Hatha Yoga 

The Sanskrit definition for Hatha comes from 'Ha' -meaning sun and 'tha'-meaning moon. Hatha Yoga balances these two elements that represent the yin and yang energy of the body.

This branch of yoga uses postures, breathing techniques and relaxation methods to explore the inner landscape of the body and mind. It provides the framework for the experience of physical, mental and spiritual wholeness, by combining asana (postures), heightened awareness and pranayama (breathing).

Hatha Yoga prepares the body to move into tranquility for a connection with your inner self. Through a regular practice of Yoga, we are able to focus our attention inward finding an integration of wisdom, harmony and compassion, affecting every aspect of our lives.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga Yoga means eight limb yoga, 'Asht' - eight, 'anga' - limb.

As a group we move and breathe together in sync. Ashtanga is a highly charged, focused and energetic class that is recommended for experienced students. 

The Primary Series is an effective way in flushing unconstructive self-practice habits. This includes a wandering mind, losing connection with the breath and fidgeting between postures.  This provides an opportunity to refine your practice by following the eight limbs of yoga as traditionally prescribed.

Yin

Most physical activity including Power and Ashtanga Yoga are Yang specific. These styles effectively stretch and stabilize the muscle (Yang) with effort and control over shorter periods of time. In Yin Yoga, you are working with the connective tissue that wraps around our entire body. The connective tissue (Yin) is different because it is less elastic. It takes longer to stretch, therefore each posture is held for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. The postures in Yin gently stretch and realign the connective tissues that form our joints. Yin Yoga commonly focuses on the connective tissues of the lower spine, hips and pelvis.

Yoga for Runners 

The similarities and connection between yoga and running are through the mind, body and breath.  Both practices call for strength, flexibility and balance. They also share a similar mental focus and a controlled breathing technique.

Pranayama (breathing) will assist in improving mental focus, body awareness and teaches us to stay calm. In yoga the practice will train you how to the breath more efficiently. Moving through the postures will increase lung capacity, endurance and range of motion.

Inevitably, yoga will offer a stretching component therefore increasing overall flexibility. Giving the muscles proper rest and stretching through a range of motion will allow the blood flow to circulate, reducing the amount of recovery required in the event of an injury.

Most injuries stem from imbalance causing the body to overcompensate or overtrain. Introducing yoga as a cross training activity will improve strength and balance throughout your whole body. A well balanced body is critical for injury prevention and overall health.  

Through a yoga for runners practice, challenging and beneficial postures are held for several breaths, and flow into another equally challenging pose using the support your own body weight.

The similarities and connection between yoga and running are through the mind, body and breath.  Both practices call for strength, flexibility and balance. They also share a similar mental focus and a controlled breathing technique.

Pranayama (breathing) will assist in improving mental focus, body awareness and teaches us to stay calm. In yoga the practice will train you how to the breath more efficiently. Moving through the postures will increase lung capacity, endurance and range of motion.

Inevitably, yoga will offer a stretching component therefore increasing overall flexibility. Giving the muscles proper rest and stretching through a range of motion will allow the blood flow to circulate, reducing the amount of recovery required in the event of an injury.

Most injuries stem from imbalance causing the body to overcompensate or overtrain. Introducing yoga as a cross training activity will improve strength and balance throughout your whole body. A well balanced body is critical for injury prevention and overall health.  

Through a yoga for runners practice, challenging and beneficial postures are held for several breaths, and flow into another equally challenging pose using the support your own body weight.

Classes

Beginner - Using the breath and postures  to balance the body creating deeper strength, increasing flexibility and body awareness. This class is suitable for those who are looking to build a foundation in yoga.

Intermediate - A meditative practice linking classical poses with the breath to relax and energize body, mind and Spirit.