Yoga

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga is based around the relaxation of the muscles and calming of the mind and emotions. The postures aim for maximum bodily relaxation, with minimal muscular exertion, which ultimately leads to especially deep stretches. Almost all postures are seated or supine, and are held for particularly long durations compared to most other methods of yoga (2-5 minutes).

The practice is slow, often accompanied by soothing music and soft lighting to produce a comprehensive calming effect at the end of the day.

All levels.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga tends to be considered the most « traditional » style of yoga, from which other styles derive. There exist different approaches to the teaching of Hatha; Claire is trained and qualified in the method developed by Swami Sivananda (1887 – 1963).

Each course begins with breathing exercises (pranayama) along with a warm-up, followed by a series of postures (asanas) all of which exist in multiple variations that allow for adaptation to the student’s level. The practice concludes with a long relaxation (shavasana). Hatha Yoga improves mental and emotional awareness and relaxation, while at the same time developing the capacities of the physical body, strength just as much as flexibility.

All levels.

Wednesdays 18.30 – 19.45

Yoga Hatha (gentle version)

This version of Hatha yoga draws on the core principle of Shivananda’s method but is made to be more accessible for people who are seeking to regain greater day-to-day mobility. It is particularly suited for those seeking to regain greater mobility (seniors, post-injury, excess weight...).

Just like traditional Hatha yoga, each class begins with breathing exercises (pranayama), which are particularly useful for anchoring one’s attention. The practice then moves through a number of mobility exercises that help improve not only one’s strength and flexibility but also one’s awareness of their own moving body.

Beginners only.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a rigorous physical practice that requires a certain baseline level of physical fitness from its practitioners. Renowned for the specular gymnastic quality of its postures, Ashtanga prioritises above all the establishment of a mode of practice that is a kind of moving meditation. For this reason, the practice of Ashtanga relies upon repetition to a degree that can be somewhat disorienting for newcomers; the goal of this repetitive element, however, is to allow students to bring their awareness to their sensations as far as possible. The practice thus consists of a fixed series of movements repeated in the same sequence every session, each of which corresponds to a fixed sequence of breaths. 

Ashtanga can seem somewhat austere, and thus intimidating, but its rigour renders it a practice of almost unparalleled physical, mental, and emotional benefit. 

Open to all, including motivated beginners!