Styles of yoga

There are many different styles of yoga, ranging from subtly gentle to extremely energetic, and everything in-between. Before you come to a class read the information on this web-site and feel free to call or email us and ask any questions you wish.

‘Hatha’ is a general term which is used to describe any sort of yoga practise which involves a combination of postures, controlled breathing, and some kind of concentration and relaxation. All classes involve these elements to some extent. Within this general term there are also specific types of yoga which have their own format and are practised in a particular way.

Introduction to Yoga Workshop

These workshops give a general overview of yoga, its background and origins and a chance to do three sample sessions in Astanga, Iyengar and Hatha Yoga. There is plenty of time for questions and for you to seek individual advice on the type of yoga class most suitable for you.

Hatha Yoga class descriptions

Monday 9.30 - 11.00am - Kieran - These classes often work on a theme or focus derived from yoga philosophy. They usually include sequences of asana plus pranayama or meditation. Not suitable for beginners

Monday 11.30-1.00pm - Women's Yoga - Julia. Women's yoga helps to restore a post natal pelvic floor (your pelvic floor will be in a post natal state until you're 100 years old unless you work specifically to strengthen it), it also helps with posture, menstrual pain and even fertility. We'll be drawing on twenty years of yoga practice done with women worldwide to engage and revitalise the pelvic floor. The often used practice of squeezing and lifting the pelvic floor can make us feel quite tense, and according to extensive research it only works in a limited way and only to a limited extent. Come and use a wide variety of yoga postures to learn how to protect and strengthen your back and pelvis while learning how to use your feet, ankles, knees and hips so that as time goes by your body can cope with its aging joints. Embrace the fascinating journey of self discovery and learn to appreciate and improve what you already have.

Monday 7.30 - 9.00pm - Freddie - a fairly dynamic, strong class with a combination of standing and sitting postures with some breathing and relaxation. Some experience is useful for this class.

Tuesday 9.30-10.30am - Gentle Yoga - Tara - A very gentle approach using mostly passive and restorative asana, some pranayama and meditation techniques. Open to all levels of experience, including beginners. Appropriate for those recuperating from illness or injury as well as those who simply prefer a very gentle practice. Experienced students will also find plenty to challenge them on a subtle level.

Tuesday 2.15-3.45pm - Chair based yoga - Lynda - A class designed for people with physical restrictions for whatever reason, temporary or on-going. The whole class can be done in a chair if necessary. Students who attend this class may have joint replacements, arthritis, MS, Parkinson's or other conditions that make access to a standard yoga class difficult.

Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm - Marie-Flore - a general class suitable for all levels including beginners

Tuesday 4.30-6.00pm - Hatha yoga - a class taught by trainee teachers, often observed by a senior BWY tutor as part of the trainee's assessment. Open to all levels. Check each week that the class is running.

Tuesday 6.30-7.30pm - Marie-Flore - a general level class for those with some experience.

Thursday 9.30-11.00am - Tara - Hatha yoga - General class for all levels usually working on a theme over a number of weeks to develop skills and understanding. The asana work varies according to the thematic material but is often athletically demanding.

Thursday 1.00-2.30pm - Hatha yoga - a class taught by trainee teachers, often observed by a senior BWY tutor as part of the trainee's assessment. Open to all levels. Check each week that the class is running.

Thursday 7.30-9.00pm - Non-beginners yoga - Freddie - A class for students with some experience. The class will involve a range of postures and pranayama.

Friday 6.30-7.30pm - Steve - General class suitable for all levels, great way to end to the working week and begin the weekend refreshed .

Sunday 10.00-11.30pm - Tara - Hatha yoga class at a general level with some challenging asana worked up to in a methodical sequence. Often including pranayama and/or meditation. Not suitable for beginners.

Sunday 11.30-12.30pm - Beginners Hatha Yoga - Dawn - a class for total beginners or those with a little experience.

Meditation

Sunday 6.00pm-7.00pm Breath Awareness Meditation - Brent - This class is an introduction to breath based relaxation extending into breath awareness in meditation. Mostly practical with easy to follow instructions. Including light limbering exercises, breath release exercises, and preparations for sitting comfortably, this set of classes is about encouraging you into a period concentrated relaxation and breath awareness in meditation.It assumes no prior learning. Students are encouraged to commit to the block of classes. Exercises for home practise will be available. Next course runs 5th, 12th, 26th Feb, 18th, 25th March and 1st April

Astanga vinyasa yoga

More conveniently known as simply 'astanga yoga'. This is potentially very energetic and physically strong. It originates from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and is based on a set sequence of postures practised continuously, combined with controlled breathing. It involves a lot of movement, a fair amount of upper body work and you will get hot and sweaty. There are 3 types of classes.

1. Beginners courses - Wednesdays 8.30-9.30pm and Monday 6.30-7.30pm - for total beginners to astanga yoga. You will learn the basic principles of the practise and work your way through some of the sequence. You will look at each posture in the sequence in a lot of detail. The emphasis is on making sure every student understands the basics and is able to practice safely. Suitable for total beginners or for people who have practised other styles of yoga. See courses page for details.

2. Self-practice classes (also known as ‘Mysore style’) - Saturday 8.00-10.00am - this is the traditional way of learning and practising astanga yoga. Each student practises at their own pace and gets one-to-one instruction within a class situation. Each student tries to remember as much as possible on their own, with the assistance of a teacher where necessary. If you are a beginner you will be taught a small part of the sequence one-to-one and then attempt to repeat it on your own. These type of classes involve quite a lot of hands-on work from the teacher and also lots of one on one teaching within the class. These classes are suitable for total beginners as well as more experienced practitioners.

3. Taught classes - Wednesday 6.45-8.15pm - The whole class is verbally instructed through the sequence. These classes are fairly continuous and are definitely not suitable for beginners. Even if you are experienced in other forms of yoga, you still need to do a beginners course or self-practice class before you attend this type of class.

If you are in any doubt about what type of class to attend please contact Nigel

Iyengar Yoga

Originates from B.K.S. Iyengar. It involves qualities of attention and alignment in postures. Postures are held statically for a relatively long period of time and great strength and stamina as well as flexibility can be developed. The use of various props such as blocks, belts, blankets and chairs to support the body are a key feature of this style. Great emphasis is placed on correct and safe positioning of the body, with detailed verbal instruction by the teacher. We offer one general level class on Fridays at 10.00-11.30am, a level 2 class on Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm which is run in blocks and has to be booked in advance, and a beginners course on Fridays 11.45-1.00pm.

Yoga for pregnancy

Yoga can help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy and birth. We run two regular drop-in classes for pregnant women and regular birth preparation workshops. The classes are open to all women from 15 weeks right up to delivery, no previous experience of yoga necessary. The classes involve yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation. You will learn simple techniques to alleviate some of the common complaints of pregnancy and to help you in labour and beyond.

Tuesday 10.30-11.45pm with Tara

Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm with Tara

Preparation for birth

A workshop for you and your partner to learn methods of coping during labour and supporting the birth process.

Breathing and positions for labour and birth are covered alongside lots of practical information and tips. There is an emphasis on the role of the birth partner. This is also a good opportunity to meet other expectant parents.

Julia East is a midwife working within the local community. She is experienced in both hospital and homebirth and has worked with parents preparing for birth for 6 years. She also teaches pregnancy yoga and postnatal (mum and baby) classes.

See Workshops section for dates.

Post natal yoga

Relaxing and refreshing exercises in a low stress setting help you re-gain your strength and muscle tone after having a baby. This is a very informal class with a free flowing, unstructured format. You can participate as much or as little as you wish, allowing you to feed, change and play with your baby or chat to another mum as the mood takes you . Learn ways of lifting, handling and holding your baby to promote postural ease and strength. Enjoy working with your baby and doing your yoga together. Meet other mums and babies. You can come to the class as soon as you feel ready, even if you just want to lie down and relax or have a cup of tea and a chat. Suitable for babies from birth up to about 6 months old (pre-crawling).

Classes Thursday 11.00-12.00am with Tara (term time only)

Baby Massage

Massage is a wonderful way of communicating with a baby, strengthening the bond between parent and child. Learning baby massage can give parents increased confidence in handling their babies and better understanding of their babies non-verbal communication. Massage enhances a baby's feeling of being loved and respected, as well as improving body\mind awareness, co-ordination and brain development. Suitable for babies from approximately 4 weeks until crawling.

Please bring a towel and some vegetable oil for use during the class.

Anna Wise has been teaching new mothers in Crouch End for the last 5 years and is a qualified Infant Massage Instructor and a member of the Guild of Infant Massage as well as being CRB checked to work with babies. She is also trained to give breastfeeding support.

Courses on Mondays 3.00-4.15pm. £45

Chair based Yoga class

A special class for people with any sort of physical restriction, and their carers if appropriate. You will practise a simple range of basic yoga techniques in a friendly and welcoming environment with an expert tutor. Exercises are taught with appropriate modifications for each individual - if necessary you can do the whole class sitting in a chair. Yoga is an ideal activity for carers to take part in too, and this class is a great opportunity to do something relaxing and enjoyable together. Please call us in advance if you are thinking of coming to this class.

Tuesday 2.15-3.45pm with Lynda