Yoga
Taught by Wendy Buttery
Wendy is a teacher of Hatha Yoga, qualified under the international authority of the Yoga Alliance . Her classes include the alignment that Iyengar yoga focuses on and the breath awareness and vinyasa elements of an Ashtanga practice. Going through different sets of postures helps the student to feel they are progressing in their practice whilst noticing real changes in their bodies and awareness.
Taught by Caroline Hannam
Caroline Hannam is a qualified teacher of Iyengar Yoga, a system of exercises which brings body, mind and spirit into healthy balance. Developed from classical Indian methods and brought to the West by BKS Iyengar, it centres on poses which involve stretching, flexing, rotating and extending your body without putting a strain on bones and muscles. With regular practice yoga can bring many benefits:
- Toning muscles, tissues and joints
- Improving posture, flexibility, breathing and circulation
- Bringing clarity of mind and freedom from stress
- Building up natural resistance and immunity
Caroline is a full member of the BKS Iyengar Yoga Teacher’s Association. In addition to her classes at Swissphysio Caroline is a certified Homeopath member of the Northern College of Homeopathic Medicine.
She has a wide range of experience treating all ages and conditions, specialising in pregnancy, childbirth and young children. As well as homoeopathy she is also qualified in counselling.
Yoga for Everybody
Yoga is beneficial for everyone. It keeps the body flexible while developing useful strength, with long, strong muscles and a full range of movement in the joints. The stretching, squeezing and twisting in the postures helps keep the internal organs free of toxins and full of oxygenated blood, while ensuring the lymphatic system is pumped and primed to enhance the immune system. While the breathing exercises ensure the lungs are full of fresh air to develop vitality, they also help keep the nervous system calm and balanced. Relaxation and meditation techniques are essential to learn how to effectively manage stress, while yoga philosophy helps to put life in a balanced perspective.
Hatha yoga is not simply a form of exercise, but a scientific method where one is able to develop physically, mentally and psychologically into a more complete human being. Yoga meaning 'yoke' or 'union' is a method of disciplining the body, the intellect, the mind, and the emotions to bring harmony in all aspects of your life. Hatha ('Ha' meaning sun and 'tha' meaning moon) refers to the yogic philosophy that the human body is a miniature universe. The two opposites of sun and moon, symbolise the opposites of male and female, good and bad, left and right, hot and cold etc. In practical terms, we aim to synchronise 'ha' and 'tha' in order to bring balance to the constant state of flux in our universe. Through following the 8 limbs of yoga "ashtanga", practitioners learn a practical way to positively bring stability to their lives. The practice of asanas (physical positioning) helps to improve flexibility; increase muscle tone; strengthen the immune system and help to normalise weight. Pranayama (breathing techniques) plays an important part in stress relief and increasing lung capacity and Dhyana (meditation) helps to improve concentration and focus and increase vital energies.
Yoga in Pregnancy
This class is suitable for all pregnant women (over 12 weeks pregnant). Designed to alleviate lower back pain, increase strength and stamina in time for childbirth, and to help with a speedy post-natal recovery. If you already practice yoga or are a complete beginner, you will find this class useful.
Classes Beginners class Monday Iyengar Yoga 7.15 - 8.45 PM
Intermediate class Tuesday Hatha Yoga 6.15 - 7.45 PM
Yoga in Pregnancy Thursday 5 - 6 PM