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QuestionsThe answers to some frequently asked questions What is yoga ?Yoga is an ancient system of Indian philosophy. It incorporates a range of practices from meditation, chanting and study to physical postures and breath control. All of the yoga styles we teach at Yoga Junction come under the umbrella term of 'Hatha' Yoga. Hatha Yoga specifically involves physical postures and breath control to purify the body systems to focus the mind. There are many different syles of Hatha Yoga (Iyengar, Astanga, Viniyoga, Sivananda etc.) Where the timetable says simply Hatha Yoga this means it is a class in the classical tradition of Hatha Yoga and does not follow an particular 'Guru' or teacher. The ultimate goal of all forms of yoga is self-realisation, to help you discover Why practise yoga ?The regular practice of yoga can have a profound effect on your physical and mental state. Practising yoga can help:
Yoga has also been shown to help alleviate many common complaints such as insomnia, anxiety, IBS, digestive disorders, PMS, stress, backache and headaches. Who can practise yoga ?Almost anyone can practise Yoga, regardless of your level of flexibility, strength or balance. Yoga is not competitive. This means you learn how your body works and maximise its potential. Yoga does not impose a system of goals towards which you must push yourself, but allows you to discover what you are capable of in your own time. Depending on your individual circumstances you may prefer a very gentle class or one that is athletically challenging. We also have special classes for people living with serious illness or injury, for children, for pregnant and post-natal women. What happens in a class ?During a Yoga class, you will be guided through a series of Yoga postures (called asana). The teacher will both explain and demonstrate. He/She may also help you learn a posture by physically adjusting you - if you don't want this you can just let the teacher know. Some classes include breathing exercises (pranayama) and some include chanting. At the end of class there is a relaxation period, which is usually done lying down.
What should I wear ?Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in freely. You don't need shoes. In the more dynamic classes you will tend to get hot, so we recommend that you wear thin leggings or shorts and light T-shirts. For the gentler classes you might want to wear a little more clothing and bring some socks for the relaxation. Do I need my own mat ?Yoga mats, blankets and other props are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one. We also sell yoga mats, blocks and belts if you would like to have your own (which is more hygienic!). What if I am pregnant ?We have 2 classes each week specifically for women who are pregnant. Thursdays at 6.30pm and Fridays at 11.30am. These classes are ideal from around 15 weeks right through to delivery. It is sometimes possible to attend regular classes through pregnancy at the teacher's discretion. It is not advisable to do strong stretching or very heating type of practice during pregnancy. If you do plan to come to a regular class, please call first to check it is ok, and always remind the teacher that you are pregnant before the class. We also run Preparation for Birth Workshops. You can attend these with your partner. They usually run every couple of months. Check out the Workshop section for more information. Injuries, mobility problems, high blood pressure and other health problemsYoga postures can be adapted for most conditions. We would be happy to discuss the most appropriate classes for you. If you do come to a class and you have any injuries or health problems, please inform the teacher before the class begins. If you are very restricted in movement we would recommend that you come to the Open yoga class on Tuesdays at 11.00am with Tara, which is specially designed for those with any sort of injury or physical restriction.
Eating and drinkingWe'd advise you not to eat for at least an hour before class and even an hour may not be enough to digest a heavy meal. It can be very uncomfortable to practise yoga with a full stomach. Generally it is important to drink enough water if you are exercising. We do not recommend drinking water during yoga practice as this is traditionally thought to negate some of the benefits of practicing asana (postures). So we discourage bringing bottles of water into the class but positively encourage you to make sure you have some water after a class (ideally room temperature and about 15-30 mins after practice.). ParkingPlease try to walk, cycle or use public transport to come to your class. Its better for you, for the environment and for our neighbours! If you do have to come by car the streets around Yoga Junction offer unrestricted parking but as they are residential streets there may be very little space available in the evenings.
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