Recent Articles in Hatha Yoga

Duration: 32 minutes

Emphasis:  A sequence of seated poses including Janu Sirsasana and Gomukhasana that will stretch the back of the legs, inner and outer thighs, and across the buttocks as you forward fold, and up into the muscles of the back as you twist.

Props needed: One blanket to sit on if required, plus another to roll up for a Savasana variation.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 23 minutes

Emphasis:  If you have tight quadriceps then this is the class for you. We'll do 3 variations of Frog Pose - the first one is called Ardha Bekhasana and the second and third ones are known as Mandukasana.

Props needed: A blanket and you might need a belt to loop over your foot if your quads are very tight. Go gentle on the knees in the first pose - it's a great stretch but don't overpull.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 41 minutes

Emphasis:  A slow and steady flow of standing poses with one seated and one supine twist to finish.

Props needed: 2 blocks or books.

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen.

Duration: 20 minutes

Emphasis:  Strengthen your core muscles in this floor-based sequence.

Props needed: None required

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen.

Duration: 1 hour, 21 minutes

Emphasis:   Yin Yoga is a slow, quiet practice where the poses are held for much longer than in other types of yoga to stretch the connective tissue of the body more fully. If you haven't done any Yin Yoga before please take a look at this blog post to get a little more information about the practice before you start this class. 

Props needed: A block and a blanket.

Mat direction: It doesn't matter - you can do this class without a mat if you like.

Duration: 40 minutes

Emphasis:  Increase the range of movement in your hips with this sequence of kneeling and seated poses.

Props needed: A blanket for Savasana or to kneel or sit on if needed. 

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 31 minutes

Emphasis:  Enjoy some quiet time to rejuvenate yourself and let the stresses and strains of the day melt away as you relax supported by a bolster.

Props needed: A yoga bolster (or if you don't have one you can improvise using a pillow, your yoga mat and a blanket - I'll show you how at the beginning of the video), 2 blocks, an extra blanket to make a pillow or pad your shoulder and optional 2 more blankets or towels to support under your thighs in Supta Baddha Konasana if you find that helpful

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen unless you're using your mat as a bolster in which case make sure to practice on carpet so you can be comfortable.

Duration: 55 minutes

Emphasis:  Strengthen your bones and your muscles with this sequence using hand weights.

Props needed: 2 light handweights (if you haven't got these use bottles of water like I did), 2 blocks and a blanket. Extra blanket for Savasana if required. 

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen until we get to the seated poses then option to turn the mat sideways if you like to have it under your heels for Wide Leg Seated Forward Bend.

Duration: 34 minutes

Emphasis:  Give your hardworking feet, ankles and calf muscles a bit of tlc with some stretching and massage.

Props needed: 2 blocks, a belt, a tennis ball and a bath towel.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 38 minutes

Emphasis:  A slow flow with a short meditation to centre yourself, some shoulder-opening work, kneeling balancing, a backbend, stretches for the spine and stretches for the front and the back of the legs.

Props needed: A belt and 2 blocks (or thick books) and a blanket.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 11 minutes

Emphasis:  A quick tutorial on this balancing pose - some tips and warm-up exercises that will help you wrap your arms and legs a little more easily and stay still and focussed like an eagle fixed on it's prey!

Props needed: None required but if balancing is proving too challenging then stand next to a wall to help steady yourself.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 30 minutes

Emphasis:  Move in and out of Bridge Pose variations to strengthen the back, core, glutes and hamstrings, while stretching the front of the body and opening the chest. We will then counterpose with gentle forward bends to stretch the back out.

Props needed: 2 blocks, a blanket for Savasana.

Mat direction: Long side of the mat facing the screen - you'll be lying down and will need to turn your head to see the screen.