What to expect from a yoga class
A class typically has a 10 minute relaxation/meditative practice, followed by about 45/50 minutes of asanas (postures). You will be shown some breathing techniques (pranayama) which are also used throughout the practice, finishing with a deep meditative relaxation (yoga nidra*) with some deeper meditative practices such as the early stages of Antar Mouna (inner silence) and deeper stages of Kaya Stherium being offered in the progressive beginner classes. The class will be focussed on releasing mental, emotional, physical tensions as well as gradually and safely developing balance, strength and flexibility of the entire body, mind and spirit. F.Y.I. If you are after something purely physical in nature you may be better off with a gym class. If you want purely core strength, pilates might be better. If you are looking for total wellbeing & balance of body and mind this class will be more suited to your needs. I send a recorded class if you are sick.
What to bring
Please bring your own mat, water bottle, blanket and socks (body temperature drops during deep relaxation/yoga nidra). I have a extra blankets and mats available usually but byo during Covid time. Most people find the thick mats are best as they are very cushioned - $7 from kmart/target or if you want to spend a bit more on an eco friendly one, I like Jute mats from 'Love Earth' (I find the thin mat is okay for me though it can be too hard for many esp. during relaxation for example plus I always use a blanket under spine for extra cushioning in certain practices). Bolsters are great to sit on and have under knees in relaxation (I use www.stretchnow.com). There are mini bolsters/cushions you can use instead which are less bulky. During covid times, a pillow slip is handy to bring to use over the bolster. Consider a goal / positive affirmation. Make it realistic and achievable and think about steps towards this making smaller 'goals' if necessary to keep you focused. It's worth spending time with this as a lot of people including me don't find it as natural as others.
Preparation
Ideally yoga is practiced about 3 hours after eating to avoid discomfort and to gain maximum results. Wear comfortable clothing. Please try to arrive a few minutes early as we will start on time. If you are new add a few extra minutes on top of this as an option for your first lesson (for an introduction).
MASSAGE (Remedial / relaxation / trigger points / sports / chair massage - just ask if new to massage)
If you've never received a massage, you may not know what to expect. You are fully draped/covered with towels except for the area being worked on. I leave the room as you are getting ready. We agree on the area/s to be massaged (back/shoulders/arms/face/decollage/legs,abdomen) depending on what you are coming for and what pressure you prefer as everyone is different. I will ask the pressure as massage is never meant to be painful although it can be uncomfortable especially with trigger points built up in certain areas if you choose this. The massage may be to nourish, de-stress and relax only. It could be to alleviate stiff or tight or painful tension areas or a bit of both. It could simply be a remedial massage where the pace is a bit faster and focused on problem areas. I personally like deep tissue as it is relaxing at a slower pace but also helps to relieve muscle tension and you can choose to have tp's or compressions if you want the areas of tension to be accessed more. Do you know you hold lots of tension in the arms? If you have never had one, try an arm massage or even a seated massage (which would be perfect for a lunch break so you don't have to change or get oil on you but get the neck and shoulder focus you need and the arms and head too). We will discuss what you want before the session and answer any questions and see whether you feel massage would be beneficial or not for you. I also show you stretches and strengthening practices to do from home :) I can mix it with yoga therapy or a meditative relaxation or tools for managing stress and other emotional or mental tensions. Just ask let me know what you are interested in and we can find the right mix for you. AND don't forget to ask to try some free myofascial release at the end of your massage session. It is AMAZING!
A class typically has a 10 minute relaxation/meditative practice, followed by about 45/50 minutes of asanas (postures). You will be shown some breathing techniques (pranayama) which are also used throughout the practice, finishing with a deep meditative relaxation (yoga nidra*) with some deeper meditative practices such as the early stages of Antar Mouna (inner silence) and deeper stages of Kaya Stherium being offered in the progressive beginner classes. The class will be focussed on releasing mental, emotional, physical tensions as well as gradually and safely developing balance, strength and flexibility of the entire body, mind and spirit. F.Y.I. If you are after something purely physical in nature you may be better off with a gym class. If you want purely core strength, pilates might be better. If you are looking for total wellbeing & balance of body and mind this class will be more suited to your needs. I send a recorded class if you are sick.
What to bring
Please bring your own mat, water bottle, blanket and socks (body temperature drops during deep relaxation/yoga nidra). I have a extra blankets and mats available usually but byo during Covid time. Most people find the thick mats are best as they are very cushioned - $7 from kmart/target or if you want to spend a bit more on an eco friendly one, I like Jute mats from 'Love Earth' (I find the thin mat is okay for me though it can be too hard for many esp. during relaxation for example plus I always use a blanket under spine for extra cushioning in certain practices). Bolsters are great to sit on and have under knees in relaxation (I use www.stretchnow.com). There are mini bolsters/cushions you can use instead which are less bulky. During covid times, a pillow slip is handy to bring to use over the bolster. Consider a goal / positive affirmation. Make it realistic and achievable and think about steps towards this making smaller 'goals' if necessary to keep you focused. It's worth spending time with this as a lot of people including me don't find it as natural as others.
Preparation
Ideally yoga is practiced about 3 hours after eating to avoid discomfort and to gain maximum results. Wear comfortable clothing. Please try to arrive a few minutes early as we will start on time. If you are new add a few extra minutes on top of this as an option for your first lesson (for an introduction).
MASSAGE (Remedial / relaxation / trigger points / sports / chair massage - just ask if new to massage)
If you've never received a massage, you may not know what to expect. You are fully draped/covered with towels except for the area being worked on. I leave the room as you are getting ready. We agree on the area/s to be massaged (back/shoulders/arms/face/decollage/legs,abdomen) depending on what you are coming for and what pressure you prefer as everyone is different. I will ask the pressure as massage is never meant to be painful although it can be uncomfortable especially with trigger points built up in certain areas if you choose this. The massage may be to nourish, de-stress and relax only. It could be to alleviate stiff or tight or painful tension areas or a bit of both. It could simply be a remedial massage where the pace is a bit faster and focused on problem areas. I personally like deep tissue as it is relaxing at a slower pace but also helps to relieve muscle tension and you can choose to have tp's or compressions if you want the areas of tension to be accessed more. Do you know you hold lots of tension in the arms? If you have never had one, try an arm massage or even a seated massage (which would be perfect for a lunch break so you don't have to change or get oil on you but get the neck and shoulder focus you need and the arms and head too). We will discuss what you want before the session and answer any questions and see whether you feel massage would be beneficial or not for you. I also show you stretches and strengthening practices to do from home :) I can mix it with yoga therapy or a meditative relaxation or tools for managing stress and other emotional or mental tensions. Just ask let me know what you are interested in and we can find the right mix for you. AND don't forget to ask to try some free myofascial release at the end of your massage session. It is AMAZING!
