YOGA CLASS INFORMATION
Rolling out your Yoga mat is like a ritual that gives you time and space to re-connect with yourself and to let go of your stresses. While you are on your Yoga mat, no-one wants or needs anything from you so this time is devoted to working on yourself.
Practising Yoga helps to create a sense of union in all aspects of ourselves, in body, mind and spirit. Yoga means 'to unite,' to be whole. Through Yoga we learn to strengthen the mind and balance our emotions so that we are in a better position to look at life objectively and feel connected with everything around us. Our wellbeing is closely related to our own health and relationship with the rest of the world.
Coming to a weekly Yoga class with Chelsea helps you to become part of the 'Yoga Community' - being with like-minded people is really something to look forward to. Chelsea's classes are friendly - just bring a positive attitude. Non-competitive - gymnastics shapes are not the goal of yoga. Non- judgemental - it doesn't matter if you wobble in a balancing posture. Leave your ego & criticisms at the door!
Chelsea's yoga classes combine classical Hatha Yoga postures (asanas) with the breath in a flowing style. Chelsea is influenced by many different Yoga styles and elements of these are weaved into the class. Chelsea teaches self-awareness of the physical body, emotional state and mind. Being fully present is more important than striving for perfection in the postures, which may need to be adapted to suit your body shape, size and ability. Yoga can be practiced by anyone regardless of age, gender or religion.
All classes end with relaxation (Yoga Nidra) so that the body and mind has time and space to recover and heal. Yoga Nidra teaches the student how to turn on the body's 'relaxation response' - a useful tool that can be practised outside of the class to minimise stress. Yoga Nidra can help you to cope better with the challenges of life as well as helping with problems such as insomnia and anxiety.
If you are a beginner to yoga, have back/hip/knee injuries or problems or if you enjoy a more gentle pace generally, then the Gentle Yoga or Mixed Ability class will be most suitable for you. If you have some yoga experience and enjoy a stronger practice with a more dynamic vinyasa flow, then the Intermediate class will be more suitable (see Yoga Class Timetable.)
If you are pregnant, the Pregnancy Yoga class is specialised to help with your needs. If you have had a baby less than a year ago, then the Postnatal Yoga class is specialised to help with your needs of healing and recovery.
What will help my practice?
- It's best to practise on an empty stomach (this does not apply to Pregnancy/Postnatal/ Children) Allow 3-4 hours for digestion after a full meal. Eating fruit an hour before is good. Feel free to bring a bottle of water to class.
- Always tell the teacher before class begins if you have any health issues.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing and have bare feet to give you more freedom and to stretch the muscles of the feet. Have your own yoga 'sticky' mat and bring a blanket for relaxation at the end (I always carry a few spares and often have yoga mats for sale.)
- Always listen to your body so that you don't overstretch
- Yoga is not competitive so ease off stretching if you feel any pain.
- Be aware of your posture and where your centre of gravity is.
- Move gently and mindfully in and out of postures.
- Have a positive attitude!
