The science of yoga is thousands of years old. In today’s world yoga is widely recognised for the gentle yet effective exercise it provides and yoga is popular for the stress management it offers.
Yoga is for everyone, young and old, flexible and not so flexible. It is not competitive in any way, poses are modified to meet the individual’s ability and no pose should ever cause strain or pain.
Yoga integrates the body and the breath. During a yoga class the poses (asanas) will work through the whole body, during the poses the breath is co-ordinated with the movement and the focus is on the effect the person experiences during the practice. Each class will include a practice of breathing techniques and a guided relaxation at the end.
During the yoga practice every joint will be moved through its range of motion and the spine receives much attention as the body is gently moved in many directions. This is how yoga is very beneficial for the management of back pain. Muscles are gently stretched and strengthened. The weight bearing poses are helpful in maintaining bone density and may be of benefit in case of osteoporosis.
The yoga practise restores energy by focusing on the breath. During the practice of different breath techniques the nervous system is soothed, this encourages a sense of calm and eases anxiety.
To get the most out of a yoga class it is best to
- wear comfortable clothing that will give ease of movement,
- not to eat for two – three hours before the class,
- bring a good mat with a nonslip surface,
- bring a light blanket for the relaxation as the body will cool down during this time
Come and enjoy a yoga class from the 13th February in the hall from 10am till 11.30am with Hanna. The Fitness League which uses the hall on Fridays at 9.30am also use yoga as part of there exercise program. The Fitness League started back on the 8th February and have been operating for a year out of the hall.