Hatha
Slow Flow
Hatha Is an ideal practise for those new to yoga or those who enjoy a slow and gentle class. Students are able to move through their practice, working mindfully with the breath. Traditional Hatha yoga postures, based upon principles of joint alignment and muscle integration, can create balance between strength and flexibility as well as learning to balance effort and surrender in each pose. The slower pace allows students to bring focus to correct alignment as well as moving correctly with the breath [according to Hatha principles].
“ It is more important to be ‘flexible in the mind’ than in the body to attain the benefits of yoga.”
Yin
Note: Yin Yoga is not Restorative Yoga. If you are recovering from illness or injury please give yourself a chance to heal before resuming a regular practise.
Yin is suitable for most students, including beginners or those wishing to work at a slower pace. This cooling practice targets the connective tissues such as ligaments, bones and joints which are not normally exercised in the more dynamic styles of a Yang practice such as Hatha or Vinyasa yoga. Yin is the complimentary balance to the heating, Yang style which works the cardiovascular and muscular systems. Students will be guided to bring their awareness to their breath so as to find stillness in the mind and body whilst holding the pose for a specific length of time.
Bringing focus to the breath helps to connect the mind and body allowing one to be aware of their body and practise without becoming fixated by the beliefs and expectations of the mind [Ego].
“Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and just listen. No more is needed. Being still, looking and listening activates the non-conceptual intelligence within you. Let stillness direct your words and actions. ”
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is a gentle practice which is accessible to anyone, especially those who may be recovering from illness, fatigue, chronic stress or injury. A wonderful practice to incorporate in ones life at times when major life events occur, such as the passing of a loved one, the loss or transition of a relationship, change of employment, or during times when one is on the go constantly. The spine is moved gently in all directions keeping it healthy and strong.
Restore helps bring balance back to the body by promoting total relaxation.
“YOGA is the means by which we arrive in the present moment, it is a way of remembering our true nature. ”
Yoga for Women
Classes: Hatha -Slow flow, Yin, Restorative, Yin/Yang fusion.
Yoga for Women: these classes are designed specifically for women and their personal needs. A gentle class suited for beginners as well as students wishing to work at a slower pace. Our intention is to help women find balance in their lives, build strength and stamina as well as reducing stress. Women live very busy lives; often the struggle of family and work leads to exhaustion. Being pulled in many directions can often lead to a sense of loss as to who YOU are. Physiological and hormonal changes that occur monthly as well as with age can cause issues throughout a woman’s life. Classes are created to help promote balance within the body and mind. With the use of pranayam and asana practise we aim to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn will encourage harmony within the physical and emotional body.
Classes are suitable for beginners or those who require modifications due to physical concerns.
“The feminine is the most powerful dimension of life. Without the feminine energy or ‘Shakti’, there would be nothing in existence. .”
LV Chair Yoga
The objective of LV Chair Yoga is to support and encourage each student so that they may receive the healing benefits of a yoga practise. Poses are adapted to the chair or wheelchair, with the chair becoming an extension of the body. The ‘floor is taken up’ to the student. All the postures are performed seated, so no getting up or down which removes the fear of falling.
Yoga can be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions through both the physical postures [asana] and breath work [pranayama]. Students are guided throughout their practise, and modifications are provided which take into account the levels of flexibility for each individual student. We aim to empower students by ensuring they are stable and safe and can make a choice to suit their needs whilst practising ‘chairasana’.
LV chair yoga is suitable for all ages and takes into account students range of motion/flexibility, medical challenges, and levels of experience. Most importantly, we remind all students to have fun and Get fit where you sit!
Some Chair yoga benefits:
Yoga can be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions through both the physical postures and breath work.
In a yoga class for individuals with disabilities, yoga asanas are modified or adapted allowing each student to choose the level of practise to suit their specific needs.
Helps to improve health and wellbeing, assists in empowering the student.
Improved balance, mobility, flexibility, builds strength and stamina, helps bring balance to both sides of the body.
Increased energy, mental clarity, helps to reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, stress and anxiety.
Many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress, improves mental clarity, and helps them sleep better.
Where can Chair Yoga be practised: Home, Yoga Studios, Aged Care Facilities, Hospitals, via Skype, Corporate, Community Centres, Schools, anywhere you can sit on a chair!
Please contact the studio if you would like more information.
Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga™
Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga™ was created in 1982 by Lakshmi Voelker-Binder when one of Lakshmi’s students was afflicted with arthritis and could no longer get down on the mat to practice Yoga.
Lakshmi Voelker-Binder has been studying, practicing and teaching yoga since 1969. Lakshmi has dedicated her life to making yoga accessible to all students. Her focus has been to improve her students health and wellness by making the ancient western disciplines of Yoga accessible to all who wish to practise. By creating chair yoga, she was able to bring Yoga to those who could not benefit the from traditional methods of this practise due to age or limiting physical condition.
SPECIAL CLASS PASS offered to students practicing with physical challenges.
“Chair Yoga provides the same benefits to students as they would receive on the mat.”
PLEASE REFER TO THE TIMETABLE FOR CLASS SCHEDULE