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Course & Class Descriptions
Complete Beginners | Beginners/Progressive Beginners | Progressive | Intermediate | Open | Introduction to Meditation | Relax & Recharge | Yoga Kids | Pregnancy | Active Birth |Post-natal | Kirtan
Complete Beginners Course
Includes gentle postures, breathwork, deep relaxation & introductory meditation. Develop body & breath awareness & improve flexibility.
Suitable for everyone, but particularly for those who are either new to yoga, have a little experience or are returning to yoga after several years break.
Beginners / Progressive Beg Course
Working with gentle postures, introductory pranayama, deep relaxation & developing awareness, this class progresses on a little from Beginners building on the foundations laid in this course. Develop strength, flexibility & focus through classical postures & learn Surya Namaskara (Salutations to the Sun).
Suitable for those who have a little experience of yoga, have mastered the practices in the Beginners Course or who want to review alignment of the postures.
Progressive Course
As your experience deepens, Asana & Pranayama become more complex & challenging. Yoga Nidra also progresses as you become established in the techniques. Develop your home practice & explore Surya Namaskara.
Suitable for students who have mastered Beginners / Progressive Beginners course & have knowledge of Surya Namaskara & basic breathing techniques.
Intermediate Course
Offers a deeper experience of the practices, introducing the more subtle aspects of yoga: Mudra (psychic gestures) and Bandha (psycho-physiological locks), Chakras (energy centres) & meditation.
Suitable for students who have mastered the practices in the above courses or have previously attended regular yoga classes & practice regularly at home.
Open Course
All levels above beginners welcome.
Suitable for those who have some experience of yoga or have completed a Beginners course. Please call first if you have not been to Abhijeeta's classes before.
Introduction to Meditation Course
This course will introduce various meditation techniques. Learn what meditation is, where it fits into a yoga class & the importance of relaxing the mind. This course will enable you to practically experience the benefits of meditation. Each class is 1 hour long and will include asana, pranayama and meditation techniques to bring clarity and stillness to the mind.
Suitable for those who have had at least 6 months experience of yoga.
Relax & Recharge (Casual Drop-in Class)
45 minutes of pure relaxation. Relax & recharge with pranayama (breathing work) & Yoga Nidra (deep conscious relaxation).
Suitable for everyone!
Yoga for Kids
Children derive enormous benefits from yoga. Physically, it enhances their flexibility, strength, coordination, balance, posture, fitness and body awareness. In addition, their concentration, memory, imagination, creativity, attention and sense of calmness and relaxation improves. And on an emotional level, yoga develops their self-esteem, confidence, inner-strength, clarity & fearlessness. It gives them tools for life and teaches them how to relax and recognise stress. Practising yoga, children exercise, play, connect more deeply with the inner self, and develop an intimate relationship with the natural world that surrounds them. Yoga brings their inner light to the surface!
Suitable for children within the specified age range of the course.
Pregnancy Yoga Course
The aim of this class is to enhance the preparation of mother & baby; physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually. Classes are gentle and the class content designed specifically for pregnancy. The classes will help you become more comfortable during pregnancy, prepare for labour & aid recovery once the baby is born.
Suitable for pregnant women from the 14th week – no previous experience required. Also suitable for pregnant women who have practiced yoga before.
Active Birth Yoga for Pregnancy Course (not currently available)
Active Birth Yoga for pregnancy is a unique and empowering way of preparing your body and mind for the birth of your baby. This inspirational approach to preparing for childbirth was developed more than 20 years ago by Janet Balaskas, founder of the Active Birth Centre, and has helped many women to reconnect to the instinctive intelligence of their body while in labour.
The use of gravity and breathing in gentle yoga-based movements will help you relieve some of the common discomforts of pregnancy and will increase your strength and flexibility in preparation for childbirth. This yoga practice will also help you to confidently prepare your body and your mind for the birth of your baby. You will learn how to best listen to your body during the different stages of labour and feel in control of the life-changing event that is the arrival of your child.
Breathing awareness and relaxation exercises will help you develop a sense of inner well-being, will create a chance for you to focus on your pregnancy and provide some wonderful time to connect with your baby.
Suitable for pregnant women from the 16th week ~ no previous experience required.
Post Natal Course
A gentle and informal way of getting back into shape after your baby is born!
Enjoy asanas that strengthen your entire body. There will be a focus on energising the body, toning the abdominals and pelvic floor and relaxation. As the class will be more informal than a regular yoga class, there will be room for a chat, sharing experiences and feeding, so please bring your baby with you!
The classes are gentle, although targeting the specific areas that need strengthening and toning after birth.
Suitable for new mothers & babies up to crawling age ~ no previous experience required.
Kirtan
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (for health & wellbeing) and devotional chanting. Light snacks & refreshments provided afterwards.
Kirtan / Mahamrityunjaya mantra chanting is FREE - all welcome.
'Kirtan helps to achieve the state where one is able to express one's feelings towards the pure nature in their purest form. This devotion is different from expressing a religious sentiment. It brings out the pure self and enhances the sensitivity, and one is able to connect with the pure being. And this equals yoga.
Therefore, kirtan has a very prominent place in ashram life, in yogic life and in the lives of all spiritual seekers. Kirtan is yoga for the feelings.' Swami Niranjanananda
Courses...
- Are conducted at all levels.
- Are usually 6, 8 or 10 weeks long, but can vary from those durations.
- See latest timetable for details of upcoming courses.
- Remember yoga is non-competitive & a journey, not a destination. Give yourself time to feel completely comfortable & confident in the practices. For maximum benefits, take each course category several times
- Pre-booking is required. See class registration for further details.
Casual (drop-in) classes...
- These classes may be joined at any time & are available to those who have completed a Beginners Course or had some previous experience of yoga. No booking required. If you have never attend a class at Shiva Rooms before, please contact the teacher first.
Guidelines for practice...
To gain maximum benefit from classes:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- To avoid any unnecessary stress, please arrive at least 10 minutes before class time
- Do not eat a heavy meal for at least 3 hours before class
- A cool shower taken before class will greatly improve the effect of asana. This however is not essential
- Remember to turn off mobile phones prior to class!
- Never exert any undue force while practicing asana
- You may find your muscles will be stiff at first, but after some weeks of regular practice you find your muscles will become suppler
- You will need a yoga mat for class. However, you can you can hire a mat for £1 per class if you wish. Mats are available for sale at the centre for £15.
- If you are unable to attend a class please call so that an alternative class time can be arranged for you, where possible