Therapeutic Yoga Sessions vs. Group Practice
In therapeutic yoga sessions, a practice is designed for the individual student according to the student’s personal goals, for example, strengthening a particular area of the body, healing an injury, or exploring specific postures. I create a personalised program of yoga, massage and other bodywork as a means to repair damaged tissue (if need be), enhance flexibility and build strength. Pranayama (conscious breathing) and meditation practices can also be included to enhance peace of mind, focus and ease in daily life.
Group classes complement individual sessions. They encourage regular practice, broaden exploration of the body and prevent students from forming habitual patterns that can be counterproductive to their personal growth. For information on General, Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga classes, please read individual class descriptions below.
For GROUP CLASS SCHEDULE visit YOGA YUKTI (www.yogayukti.com) in Maida Vale
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS AND APPROACH
The Krishnamacharya Approach
The style of yoga I teach is primarily based in the classical techniques of Krishnamacharya (considered the grandfather of yoga, his students include BKS Iyengar, Indra Devi and Pattabhi Jois of Ashtanga Yoga). Krishnamacharya believed that yoga should be tailored to the individual’s needs, and I found this philosophy to be a natural extension of my approach to massage. For this reason, my classes remain small and focus on individual attention, both in the formulation of curriculum and during the practice itself. This is a breath-led practice with flowing sequences that build both strength and flexibility. Static poses are also taught to explore the body’s natural alignment and intensify the effects and benefits of a posture. Pranayama (breath work) is incorporated into every class to increase vitality, focus the mind and reduce stress. Every pose or sequence is taught with select modifications to meet individual needs and allow for the maximum benefit in accordance with the specific goals you wish to achieve.
Yoga Tune Up®
In conjunction with the classical Krishnamacharya approach, I incorporate techniques from a system called Yoga Tune Up®, created by Jill Miller in the United States. Yoga Tune Up® is a whole body fitness system which combines elements of yoga, calisthenics and body therapy. It strengthens and stretches muscles simultaneously, using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (often used in Pilates and physiotherapy). A consistent Yoga Tune Up® practice reaches all the way down to the joints, tendons, and ligaments, giving your body the necessary foundation for preventing injuries and maintaining strength. This helps to restore physical imbalances, improve coordination and increase flexibility, all while relieving painful injuries, easing chronic muscle tension and reducing stress. The system is also effective in building bone density and losing weight.
Take part in the first Yoga Tune Up® workshop in the United Kingdom.
A series of four lessons, the workshop will take place on consecutive Thursday evenings in February (4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th Feb) from 6:30-8:00pm at the Paddington Sports Club on Castellain Road W9 1HQ. The workshop is ideal for beginners and experienced students alike.
Course fee: £60. Advanced booking required.
Pregnancy Yoga
Pregnancy yoga classes are designed for expectant mums. They enhance your bond with your unborn baby and prepare you physically, mentally and emotionally for birth. Gentle breathing and graceful asana practices boost energy levels, relieve stress and anxiety, and enhance suppleness for labour. Yoga therapy exercises relieve pain and swelling in joints and release compression in the spine and hips. Yoga nidra provides the intense relaxation and recuperation necessary to counteract fatigue and enhance foetal development. Techniques also reduce pain in labour and promote wellbeing postnatally. Small group sizes allow for an intimate environment in which women can share wisdom to address questions and concerns.
Postnatal Yoga for Mums and Babies
This class is for new mums who want to bring their bodies back to full strength. Mums bring their babies with them, and have them on a blanket at their side. This is an invigorating, fluid class that also improves general fitness. We focus on the pelvic floor, the abdomen, and soothing and strengthening the back. Asana practices boost energy levels, relieve stress and strengthen core muscles to accommodate the increased demands of feeding, lifting and carrying babies. Additional techniques strengthen joints that have loosened through pregnancy to restore postural alignment. Classes can include a short sequence of gentle movements and stretches for the baby to allow them to feel included and benefit from Mum’s practice. We end with pranayama (breathing techniques) with babies in our laps, leaving both mum and baby calm and relaxed. Mums regularly take breaks according to their babies’ needs, and all mums are very understanding of babies that are having a bad moment or a bad day. It’s a lovely environment in which to meet other mums in the area.
Philosophy and Training
In addition to 17 years of personal practice I have trained as a yoga teacher for both pregnancy and general yoga practice. My teachers have included Uma Dinsmore-Tuli of Sitaram Partnership in London, Suzanne Yates of Well Mother in Bristol, TKV Desikachar, Mekhala Desikachar and the faculty at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, and Jill Miller in New York. Through these studies, I have been able to explore those aspects of yoga that I find crucial to overall health and well-being: breath, relaxation, strengthening, and therapy for injuries and chronic discomfort. For more information on training and background, please visit About Sara page.
Advanced booking is required for all yoga classes, please submit request below or via email: info@queensparktherapies.com or phone: 079 4325 8540.
