingers, wrists and forearms.

Props needed: Chair or blocks to sit on.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 22 minutes

Emphasis: Stretches to improve mobility and ease in and around the shoulder joints

Props needed: A belt or strap, blocks to sit on if required

Mat direction: n/a