One of the things that has made a huge difference to my personal wellbeing is yoga.

Now, I know there are different types of yoga and people have different perceptions of what yoga is and does and who it is suitable for (or not). I had been hesitant and ignorant about yoga for many years. It was through connecting with a Zumba teacher at our local sports centre that I landed up trying it… She was (and still is) a yoga teacher, linked to the nationwide franchise, HotPod, which seeks to make yoga accessible for the everyday person–and that’s exactly what it did for me.

The yoga I have been involved with is generally called “Hatha Yoga”, which uses physical movements and postures to promote mental and physical wellbeing. After having been seriously ill for an extended period of time, it was towards the end stages of my recovery when I started yoga. It helped iron out the final touches on the bits of me that were still not in balance, as well as taking my wellbeing to a whole new level.

Over time, through practicing the various postures/positions and movements, I found that my body was more flexible and stronger, my mind was more focused, my brain-body connection was healthier and stronger, my emotions were calmer, my circulation was better, and my sense of balance improved. I would have never believed practicing yoga on a regular basis could make such a difference on so many levels. I was so impacted by the Hatha yoga that I decided to train up as a yoga instructor, so that I could help others in the same way the instructors and the yoga had helped me!

So, how and why does Yoga work?

 
Hatha Yoga uses a variety of postures and movements to stretch out the body and tone the muscles. A wholesome session involves a variety of chosen postures and movements that give a whole body workout, unless of course one is focusing on a certain area of the body, such as the shoulders or hips. By moving slowly and fluidly through the various postures and movements, the brain is given time to process what the body is doing, whilst focusing the mind on the movement/posture at present.

Each posture and movement is performed on each side, helping the body to be balanced and give the brain opportunity to process bilateral integration. As one learns to connect one’s breath with movement, the body and muscles are able to be supplied with fresh oxygen and have the toxins removed. Breathing, combined with movement, also has a very calming effect on the nervous system, especially when practicing slow, deep breaths through the nose.

Every session can be adapted to one’s needs and ability, and be tailor-made, to enable you to encounter a greater sense of well-being and wholeness.

Contact us to arrange your first session!