The word yoga, comes from the Sanskrit word 'YUJ' means to yoke or bind and is often interpreted as “UNION” or a method of joining for the Mind, Body, Breath & Soul/Spirit. 
A female practitioner who practices yoga is a 'Yogini' and a male is called a 'Yogi'.

What is Yoga?

The Indian sage Patanjali is believed to have collated the practice of yoga into the Yoga Sutras an estimated 2,000 years ago. The Sutra is a collection of 195 statements that serves as a philosophical guidebook for most of the yoga that is practiced today. It also outlines eight limbs of yoga. As we explore these eight limbs, we begin by refining our behaviour in the outer world, and then we focus inwardly until we reach Samadhi (liberation, enlightenment).
Today most people practicing yoga are engaged in the third limb, asana, which is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation.

What is Iyengar Yoga?

 Iyengar Yoga, named after and developed by B. K. S. Iyengar, is a form of Hatha Yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture (asana) and breath control (pranyama). The development of strength, mobility and stability is gained through the asanas.
B.K.S. Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical yoga poses and 14 different types of Pranayama (with variations of many of them) ranging from the basic to advanced. This helps ensure that students progress gradually by moving from simple poses to more complex ones and develop their mind, body and spirit through a step-by-step approach.
Iyengar Yoga often makes use of props, such as belts, blocks, blankets, and chairs as aids in performing asanas (postures). The props enable students to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain, and making the postures accessible to both young and old.

How is Yoga different from other kinds of stretching? 

Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjali’s eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward.
​Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognise our habitual thought patterns without labelling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.

I'm not flexible - can I do Yoga?

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that’s a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.  This new found agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.
Are classes small?  Yes maximum of 13.
I am a beginner are these classes right for me? Yes I always teach the postures for all my students as if everyone is a beginner, so you learn the basics of each posture and you can build on them, physically and mentally.

What do I need to begin? 

All you really need to begin practicing yoga is your body, your mind, and a bit of curiosity. But it is also helpful to have a pair of yoga leggings, or shorts, and a t-shirt that’s not too baggy. No special footgear is required because you will be bare-foot. As your practice develops you might want to buy your own yoga equipment for your practice at home. Elaine will have all the equipment required so just bring yourself and come and enjoy your yoga (all classes are light-hearted - to help you de-stress as well).