Bikram
The original Hot Yoga, Bikram Yoga works toward wellness, restoration and rejuvenation.
The heated studio facilitates deeper stretching, prevents injury, and relieves stress and tension. Bikram Yoga was designed to systematically stimulate and restore health to every muscle, joint and organ of the body. Participants are guided through a series of 26 postures during which the heart, lungs, circulation, muscles, brain activity and mental capacity are all affected.
Jai Level 1
This is a fun and challenging 1hr class. Focus is on alignment, flow and correct breathing technique. There are many sequences to choose from which keeps the classes fresh and exciting. This is a suitable class for beginners to join as modifications are given for the more difficult poses. Jai draws inspiration from Ashtanga yoga, general Hatha yoga poses and martial arts. The basis of the practice is to form a strong foundation in the legs and to create and maintain a healthy spine.
Want to know more about?
... Hot Jai Vinyasa technique
Jai Level 2
Jai 2 is for those who have practiced Vinyasa/Power/Ashtanga Yoga to a level of being familiar with Surya Namaskar(sun salutations) and the basic dynamic vinyasa system that is the thread that links the poses together. Students attending these classes should also be familiar with the breathing technique used (ujjayi) and use of internal locks (bandhas). At least a basic knowledge of the classical standing poses is required plus previous experience working with the basic principles of inversions such as Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) and Sirsasana(headstand). There is a deep relaxation included at the end of this class.
Want to know more about? ... Hot Jai Vinyasa technique
Ashtanga Yoga
is a fun, dynamic practise with a strong internal focus. Breath and movement are synchronised to link postures together in a flowing sequence. There are six series which require progressive degrees of flexibility, strength and humility.
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... Ashtanga Yoga Technique
Beginners Ashtanga
Recommended for all students new to Ashtanga Yoga. This is a supportive and nurturing environment where Ashtanga beginners are taught the correct breathing technique, internal and external focus points and led through the first section of the Ashtanga Yoga sequence. This includes Sun Salutations – a dynamic warm up, a few standing poses, 3 seated poses and Savasana – a relaxation pose. We encourage Ashtanga beginners to repeat the first basic sequence a few times in the first session to help them remember it. New students should attend at least 1 of these sessions before doing Mysore Style classes.
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... Ashtanga Yoga Technique
Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy
Ashtanga Mysore Style
This is how Ashtanga Yoga was traditionally taught in Mysore, South India, where it originated. Students practise the Ashtanga sequence under guidance and supervision. The teachers physically adjust each student in the poses, helping them gain correct alignment and safely enabling them to go deeper into poses than they thought possible. It is very much like a private yoga session within a group setting. This style of teaching provides a space for students to learn at their own pace and level..Students are encouraged to practice up to a point in the sequence they remember and their body can achieve without strain. Modifications of the poses are given where necessary. Gradually over time the whole sequence is remembered. In this way the mind and body come into harmony.
This is the most effective way to learn Ashtanga in the long term.
There are at least 2 teachers in any Mysore class. The class is open for up to 2 hours and the student can come and go any time within that time frame.
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... Ashtanga Yoga Technique
Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy
Ashtanga Yoga History
Ashtanga primary Series
Primary Series - ‘Yoga Chikitsa’ or Yoga Therapy is the first of the 6 Ashtanga sequences. It consists of Sun Salutations, standing poses, balancing poses, seated poses, backbends and inversions. The seated section consists of mainly forwardbends and twists.
This popular class is dynamic, fun and challenging. New students are recommended to do a few beginners classes before trying this class to get an idea of the sequence and correct breathing technique.
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... Ashtanga Yoga Technique
Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy
Ashtanga Yoga History
Ashtanga Vinyasa
These 1hr classes are shortened versions of the Ashtanga Primary Series and are good for people new to Ashtanga who would like to learn the basics and for people who have busy schedules and only have 1hr to spare for yoga practice. Some of the more difficult poses of the series are left out but the sequence is still challenging and provides a good all round work out.
Want to know more about? ... Ashtanga Yoga Technique
Ashtanga Yoga Philosophy
Ashtanga Yoga History
Yoga Nidra
This is a deep relaxation method that draws the senses inwards. Prepares one to access deep levels of consciousness. No physical effort is required as this practise is done while lying in savasana – corpse pose. Using breathing techniques and visualisation yoga nidra provides rejuvenation to the entire mind/body system and is a good sleep aid. It is a perfect compliment to physical practise.
To read more about yoga nidra technique, yoga nidra history, yoga nidra poem
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...Yoga Nidra technique
Yoga Nidra History
or read a Yoga Nidra Poem
Pregnancy Yoga
A typical class starts off with physical Yoga, moving into breathwork and finishes with using sound vibration to connect mother and baby. An invaluable tool for pregnancy, birth and beyond, providing expectant mothers with skills that make pregnancy easier and aid in the birthing process.
Seva - yoga in action
Started at the beginning of 2007, the Earthchild Project is a registered Non-Profit Organisation which focuses on the holistic development of children, teachers, schools and communities. Their aim is to create meaningful and sustainable change by providing practical skills in how to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. They focus on the environment - taught through organic gardening, worm farming and hiking; health and wellness - taught through campaigns, lessons and the introduction of a healthy tuckshop; and self-awareness - through practices like yoga and meditation.
The Earthchild Project schools' programme introduces a more soulful and holistic approach to education which compliments the curriculum but also strives to give children practical skills that can be applied at school and integrated into their lives. Focusing on two schools in Khayelitsha and Lavender Hill, and working with many others around the Western Cape, Earthchild Project's aim is to create a new generation of healthy, confident, conscious and responsible earthchildren.
OSHO Kundalini active meditation
Osho Kundalini Meditation lasts for one hour and has four stages, three with music, and the last without. The music has been composed specially for this particular meditation. The meditation starts with movement and dancing and finishes with silent sitting or lying. This meditation is designed to ground and energize the body. To read more about OSHO meditations visit (www.osho.com) (NB please not jai students pay R20)