Beginners Guide
The yoga practise - what to expect?
You will be introduced to the basic asanas (postures) which will include standing, sitting, recuperative poses and inversions.
All the asanas are addressed with their Sanskrit names and a demonstration of each posture will be shown along with how to use the Yoga props such as belts, blocks and blankets.
As a beginner you will be taught the basic postures - these will be repeated over and over to help the body to gain strength and stamina, flexibility and alignment, poise and composure. Over time your body will become more sensitive, refined and receptive - ready for deeper practise.
Practising the postures helps to reduce stress and soothes the nerves and you will find that you have greater energy and vitality. Over time the mind is trained to become disciplined in its thinking and thus concentration improved.
What if I miss a session?
A reduced rate is given if you book a block of six sessions, however these must be used within two months of purchase.
Food and water
As yoga should not be practised on a full stomach, please leave 3-4 hours after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack. Eating without a sufficient gap can cause sickness, nausea, headaches or vomiting. It is important to be hydrated before you practise Yoga, but not to drink during practise.
Clothing
Clothing should be non-restrictive and comfortable but please avoid very baggy clothing as this obstructs alignment and it is important for Arabella to be able to see your knees and feet (Yoga is always practised in bare feet). Leggings and a top are perfect but warmer clothing may be necessary in colder weather. Layers are perfect as these can be removed as necessary and they also keep the body warm.
What to bring?
Equipment will be provided but if you do have a Yoga mat, please bring this with you. You will also be required to bring a blanket - a thick blanket such as a picnic blanket is best if you have one. Students whom have been attending the sessions on a regular basis and are keen to continue with their practise can purchase their own blocks, this way they can practise at home and have their own personal set of equipment in class. Please ask for advice on what equipment to buy.
Precautions
These Yoga classes are suitable for people in good general health. If you have a serious medical complaint or injury, have recently had an operation or you are pregnant, then these Yoga classes will not be suitable for you. This does not mean you cannot practise yoga but the classes you attend will need to be with a highly experienced teacher.
If you have any of the following complaints from the list below, you will be advised to attend Yoga classes with a Senior Iyengar Yoga teacher. If you need help finding a suitable teacher, please do not hesitate to contact Arabella for details.
If you are suffering from any minor ailment (headache) you should inform Arabella before the class starts. If you are feeling unwell, (general cold, fever) please wait until you are better before attending the class.
You will be introduced to the basic asanas (postures) which will include standing, sitting, recuperative poses and inversions.
All the asanas are addressed with their Sanskrit names and a demonstration of each posture will be shown along with how to use the Yoga props such as belts, blocks and blankets.
As a beginner you will be taught the basic postures - these will be repeated over and over to help the body to gain strength and stamina, flexibility and alignment, poise and composure. Over time your body will become more sensitive, refined and receptive - ready for deeper practise.
Practising the postures helps to reduce stress and soothes the nerves and you will find that you have greater energy and vitality. Over time the mind is trained to become disciplined in its thinking and thus concentration improved.
What if I miss a session?
A reduced rate is given if you book a block of six sessions, however these must be used within two months of purchase.
Food and water
As yoga should not be practised on a full stomach, please leave 3-4 hours after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack. Eating without a sufficient gap can cause sickness, nausea, headaches or vomiting. It is important to be hydrated before you practise Yoga, but not to drink during practise.
Clothing
Clothing should be non-restrictive and comfortable but please avoid very baggy clothing as this obstructs alignment and it is important for Arabella to be able to see your knees and feet (Yoga is always practised in bare feet). Leggings and a top are perfect but warmer clothing may be necessary in colder weather. Layers are perfect as these can be removed as necessary and they also keep the body warm.
What to bring?
Equipment will be provided but if you do have a Yoga mat, please bring this with you. You will also be required to bring a blanket - a thick blanket such as a picnic blanket is best if you have one. Students whom have been attending the sessions on a regular basis and are keen to continue with their practise can purchase their own blocks, this way they can practise at home and have their own personal set of equipment in class. Please ask for advice on what equipment to buy.
Precautions
These Yoga classes are suitable for people in good general health. If you have a serious medical complaint or injury, have recently had an operation or you are pregnant, then these Yoga classes will not be suitable for you. This does not mean you cannot practise yoga but the classes you attend will need to be with a highly experienced teacher.
If you have any of the following complaints from the list below, you will be advised to attend Yoga classes with a Senior Iyengar Yoga teacher. If you need help finding a suitable teacher, please do not hesitate to contact Arabella for details.
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart disease or other Heart problems
- Epilepsy
- Cancer or benign tumours
- Diabetes
- Meniere's disease
- Detached retina
- AIDS
- MS (Mutiple Sclerosis)
- ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)
If you are suffering from any minor ailment (headache) you should inform Arabella before the class starts. If you are feeling unwell, (general cold, fever) please wait until you are better before attending the class.
Health Screen
Please download and complete the 'Health Screen' form below and bring a signed copy with you to your first class. If there is any uncertainty about attending these classes after completing this form, please contact Arabella prior to attending. Please also read the precautions below.
| health_screen.pdf |
