The greatest wealth is health.  ~ Virgil

What should I wear?

• Wear comfortable pants or track suit bottoms which allow movement and are not too tight or bulky around the waist. A sports top or tight fitting T-shirt is also recommended, as it will stay in place when doing a range of postures.
• Have something warm to put on at the end of the session, as you cool down during the relaxation period.  Many people bring a blanket for this purpose.
• Note, yoga is done in bare feet.

What equipment do I need?

A number of mats are available for you to borrow at the Community Centres and Church Halls where I teach, however for hygiene reasons, you may prefer to buy your own. Having your own mat will also allow you to practice at home between classes if you wish.

What happens at a class?

A hatha class:

Classes begin by focusing the mind on the breath together with some gentle warm-up exercises. These are followed more demanding asanas (yoga poses).  Classes finish with guided relaxation or meditation.

An Astanga class:

The Ashtanga Primary Series is a set sequence of asanas (yoga poses).    Classes progress from beginner level to more advanced levels, with students being gradually introduced to new asanas until the whole sequence becomes familiar.

The full sequence starts with five repetitions of the two Ashtanga sun salutations, then moves through the set standing poses, seated poses, backbends, inversions and finishing sequence.  Classes finish with guided relaxation.

Points to note

• Do not exercise on a full stomach. Allow a couple of hours after a full meal.
• Let your yoga teacher know of any medical problems you may have so that the practice can be modified for you where required.
• Yoga is non-competitive. You should not compare your practise to others, nor should you push yourself too hard. Regular practise will increase your flexibility and suppleness, you just need to give it time.
• Everyone can benefit from yoga, regardless of age or ability.

© Angela Lewis 2005-2007