Recent Articles in Gentle

Duration: 9 minutes

Emphasis: This pranayama practice will ensure you are using your diaphragm fully - it's an important part of your breathing apparatus which, if you always breath quite shallowly can lose its flexibility and movement just like any other unused muscle. This is a very relaxing practice and will leave you feeling spacious and calm.

Props needed: A block and space to lie down.

Mat direction: n/a.

Duration: 33 minutes

Emphasis: This sequence uses a strap to help you forward bent and twist with better alignment.

Props needed: A strap/belt/scarf, a blanket and 2 blocks.

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

Duration: 40 minutes

Emphasis: A slow sequence of seated poses to stretch the legs, open the hips and stretch the sides of the body.

Props needed: 2 flat blocks, plus extra blocks or cushion if Virasana is difficult for your knees, a belt and a blanket.

Mat direction: Long edge of mat facing screen

Duration: 27 minutes

Emphasis: Enjoy some quiet time in the restorative pose of Viparita Karani. We'll also explore some variations so you can stretch the inner thighs, outer hips and over the glutes too.

Props needed: Some wall space, a block, a blanket and an optional belt or tie.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis: This short sequence of exercises will focus on stretching and strengthening your hands, fingers, wrists and forearms.

Props needed: Chair or blocks to sit on.

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 22 minutes

Emphasis: Stretches to improve mobility and ease in and around the shoulder joints

Props needed: A belt or strap, blocks to sit on if required

Mat direction: n/a

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis: Deep relaxation for body and mind

Props needed: None necessary but you might prefer to have 2 blocks and a blanket to support your back or maybe 3 rolled blankets to support under your legs.

Mat Direction: Long edge of mat facing the screen.

Duration: 17 minutes

Emphasis: Rest in these 3 supported poses to help you deeply stretch and completely relax

Props needed: 2 blocks, a blanket, yoga bolster (if you don't have a yoga bolster I'll show you how to make your own using your mat, a pillow and a blanket.

Mat Direction: Long edge of mat facing the screen.

Duration: 45 minutes

Emphasis: Stretch out tight muscles and ease hard-working joints after your cycle ride

Props needed: 4 blocks (or equivalent stack of books) for under the hands, and a blanket for under the knees if required

Mat Direction: Long edge of mat facing the screen.

Duration: 25 minutes

Emphasis: Rest in these 3 supported poses to help you relax and prepare for a good night's sleep

Props needed: 2 or 3 blocks, 2 towels, blanket, yoga bolster (if you don't have a yoga bolster I'll show you how to make your own using your mat, a pillow and a blanket.

Mat Direction: Short edge of mat facing the screen.

Duration: 7 minutes

Emphasis: Deepen your breathing, expand your lungs, bring more oxygen into your cells, increase the flexibility of the ribcage and the diaphragm muscle and create space in the chest. Start gently with these 5 rounds, then increase the rounds gradually over time. Please note: this practice is not suitable if you have high blood pressure, heart problems or are pregnant.

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

Mat Direction: n/a

Duration: 45 minutes

Emphasis: Release tension in the upper back and shoulders, and stretch the front of the body

Props needed: blanket, 1 block and a belt

Mat Direction: Short side of mat facing the screen