Yoga FAQs

WHAT IS YOGA? Yoga is a system of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It is a spiritual philosophy, an art, and along with ayurveda is one of the ancient sciences that originated in India thousands of years ago. It is much more than just a system of physical fitness.The asanas (physical postures) are just one part of it. There is also pranayama (breath control), meditation, mantra (chanting), and all the moral and spiritual guidances that yoga gives us so that we can live a happier and healthier life. 

WHAT HAPPENS IN A YOGA LESSON? You will be taught asanas (postures) that stretch and strengthen different parts of the body, pranayama (breathing exercises) and relaxation techniques. Through the postures you develop strength, stamina, flexibility, discipline, balance, focus and concentration. And as these qualities develop in the body, they develop in the mind. This brings positive improvement in all areas of your daily life and not just on the yoga mat.

AM I TOO OLD/TOO BIG/TOO STIFF? You don't have to be young, fit and bendy to do yoga. Our therapist and teacher, Jacqui Gibbons, welcomes all ages, sizes and levels of ability. Jacqui specialises in teaching newcomers. She is welcoming and patient and gives you a safe and supportive space in which to try things out, learn, and hopefully have a laugh along the way.  

WHAT TYPE OF YOGA DO YOU TEACH? Hatha yoga, varying from slow and gentle to more energetic and challenging, depending on your ability and needs. Jacqui will help you challenge yourself to move beyond your limitations and barriers, but always with compassion. You won't be made to try anything you don't want to! She encourages the development of self-awareness and self-discipline, so that you can take control of your own yoga practice, your health and ultimately your path in life.

WHY SHOULD I DO YOGA? Regular and correct practice of all the aspects of yoga can make you stronger, fitter, more flexible and healthier – in your mind as well as body. Physically, yoga can give you better muscle tone and strength, more stamina, better posture and re-alignment of the body, relieving aches and pains and stress on the body. Internally, toxins are removed and nutrients can be better absorbed, giving you more energy. The functioning of the organs and nervous system improves, and the body is regenerated right down to cellular level.

HOW CAN YOGA HELP MY MIND? Mentally, yoga can relieve fatigue, help you deal with stress, anxiety, anger and other negative emotions, and help you sleep better. It can give you more energy, focus, concentration and mental clarity. This in turns enables you to make better, healthier choices in life. Through yoga you become more able to fully relax the body, calm the mind and the nervous system, and quieten the constant stream of unhelpful thoughts.

HOW IS YOGA SPIRITUAL? Yoga helps us achieve union between our mind, body and spirit (the word yoga translates as union). The purpose of yoga is not the physical postures: these are simply tools to help us towards the true goal of yoga, which is the union of our individual Self or consciousness with the universal consciousness, or God. There is one divine and constant universal energy, which we are all part of, and are each an individual manifestation of. Yoga helps us see this. It helps us to realise who we really are and why we are here. And as we develop this self-awareness, developing our body, our mind and then our spiritual self, we become more able to make the right choices for a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life. Everything bothers us less and life starts to flow.