Classes offered at Yogavana:
Hatha
Hatha yoga is a generic term that refers to any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. Nearly every type of yoga class taught in the West is Hatha yoga. When a class is marketed as Hatha, it generally means that you will get a gentle introduction to the yoga postures, and then slowly build up the intensity of the postures. You should end up leaving class feeling stronger, longer, looser, and more relaxed.
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Vinyasa Flow (both dynamic and slow)
‘Vinyasa’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘combining breath and movement’, referring to a sequence of asanas (poses). Vinyasa classes are known for their fluid, movement-intensive practices. I teach both a strong vinyasa flow, as well as a slower flow - both focus on building and strengthening the core and allowing the mind to unwind. Bodily tension melts away, and simultaneously there is a build-up of stamina, flexibility and strength. I sequence my classes creatively to smoothly transition from pose to pose, with the intention of linking breath and movement, and I play music to keep things lively. The intensity of the practice is similar to Ashtanga, but no two vinyasa classes are the same, and the variety therefore keeps testing the physical and emotional limits of the body. Prepare to sweat out any worries and have fun on the mat.
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Yin
Yin is a slower paced form of yoga where the body is encouraged to be passive. The surrender, stillness and time spent in postures is what allows the greatest release. This practice is beautifully introspective and practitioners are encouraged to gaze inwards, surfing the waves of physical sensations that arise in the body as well as emotional/mental thoughts and feelings that come to the surface.
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Ashtanga
Rocket
This is a fast paced, dynamic class with a skeletal set sequence created by Larry Schultz, combining the structure of Ashtanga yoga with creative sequencing, offering a blend of challenge and adaptability for all levels. It encourages freedom and fun by allowing postures to be modified and emphasising arm balances and inversions. Coined 'it gets you there faster' as practitioners are able to proceed from one pose to the next, regardless of ability, so that the full class is completed much faster than Ashtanga in which students traditionally feel 'blocked' if they can't yet master a particular pose.
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4-Beat
4-Beat is a vinyasa style set sequence, derived from Rocket, where the breath is synced to a slow, regular beat so that the soundtrack acts as a metronome. This has the effect of creating flow state - a moving meditation - which becomes a powerful, immersive practice.
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Mandala
​The Mandala Vinyasa Method is based around the four elements - Earth, Water, Fire and Air - and the energetic/muscular activation around those elements to help find a deeper inner state. We move 360 degrees around the mat, constantly synchronising movement and breath.
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Sound Healing
Everything in the world that moves, abstract and physical, has a frequency; everything vibrates. A sound bath simply involves lying on a yoga mat (sometimes with extra padding, a pillow and a blanket) and enjoying the healing frequencies of the crystal bowls (or any other instruments being used), allowing them to reverberate through the body, enjoying the effects of lowered stress, reduced pain, deep self awareness, creativity and a prolonged and nourishing relaxation. Scientific studies show that sound can produce changes in the body that can positively affect cellular water clusters, removing impurities and promoting better overall health.
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26/2 (Hot Static) - the Bikram Sequence
This type of yoga was once commonly referred to as Bikram Yoga. It is a challenging 90 minute class practiced in a heated room, and consists of 26 asanas (postures) and two breathing exercises in a sequential order. This sequence was created for maximum health benefits and eliminates stresses and tensions from the body and strengthens mind control. Although a difficult sequence, the class is designed for all levels – beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
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