Yoga

Yoga means “to join or yoke together,” bringing the body and mind together to develop a greater harmony within.

Yoga is built on three main structures: exercise, breathing, and meditation.

The exercises of Yoga are designed to put pressure on the glandular systems of the body, thereby increasing its efficiency and total health.

Breathing techniques are based on the concept that breath is the source of life in the body.

Combining the body exercises and breathing will then help channel the mind to for meditation.

Studying Yoga techniques is best performed in a class / individual format, by taking instruction by a qualified Yoga practitioner, Yogi (unisex term) or Yogini (for female).

Whilst Yoga is generally a safe way to maintain your body and mind, care should be taken for three main groups.

1) Children -  The nervous and glandular systems are still developing in children under 16 and as such care needs to be undertaken when performing Yoga, however there are great benefits from breathing and meditation techniques - but some poses and holding of breathe should be avoided.

2) Pregnancy - As with all forms of exercise and training, placing different stresses on mums to be needs to be individually understood and monitored. Just because you may see 1 pregnant women performing Yoga, does not mean that you should - its down to learning what is right for you and your baby to be. Don't risk trying to read from a book or watch a video on youtube - seek qualified advice to what you can and can't do.

3) New to Yoga / Exercise - This doesn't matter if your young or old, generally speaking if you have been inactive in life, then embarking on Yoga may experience some discomfort both during and after the lesson - aim to work within your own limits, not at the level of the class.

Our Yoga section provides a number of different ebooks about Yoga and also will have some Yoga video's added soon to show numerous Yoga techniques / positions.

Its important to remember, that there are so many different types of Yoga, so if you don't like one class - you may love another.

The ebooks will always provide you with an understanding about Yoga, however the best way to experience fully the benefits that Yoga has to offer, is to attend a qualified practitioners class.