What is yoga about?  What are the benefits? What should you expect in a yoga class?  Lynda Miers-Henneveld from Yoga Unlimited provides a outline of yoga practice.

Yoga is an intuitive, mindful and non-competitive form of exercise, which conditions the body without punishing it. While providing the obvious benefits of improved strength, flexibility and stamina, it also affects the body at a deeper level by improving digestion, circulation and endocrine system function. Yoga can help you to cope physically, mentally and spiritually with the challenges of living in the modern world.

A well-balanced Yoga practice usually begins with some meditation and pranayama (breath focus), and ends with Savasana (a relaxation posture). At the heart of the practice are the physical postures that heat the body, strengthen and balance all the body systems, and forge the link between body, mind and breath. The practice becomes a moving meditation, which creates a deeper sense of self. Over time, we come to see the ways in which we hold physical and mental tension, and we discover how the practice can help us to let go. As a result, we free up more energy to take positive steps towards our own wellbeing.

To ensure lasting benefits, consistency is the key. Practicing at least twice a week is recommended. If you can only do one practice a week but you can maintain it on a regular basis, you’re more likely to see the benefits of Yoga than if you go hard for a few weeks and then stop altogether for a few. As with anything, creating lasting change in your body and your life takes time. Allow yourself go at whatever pace you can maintain and gradually build from there. Yoga is a lifelong practice so there’s no need to rush!

At Yoga Unlimited it is our goal to provide you with a safe and comfortable atmosphere in which to explore all that Yoga has to offer. All of our classes are taught by highly qualified teachers whose goal it is to be your guide as you explore your own personal practice of Yoga.