Image of people balancing on one leg in yoga class

 International Yoga Day: Hear from our Instructors

Wednesday 21 June 2023 is International Yoga day- and this year we wanted to mark the day by speaking to our dedicated yoga instructors to understand the overall benefits and aims of yoga.

Yoga is a holistic practice that originated in ancient India and encompasses various physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. It is both a philosophy and a set of practices aimed at achieving harmony and balance in the body, mind, and spirit. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit term “yuj,” which means to unite or join.

 

Yoga has a wide range of styles and practices, including Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa yoga, Kundalini yoga, and many others. Each style may emphasize different aspects of yoga, but they all share the goal of integrating and balancing the various dimensions of the individual’s being.

HATHA/VINYASA FLOW YOGA

lots of people taking part in yoga class, bending forward and leaning on one leg

Helen loves teaching a slow Hatha/ Vinyasa flow style of yoga. It allows you to take time stretching, breathing and finding the best way to make yoga poses work for everyone, using options and choices throughout. It is ideal for beginners and anyone looking for a relaxed style of yoga, with calming music, a mix of lying, seated and standing poses, with relaxation and meditation to start and end.

Tracy is passionate about teaching vinyasa flow yoga. It is a dynamic and strengthening practice filled with plenty of opportunities to play with arm balances and inversions. Open to all levels, there’s always options to satisfy beginners and challenge more experienced practitioners. It is an empowering class designed to build up strength, flexibility and balance. Combining mindful movement and breath awareness, it also helps promote a sense of inner wellbeing.

Image of a guy stretching arms upwards

 

Rosanna love’s teaching classes that are accessible to everyone, whether you’re new to yoga or perhaps recovering from injury or even looking to supersize, if you’re feeling more adventurous. Coordinating breath with a flow of movement between poses as we work through the limbs of yoga, her classes are a great way to improve strength, flexibility, wellbeing and mindfulness.

Image of woman balancing on one leg

‘I specialise in yoga therapeutics to heal body, mind and spirit.’ – Lenora

Sarah is passionate that yoga is something that should be done with our bodies, and not to our bodies! Instead of trying to force ourselves into a perceived image of how a yoga posture should look, we should be questioning why and how we are moving, so that our practice is safe, sustainable and injury free. Whether you’re feeling sleepy or energetic, flexible or stiff, Sarah’s wake-up yoga is the perfect way to ease yourself into the day. Suitable for beginners and experienced yogis, all are welcome.

Image of yoga class with participants stretching legs and turning torso backwards

Whether you’re experienced at yoga, or you’ve never taken part in a yoga form before – here at Sport and Fitness we offer classes to suit all abilities in a supportive space! Explore the different types of yoga we offer and join a class!