Yoga for Adults

 

What Is Yoga?

Yoga is traditionally thought of as the union between body, mind and often spirit.   In other words the union of individual consciousness with a more worldly consciousness. Yoga refers to a state of mind as well as to methods which can help us reach that union. 

In order to simplify things Swami Vishnu-Devananda summarized the science of reaching that state of union into 5 principles: Exercise, Breathing, Relaxation, Diet and Positive Thinking & Meditation. In a yoga class, we will focus on the first three of these principles.

Exercise - Initially, our concern is simply to increase body flexibility.   The body is as young as it is flexible.   Yoga exercises focus on the health of the spine, its strength and flexibility. The spinal column houses the all-important nervous system, the telegraphic system of the body. By maintaining the spine's flexibility and strength through exercise, circulation is increased and the nerves are ensured their supply of nutrients and oxygen. The Yogic physical exercises are called Asanas, a term which means steady pose within postures.   The Asanas also increase the function of the internal organs and the endocrine system (glands and hormones), broaden the mental faculties and the spiritual capacities.

Breathing - Most people use only a fraction of their lung capacity for breathing. They breathe shallowly, barely expanding the ribcage. Shoulders tend to be hunched and hold tension and people often suffer from lack of oxygen. Full Yogic breathing begins deep in the abdomen bringing air to the lowest and largest part of the lungs. Breathing is slow and deep engaging the diaphragm fully.  

Relaxation - When the body and the mind are constantly overworked, their natural efficiency to perform diminishes.   Modern social life, food and work make it difficult for modern people to relax. Many seem to have forgotten that rest and relaxation are nature's way of recharging. Even while trying to rest, the average person expends a lot of physical and mental energy through tension. Much of the body's energy is wasted uselessly.More of our energy is spent in keeping the muscles in continual readiness for work than in the actual useful work done. In order to regulate and balance the work of the body and mind, it is best to learn to economize the energy produced by our body.

A class will typically start with some breathing practice, followed by asanas (postures) which help the body's flexibility, mobility and strength, and will finish with a short period of relaxation.

 

 

Extend

Extend is a mind-body exercise class which offers a combination of Pilates principles and Yoga's opening and balancing of the body's energy centres. The class focuses on good posture in a workout which strengthens core muscles and improves flexibility.

Let go of the tension of daily life and release your energy in comfortable stretches.

It leaves you feeling good within yourself and energised after the class.

 

Debbie teaches Hatha yoga, the yoga of breathing and relaxation. In classes designed for beginners and improvers, Debbie takes you through flowing postures to improve flexibility and suppleness, to tone muscles and assist relaxation. The class is enhanced with exercises for the breath, often complemented with visualisation to calm and de-stress.

Debbie has been a teacher of exercise for 18 years, and is a tutor and assessor of fitness instructors for examining bodies in Scotland and England. She and her colleagues specialise in exercise for health improvement and postural benefit, such as yoga and Pilates. Personal training is also available.

Mats and yoga blocks are provided, you just need casual, comfortable clothing. For class times, please consult the current Hanson Pilates timetable or call us.

Head Yoga teachers are Tina Gilbert and Sharon Kilgour.

 

TIME	CLASS	VENUE	LEVEL
TUESDAY
20.15-21.30	Yoga	Bannatyne's Health Club, Livingston	General
WEDNESDAY
11.30-12.30	Extend!	Kirkliston Leisure Centre	General
17.15-18.45	Yoga	Kirknewton House, Kirknewton	General
19.45-20.45	Extend!	Springfield Primary School, Linlithgow	General

 

Bookings

Can be made by calling 01506 891908, or email hansonpilates@btinternet.com

 

 

 

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