Recent Articles in Beginner

Duration: 1 hour 19 minutes

Emphasis:  This is a recording of a 'live' gentle stretch and relax class which includes poses in seated, kneeling and supine positions, with an Alternate Nostril breathing practice (Nadi Sodhana) at the end.

Props needed:A strap or tie from a bathrobe, a blanket, and 2 blocks or books approx 30x20x4cms.

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen.

Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes

Emphasis:  This is a recording of a 'live' class I did via Zoom. Expect hip openers, stretches to lengthen the sides of the body and twists mobilize the thoraccic spine. All poses, except for some kneeling lunges, are done sitting or lying down .

Props needed:A yoga bolster - or if you don't have one I show you how to make one from a blanket and one or, if you prefer a bigger bolster, two pillows, a strap or tie from a bathrobe, a block or thick book and an extra blanket to cover yourself with in Savasana.

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen.

Duration: 1 hour 17 minutes

Emphasis:  This is a recording of a live class I did via 'Zoom' on 30th March 2020. It is a gentle stretch and relax class with all the poses either being done seated or lying down.

Props needed: A blanket, a strap and a bolster (or I show you how to make on from another blanket or bathtowel and a pillow).

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

Duration: 45 minutes

Emphasis:  Hatha Yoga is often used as a generic term for a class that is slower paced and does each pose on the right side, then the left before moving on to the next one. It doesn't incorporate joining the poses together to make a 'flow'. In Classical Hatha Yoga the poses are held for between 5-9 breaths to build strength, stamina and focussed attention. In this class we'll move through some warm-up poses before practising Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose), Prasarita Padottonasana (Wide Legged Forward Bend), Malasana (Garland Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Setu Bhandasana (Bridge Pose), Viparita Karani (Reclined Legs Raised Pose) with blocks beneath the pelvis, Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), Matsyasana (Fish Pose) and Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose).

Props needed: A blanket, two blocks or thick books, a brick if you have one, and a blanket.

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

   Duration: 36 minutes

Duration: 9 minutes

Emphasis:  Lie down, get comfortable and relax in this gentle two-part breathing practice.

Props needed: A blanket to keep you warm.

Mat direction: N/A.

Duration: 10 minutes

Emphasis:  This meditation will help you draw your awareness inwards, away from the distractions of your busy day, to focus on your spine and your connection to the Earth, leaving you feeling peaceful and calm.

Props needed: A folded blanket, block or chair to sit on.

Mat direction: N/A.

Duration: 26 minutes

Emphasis:  Relax lying on your mat for this sequence of supine twists, which will include the Stomach Twist (Jathara Parivartanasana) and the Reclining Hand to Big Toe poses (Supta Padanghustasana). We'll practice Sphynx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana) and Half Frog Pose (Ardha Mandukasana), leading to Supine Spinal Twist (sometimes known as Cross Twist and, in Sanskrit, as Supta Matsyendrasana).

Props needed: A strap, a folded blanket to put under your knee, plus an extra one (or a block) to put under your head.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen so you can turn your head to see whilst lying down.

Duration: 30 minutes

Emphasis:  A sequence of kneeling and seated twists which will help bring mobility to your spine, back muscles, chest and abdominals and give your digestive organs a squeeze and massage (so this would be good if your system is sluggish). We finish with a short, relaxing, seated meditation where you'll bring your attention to your spine and your connection to the earth.

Props needed: A folded blanket to sit and kneel on, plus a long strap (you could tie two together if yours isn't long enough).

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

Duration: 28 minutes

Emphasis:  A seated sequence of poses to gently move your joints and stretch your muscles. Do this class on its own or add on an extra one afterwards if you want a longer practice.

Props needed: A block or folded blanket to sit on, two blocks or a thick book for the full-body stretch and a blanket for Savasana.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen might be best to help you see the supine poses.

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  In this short but heartfelt meditation you will direct loving kindness towards yourself to help guide you through this day, and all your days. It's one to repeat on a regular basis and to spend time offering the intentions out to all beings we share our planet with.

Props needed: A cushion will help you sit comfortably on the floor or you might prefer to sit in a chair.

Mat direction: n/a.