Recent Articles in Gentle

Duration: 29 minutes

Emphasis:  Taking the time for a good stretch after your run or cycle ride will allow the muscles to lengthen and recover and you'll feel better and more energised too. This class features some variations of Child's Pose (Balasana), Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Baddha Konasana (Cobblers Pose or Bound Angle Pose) and Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana) for your legs, a seated twist and Sphynx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana) for your back and some good stretches for your shoulders, chest and arms too.

Props needed:  A blanket to kneel on if required.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 30 minutes

Emphasis:  In this class we'll use a chair for support. Perfect for when you're feeling tired or have an injury to take care of, chair yoga gives you the opportunity to feel familiar poses in a different way. You'll be able to focus on your alignment, not have to worry about your balance so much and you'll definitely get a good stretch.

Props needed:  A stable and sturdy chair, one blanket to go over the back of your chair to protect the wall, another blanket or block to sit on.

Mat direction: One short edge facing the screen and another against a wall.

Duration: 28 minutes

Emphasis:  This sequence of movements of the arms, done with the palms together and in time with the breath, is repeated seated in a crossed-legged position, low lunge, high lunge, standing position and a squat.

Props needed: You might need a blanket to kneel on and a block or book for under your heels in the squat.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 21 minutes

Emphasis:  Seated side bends, Cat and Cow Pose, some gentle twists and forward bends plus two sets of circling to release tension in the low back and bring mobility to the hip joints.

Props needed:  A blanket to sit on if required.

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

Duration: 7 minutes

Emphasis:  A gentle breathing practice to help you relax and quieten your mind. (And it's also helpful for your sinuses too!) You'll breathe in and out through your left nostril, pause to notice the sensations, then repeat on the right side.

Props needed:  A blanket or chair to sit on if required.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  This lovely meditation offers a reminder that all emotions are part of the rich tapestry of life.

Props needed:  None required, but if you like you can sit on a cushion or folded blanket or, if you prefer, a chair.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 28 minutes

Emphasis:  Another sequence for neck and shoulder mobility - this time all done lying down. There's a little bit of core strengthening in there too.

Props needed:  A blanket to roll into little bolster to support your spine, and a strap if clasping your hands together behind your back is difficult.

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

Duration: 33 minutes

Emphasis:  In this sequence of seated poses we'll be gently moving the head, neck and shoulders through their range of movement to create more freedom and mobility.

Props needed:  Blocks or books to sit on and a blanket to make a roll for spinal support.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen

Duration: 8 minutes

Emphasis:  Calm and ground yourself with this short meditation that will guide you through each of the 5 senses, bringing you into the present moment.

Props needed:  None required.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 19 minutes

Emphasis:  Stretch out your back and shoulders with this slow sequence of Thread the Needle, Downward Facing Dog, Cat, Child's Pose, Eye of the Needle and some rocking and rolling for a good back massage too.

Props needed:  A blanket for Savasana and to put under your back for the spinal rolling if required.

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

Duration: 19 minutes

Emphasis:  Had a long day? Feeling tired or hot and bothered but still want to do some yoga? We'll be lying down for the whole of this class but still getting a good stretch.

Props needed:  None required except a blanket for Savasana if required.

Mat direction: Long side of the mat facing the screen so you can turn your head to see more easily.

Duration: 24 minutes

Emphasis:  Move the spine in all different directions to increase mobility with this sequence of twists, cat and cow pose and child's pose.

Props needed:  A blanket for under your knees when kneeling if required.

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