Yoga
At Breathe we teach yoga for all levels, from the complete beginner to the experienced practitioner. There are many different ways of practising yoga, and depending on your wants and needs your teacher may blend elements of different styles in order for you to achieve the maximum benefit from your practice.
If you want a one-on-one session, or have a group of family, friend or colleagues who want to learn yoga, our private classes are tailor-made to suit your needs and are available anywhere in London.
Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India many thousands of years ago. It is the oldest known system of personal development, encompassing body, mind and spirit. Many people are first drawn to yoga as a way to keep their body fit, strong and supple and as an aid to relax their mind. Those who continue with regular practice notice subtle changes in their approach to and experience of life. Using yoga postures to increase body awareness allows the mind to become still and develops a profound sense of inner peace.
Please see below for a selection of the most popular styles we offer.
Hatha Yoga
This general approach encompasses some of the more specific styles below, using yoga postures, breathing techniques and relaxation to help you stretch, unwind and release mental and physical tension. It helps overcome stress and strengthens and rebalances the body, mind and spirit. Whilst hatha yoga is the correct term for all yoga practices that use the body, mind and breath to improve mental and physical health, it is generally interpreted in the West as a gentle, relaxing approach.
Astanga Vinyasa Yoga
Interpreted from ancient manuscripts by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Astanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding approach to yoga that uses the breath to link together progressive series of postures. "Vinyasa" literally means "movement-breathing system", and this approach begins by exploring the Primary Series which detoxifies and aligns the body and builds strength, stamina and flexibility. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Traditionally this type of yoga is taught one-on-one, either privately or in a Mysore-style (instructor-assisted self-practice) class.
Iyengar Yoga
Developed by Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, considered to be one of the foremost yoga teachers in the world, this method is suitable for all levels, and puts strong emphasis on alignment, precision and safety to develop the student’s strength, flexibility, concentration and self-awareness. Props such as ropes, straps and blocks may be used, so that each student can practise the postures safely, effectively, and to the best of their ability.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga, sometimes referred to as the Yoga of Awareness, is a potent and effective system of self-transformation and personal development which encompasses and draws from all yogic systems and methods. It consists of simple techniques that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of ability, and is a complete science that includes breath, postures, sound, chanting and meditation, to provide you with the experience of your highest consciousness through the raising of your Kundalini (the flow of energy and consciousness that already exists within each one of us).
Shadow Yoga
Founded by Zhander Remete after many years of research into the roots of hatha yoga, Shadow Yoga uses fixed forms (preludes) to release obstructions in the peripheral body and spine in order to prepare the student for different levels of asana. Emphasising breath and inner work, this approach focuses on awakening the inner core of the body and the self, feeling alive and firm on the inside while remaining soft and responsive on the outside.
Anusara Yoga
Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara means “flowing with Grace” and “to step into the currents of the heart” and can be described as heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, yet grounded in a deep knowledge of outer- and inner-body alignment. Anusara Yoga looks for the good in all people and all things, so students of all levels of ability and experience are welcomed and honoured for their unique talents, differences and limitations.
Antenatal and Postnatal Yoga
Antenatal yoga helps you maintain fitness and strength during pregnancy and prevents and remedies common problems that you might experience. It allows your body to open gently in preparation for birth, allows you to release physical tension and emotional fears, and teaches you relaxation techniques that you can use during your whole perinatal period. Birthing positions and appropriate bodywork are also discussed and experienced.
Postnatal yoga can be taught either with you and your baby, giving you techniques to use together, or on your own, giving you valuable time to nourish and look after yourself. Either way you learn to close your body gently after birth, strengthen your core, release physical and mental tension, regain tone and relax.
Children's Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful tool to help children increase their co-ordination, self-awareness, confidence and self-esteem while they stretch and strengthen their bodies and imaginations. Using yoga, children can enjoy the process of learning to relax, concentrate and be gentle in a creative and fun environment. For the younger children, we teach using stories, games and animal shapes. As they grow older, they can gradually progress towards more traditional techniques and begin to learn the basic principles of what they are doing and why yoga is so healthy for them.
