Below are some of the questions I am often asked when people enquire about Yoga, if you have questions that are not covered here you may find the answers under the 'Yoga Classes' section, alternatively just give me a call . . .

Is Yoga a religion? Yoga is not a religion, this is a common misconception in the West, which has perhaps come about because some eastern religions also practice Yoga. There is nothing in Yoga that requires anyone to embrace a particular set of beliefs, or worship any deities.



Will Yoga help me keep fit? Although yoga doesn’t involve the obvious cardiovascular workouts of running, swimming or other traditional ‘aerobic’ exercise, it can actually provide a very effective means of keeping fit. Some aspects of yoga involve the holding of strong static poses, and flowing sequences, both of which can raise the heart rate. These are performed while trying to keep the breath steady and even. Thus the health of the heart, lungs and breathing apparatus is enhanced without much of the breathlessness that is commonly associated with keeping fit.



Will Yoga help me feel less stressed out? Participating in a yoga class involves a period of time where your focus is taken into yourself and your body. A state of calm concentration should result, which can take us away from our preoccupations and woes, and help put them in perspective!

Can Yoga improve my posture? Yoga gives attention to good body alignment in all poses, this helps correct our bad habits. The more practice we do, the more we carry an improved posture ‘off the mat’ and into our everyday lives.

Is Yoga just stretching? Although yoga involves stretching your muscles, it is a whole different ballgame than the few warm-up stretches you might do at the gym. Let's look at a few of the ways yoga is different:

Yoga places emphasis on alignment, meaning that how you are touching your toes is more important than whether you can actually touch them or not.

Attention to the breath and tuning in to the subtle sensations of the body introduce a mindfulness to even simple poses that is missing from stretching. 


Most yoga poses are not stretching an isolated area, but rather involve the whole body in both stretching and strengthening.

I don't think I'm very flexible. Will I be able to do Yoga? Contrary to popular belief, being flexible isn’t a prerequisite for practising yoga! Some people are born naturally flexible, others have to work a bit harder to attain their optimum flexibility. A regular yoga practice will definitely increase your flexibility. However, flexibility isn’t yoga’s only goal or its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga - to promote radiant health inside and out - can be experienced by everyone, regardless of whether or not they can touch their toes! Yoga can be taken up by anyone; any age; flexible or stiff; slim or well built. Yoga postures can be adapted to suit your needs.

Is Yoga like Pilates? There are some similarities but they are not the same. Joseph Pilates was very interested in yoga and you can see the influence in many of the moves. Both have an emphasis on focusing the mind and using the breath. Yoga has a lot more variety in the types of postures and much more standing poses - plus there is more emphasis on flexibility and relaxation.


Can I do Yoga during pregnancy? It’s advisable to get the go ahead from your midwife or GP before starting yoga, (especially if you have a history of miscarriage). Generally, during the first trimester, take it easy. If you don’t already have a yoga practice, this is not the time to start. If you already have a yoga practice, stick to very gentle classes and restorative yoga. The rule of thumb during this time is to take it easy and allow for the pregnancy to stabilize. The second and third trimesters are a great time to do yoga if you are healthy and your doctor gives you the go ahead. Adjust postures so that the belly is not restricted or impinged upon in any way: No deep twisting, deep backbends or abdominal strengtheners. Sun Salutations are not advisable unless it is specifically modified to suit the pregnancy. Stick to standing poses and poses that open the pelvic floor and hips and focus on breath awareness. The best way to do yoga during pregnancy is in a specifically designed ‘pregnancy’ yoga class.

Do I have to be vegetarian to practice Yoga? A principle of Yoga philosophy is something called ahimsa, which means non-harming to self and others. Some people interpret this to include not eating animal products. There is debate about this in the yoga community - I believe it's a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well as how your choices will affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be something you impose on others, that kind of aggressive action in itself is not an expression of ahimsa.

What are the health benefits of Yoga? Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there's scope for more rigorous studies on yoga's health benefits, most studies suggest that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. There's evidence that regular Yoga practice is beneficial for people with fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, aches and pains, including low back pain, anxiety, depression and stress. In addition you can expect improved balance, range of motion, and agility, which means you are less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavours.

While you shouldn't expect yoga to cure you or offer 100% relief, it can help many health conditions when combined with standard treatment.

Reflexology

So much more than a foot massage! Reflexology is a specific way of contacting reflexes on the feet that relate to other parts of the body, this enables the therapist to identify and relieve areas of Tension, Congestion and Inflammation. The treatment is pleasant to receive and may help to:

Kinesiology

Utilising muscle testing techniques to identify energy blocks and other imbalances, Kinesiology employs the Chinese 5 Element model, and any imbalances are addressed by massaging, stimulating or sedating a variety of reflex and acupressure points. The treatment has many applications and may help:

Craniosacral Therapy

Originally developed by an osteopath, this gentle treatment does not involve the dreaded thrusts, cracks and crunches usually associated with manipulative therapies. Instead, subtle palpation and light touch work to bring about structural change thereby relieving back, neck, joint and muscular pain. In addition the influence on the central nervous system may enhance the function of organs and body systems.

Because Yoga postures affect internal organs, you will find it more comfortable and beneficial to practice on an empty stomach and bladder. Leave a gap of at least two hours after a heavy meal and one hour after a light meal.

It is recommended that some inverted postures (i.e. shoulder stands and headstands) be avoided during menstruation, and any pose where the head is taken below the level of the heart should also be avoided if you suffer from glaucoma, detached retina or high blood pressure.

If you have a heart condition refrain from doing postures that raise your arms overhead (i.e. do not allow your elbows to lift above shoulder height).

If you suffer from osteoporosis, cervical spondylosis, arthritis, or any other degenerative bone condition or if you are pregnant please tell your teacher.

If you are suffering from any other ‘labelled’ medical condition please tell your teacher as there may be further postures that you need to avoid and others that may be particularly beneficial. It is also wise to check with your G.P. before embarking on any exercise programme.

If you feel pain in any position it is important to STOP – pain is a signal that something is wrong.

If in doubt about any of the breathing techniques – just breathe evenly and normally throughout.

Getting the most out of a posture:

Nurture feelings of lightness, elongation and strength in each movement. Ask yourself how you can adjust to further lengthen the spine, feel stronger or steadier. Even in a curled ball you can create space in the joints of the shoulders and hips and the length of the back of the neck and spine.

You should feel good after a pose, better than before. Any slight discomfort whilst holding a pose should immediately disappear when you release it. Pain in joints during or after a pose indicates incorrect practice. Likewise unusual uncomfortable pressure in your eyes, ears or head is a sign to ease up. If you don’t feel relaxed and energized soon after completing your session you may be overdoing it.

Above all LISTEN to your body – only you know what it feels like!

During a class you will often see me looking around and sometimes focusing on a particular person, I know this can be disconcerting if you are the subject of my gaze, but I’m not judging how flexible you are or aren’t, I’m just wanting to ensure you are practising safely. Sometimes I may think you look uncomfortable or unbalanced, so I may come and suggest a slight adjustment to your pose, give you some support, or even recommend an alternative position, this is in no way intended to undermine your efforts, the intention is always to help you improve your agility.

If you are ever uncertain about anything, please don’t wonder in silence, ask, ask, ask, the chances are someone else in the group will have the same question inside their head too. I may not always have the answer, often someone else in the group does, or I will do my best to find out for you.

Remember we are all individuals and the things we find easy or challenging will be different, the more we can share with each other the faster we will all develop. To quote Richard Bach – “we are all learners, doers and teachers”.

Please arrive at least five minutes or so before the class is due to begin, this gives you time to say hello to the rest of the group and arrange your mat etc. before settling down.

If you do arrive late and can see that the group is already quietly unwinding/meditating, please wait outside until posture work begins, it can be very disturbing for others to hear the opening and closing of doors, the rolling out of mats and general arranging of belongings.

At St. Francis Hall, please remove and leave shoes in the entrance lobby, along with coats, umbrellas etc. Space is limited in this hall, so bring in only what is absolutely necessary.

Turn off mobile phones.

If you borrow any equipment during the class, kindly put it away at the end, taking care to place things back in bags in such a way as to make it easy to close and carry them. I am always very grateful for any help carrying bags to my car at the end of the class.

Clothing

You will need to wear either loose comfy clothing or something stretchy, your clothing should not inhibit your movement in any way.

It’s a good idea to wear layers, sometimes we will be working slowly and gently at floor level which may be chilly, other times we work energetically and can get very hot.

We always practise Yoga barefoot, so you will not need any shoes, though if you are prone to cold feet, socks are sometimes useful when working in sitting and lying poses.

Equipment

A non slip Yoga or exercise mat.
This a must, they come in varying thicknesses, so if you need a bit more padding for comfort a thicker one is better.

A small blanket or thick towel.
This can be rolled or folded to make some poses more comfortable, and is very useful for covering the body when relaxing at the end of the class.

I do bring some blankets with me, but not enough for everyone to use, think of these as spares for occasions when you might forget your own, or when extra warmth or support is needed. Having your own equipment is part of committing to your practice.

Belts, Ties & Blocks.
Not necessary to bring as I have plenty to go round, but many people like to have their own, particularly if they intend to practice at home.

There are many good suppliers of Yoga equipment as any ‘google’ search will reveal. I often use Yoga Mad or Yoga Matters and have always been very satisfied with their quality and service. www.yogamatters.com, www.yogamad.com, their equipment can also be found at Amazon. These suppliers are also great for DVD.s, C.D.s and books.

Water
It’s very important to stay well hydrated when doing any form of physical activity, Yoga is no different.

Classes are held at the following venues:

St Francis Church Hall, Upper Chobham Road, Frimley, GU15 1EE.

MONDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm
THURSDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm
THURSDAY afternoon 1.45pm – 3.15pm

All Saints Community Hall, Broadway Road, Lightwater, GU18 5SJ.

TUESDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm

The classes run on a termly basis (the terms are usually 11, 12 or 13 weeks long), however you are welcome to try one class without committing to the term to see if YOGAgility is a style that suits you, and you can join at any point during the term. The remainder of the term is then payable from the point at which you join.

The classes work out at £8.50 per session. An average 12 week term is £102.00.

There is FREE car parking at both venues.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (an ancient yoga text) describes eight limbs of Yoga, each of these limbs relates to a facet of living a healthy and contented life. The third of these limbs concerns the practice of yoga poses, and the fourth the practice of breathing exercises, these two limbs combined make up the practice of Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is the type of Yoga most practised in the West, and is often considered to be an alternative or complementary medicine practice, having won respect in the mainstream medical community. It consists mainly of poses which are designed to increase strength and flexibility, and controlled breathing. Movement and breathing are combined to help you move smoothly from one pose to another.

The Yoga poses and breathing techniques form a self-care system designed to rejuvenate the body and free the mind from tension and fatigue, it’s so much more than just exercise as it not only works on the major muscle groups to shape and tone, but reaches the deeper postural muscles that maintain the health of the joints and spine, while also stimulating the function of internal organs helping them work more efficiently.

When the poses of Hatha Yoga are practised, the aim is to give full attention to what we are doing and how we are doing it, with the clear intention of deriving benefit from it. We ensure a pose is comfortable and stable and that our breath can flow smoothly, this focus encourages the mind to be peaceful and quiet which in turn helps to balance our mental functions, a Yoga pose could be described as a meditation in motion. This soothing meditative effect on the brain has been verified by EEG data, it has great healing implications and helps us develop a more level headed approach to life.

Patanjali further suggests that the practice of Hatha Yoga creates health in body and mind and will harmonize the flow of life force within us, and from this grounding a fertile field is created for the evolution of the spirit.

It is worth noting at this point that Yoga is not a religion, this is a common misconception in the West, which has perhaps come about because some eastern religions also practise Yoga. There is nothing in Yoga that requires anyone to embrace a particular set of beliefs, or worship any deities.

In many Hatha classes a small amount of time may also be given to the other six limbs of Yoga as set out by Patanjali. They are further explained and outlined below:

It can be helpful to think of these eight limbs as being the arms and legs of a child’s body, connected to each other via the central body of Yoga. Just as a child’s arms and legs grow in proportion to one another, whatever limb of Yoga we practise the other limbs seem to develop alongside. Often a person will begin with posture and breathing practice and is then drawn to meditation, or vice versa. Just as the development of each arm and leg is necessary for optimal body function, every limb of Yoga has an important purpose too.

The eight limbs in a nutshell:

1. Yama: Universal morality – behaviour toward other:
   Non violence, Truthfulness, Non stealing, Non lust, Non acquiring.
2. Niyama: Personal observances:
   Cleanliness, Contentment, Sustained practice, Self study, Surrender to life.
3. Asanas: Postures to keep the body strong, flexible, and relaxed.
4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises, and control of life force (prana).
5. Pratyahara: Control of the senses.
6. Dharana: Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness.
7. Dhyana: Sustaining awareness under all conditions.
8. Samadhi: Union with the Divine, sometimes referred to as enlightenment.

Below are some of the questions I am often asked when people enquire about Yoga, if you have questions that are not covered here you may find the answers under the 'Yoga Classes' section, alternatively just give me a call . . .

Is Yoga a religion? Yoga is not a religion, this is a common misconception in the West, which has perhaps come about because some eastern religions also practice Yoga. There is nothing in Yoga that requires anyone to embrace a particular set of beliefs, or worship any deities.



Will Yoga help me keep fit? Although yoga doesn’t involve the obvious cardiovascular workouts of running, swimming or other traditional ‘aerobic’ exercise, it can actually provide a very effective means of keeping fit. Some aspects of yoga involve the holding of strong static poses, and flowing sequences, both of which can raise the heart rate. These are performed while trying to keep the breath steady and even. Thus the health of the heart, lungs and breathing apparatus is enhanced without much of the breathlessness that is commonly associated with keeping fit.



Will Yoga help me feel less stressed out? Participating in a yoga class involves a period of time where your focus is taken into yourself and your body. A state of calm concentration should result, which can take us away from our preoccupations and woes, and help put them in perspective!

Can Yoga improve my posture? Yoga gives attention to good body alignment in all poses, this helps correct our bad habits. The more practice we do, the more we carry an improved posture ‘off the mat’ and into our everyday lives.

Is Yoga just stretching? Although yoga involves stretching your muscles, it is a whole different ballgame than the few warm-up stretches you might do at the gym. Let's look at a few of the ways yoga is different:

Yoga places emphasis on alignment, meaning that how you are touching your toes is more important than whether you can actually touch them or not.

Attention to the breath and tuning in to the subtle sensations of the body introduce a mindfulness to even simple poses that is missing from stretching. 


Most yoga poses are not stretching an isolated area, but rather involve the whole body in both stretching and strengthening.

I don't think I'm very flexible. Will I be able to do Yoga? Contrary to popular belief, being flexible isn’t a prerequisite for practising yoga! Some people are born naturally flexible, others have to work a bit harder to attain their optimum flexibility. A regular yoga practice will definitely increase your flexibility. However, flexibility isn’t yoga’s only goal or its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga - to promote radiant health inside and out - can be experienced by everyone, regardless of whether or not they can touch their toes! Yoga can be taken up by anyone; any age; flexible or stiff; slim or well built. Yoga postures can be adapted to suit your needs.

Is Yoga like Pilates? There are some similarities but they are not the same. Joseph Pilates was very interested in yoga and you can see the influence in many of the moves. Both have an emphasis on focusing the mind and using the breath. Yoga has a lot more variety in the types of postures and much more standing poses - plus there is more emphasis on flexibility and relaxation.


Can I do Yoga during pregnancy? It’s advisable to get the go ahead from your midwife or GP before starting yoga, (especially if you have a history of miscarriage). Generally, during the first trimester, take it easy. If you don’t already have a yoga practice, this is not the time to start. If you already have a yoga practice, stick to very gentle classes and restorative yoga. The rule of thumb during this time is to take it easy and allow for the pregnancy to stabilize. The second and third trimesters are a great time to do yoga if you are healthy and your doctor gives you the go ahead. Adjust postures so that the belly is not restricted or impinged upon in any way: No deep twisting, deep backbends or abdominal strengtheners. Sun Salutations are not advisable unless it is specifically modified to suit the pregnancy. Stick to standing poses and poses that open the pelvic floor and hips and focus on breath awareness. The best way to do yoga during pregnancy is in a specifically designed ‘pregnancy’ yoga class.

Do I have to be vegetarian to practice Yoga? A principle of Yoga philosophy is something called ahimsa, which means non-harming to self and others. Some people interpret this to include not eating animal products. There is debate about this in the yoga community - I believe it's a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well as how your choices will affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be something you impose on others, that kind of aggressive action in itself is not an expression of ahimsa.

What are the health benefits of Yoga? Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there's scope for more rigorous studies on yoga's health benefits, most studies suggest that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. There's evidence that regular Yoga practice is beneficial for people with fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, aches and pains, including low back pain, anxiety, depression and stress. In addition you can expect improved balance, range of motion, and agility, which means you are less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavours.

While you shouldn't expect yoga to cure you or offer 100% relief, it can help many health conditions when combined with standard treatment.

Reflexology

So much more than a foot massage! Reflexology is a specific way of contacting reflexes on the feet that relate to other parts of the body, this enables the therapist to identify and relieve areas of Tension, Congestion and Inflammation. The treatment is pleasant to receive and may help to:

Kinesiology

Utilising muscle testing techniques to identify energy blocks and other imbalances, Kinesiology employs the Chinese 5 Element model, and any imbalances are addressed by massaging, stimulating or sedating a variety of reflex and acupressure points. The treatment has many applications and may help:

Craniosacral Therapy

Originally developed by an osteopath, this gentle treatment does not involve the dreaded thrusts, cracks and crunches usually associated with manipulative therapies. Instead, subtle palpation and light touch work to bring about structural change thereby relieving back, neck, joint and muscular pain. In addition the influence on the central nervous system may enhance the function of organs and body systems.

Because Yoga postures affect internal organs, you will find it more comfortable and beneficial to practice on an empty stomach and bladder. Leave a gap of at least two hours after a heavy meal and one hour after a light meal.

It is recommended that some inverted postures (i.e. shoulder stands and headstands) be avoided during menstruation, and any pose where the head is taken below the level of the heart should also be avoided if you suffer from glaucoma, detached retina or high blood pressure.

If you have a heart condition refrain from doing postures that raise your arms overhead (i.e. do not allow your elbows to lift above shoulder height).

If you suffer from osteoporosis, cervical spondylosis, arthritis, or any other degenerative bone condition or if you are pregnant please tell your teacher.

If you are suffering from any other ‘labelled’ medical condition please tell your teacher as there may be further postures that you need to avoid and others that may be particularly beneficial. It is also wise to check with your G.P. before embarking on any exercise programme.

If you feel pain in any position it is important to STOP – pain is a signal that something is wrong.

If in doubt about any of the breathing techniques – just breathe evenly and normally throughout.

Getting the most out of a posture:

Nurture feelings of lightness, elongation and strength in each movement. Ask yourself how you can adjust to further lengthen the spine, feel stronger or steadier. Even in a curled ball you can create space in the joints of the shoulders and hips and the length of the back of the neck and spine.

You should feel good after a pose, better than before. Any slight discomfort whilst holding a pose should immediately disappear when you release it. Pain in joints during or after a pose indicates incorrect practice. Likewise unusual uncomfortable pressure in your eyes, ears or head is a sign to ease up. If you don’t feel relaxed and energized soon after completing your session you may be overdoing it.

Above all LISTEN to your body – only you know what it feels like!

During a class you will often see me looking around and sometimes focusing on a particular person, I know this can be disconcerting if you are the subject of my gaze, but I’m not judging how flexible you are or aren’t, I’m just wanting to ensure you are practising safely. Sometimes I may think you look uncomfortable or unbalanced, so I may come and suggest a slight adjustment to your pose, give you some support, or even recommend an alternative position, this is in no way intended to undermine your efforts, the intention is always to help you improve your agility.

If you are ever uncertain about anything, please don’t wonder in silence, ask, ask, ask, the chances are someone else in the group will have the same question inside their head too. I may not always have the answer, often someone else in the group does, or I will do my best to find out for you.

Remember we are all individuals and the things we find easy or challenging will be different, the more we can share with each other the faster we will all develop. To quote Richard Bach – “we are all learners, doers and teachers”.

Please arrive at least five minutes or so before the class is due to begin, this gives you time to say hello to the rest of the group and arrange your mat etc. before settling down.

If you do arrive late and can see that the group is already quietly unwinding/meditating, please wait outside until posture work begins, it can be very disturbing for others to hear the opening and closing of doors, the rolling out of mats and general arranging of belongings.

At St. Francis Hall, please remove and leave shoes in the entrance lobby, along with coats, umbrellas etc. Space is limited in this hall, so bring in only what is absolutely necessary.

Turn off mobile phones.

If you borrow any equipment during the class, kindly put it away at the end, taking care to place things back in bags in such a way as to make it easy to close and carry them. I am always very grateful for any help carrying bags to my car at the end of the class.

Clothing

You will need to wear either loose comfy clothing or something stretchy, your clothing should not inhibit your movement in any way.

It’s a good idea to wear layers, sometimes we will be working slowly and gently at floor level which may be chilly, other times we work energetically and can get very hot.

We always practise Yoga barefoot, so you will not need any shoes, though if you are prone to cold feet, socks are sometimes useful when working in sitting and lying poses.

Equipment

A non slip Yoga or exercise mat.
This a must, they come in varying thicknesses, so if you need a bit more padding for comfort a thicker one is better.

A small blanket or thick towel.
This can be rolled or folded to make some poses more comfortable, and is very useful for covering the body when relaxing at the end of the class.

I do bring some blankets with me, but not enough for everyone to use, think of these as spares for occasions when you might forget your own, or when extra warmth or support is needed. Having your own equipment is part of committing to your practice.

Belts, Ties & Blocks.
Not necessary to bring as I have plenty to go round, but many people like to have their own, particularly if they intend to practice at home.

There are many good suppliers of Yoga equipment as any ‘google’ search will reveal. I often use Yoga Mad or Yoga Matters and have always been very satisfied with their quality and service. www.yogamatters.com, www.yogamad.com, their equipment can also be found at Amazon. These suppliers are also great for DVD.s, C.D.s and books.

Water
It’s very important to stay well hydrated when doing any form of physical activity, Yoga is no different.

Classes are held at the following venues:

St Francis Church Hall, Upper Chobham Road, Frimley, GU15 1EE.

MONDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm
THURSDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm
THURSDAY afternoon 1.45pm – 3.15pm

All Saints Community Hall, Broadway Road, Lightwater, GU18 5SJ.

TUESDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm

The classes run on a termly basis (the terms are usually 11, 12 or 13 weeks long), however you are welcome to try one class without committing to the term to see if YOGAgility is a style that suits you, and you can join at any point during the term. The remainder of the term is then payable from the point at which you join.

The classes work out at £8.50 per session. An average 12 week term is £102.00.

There is FREE car parking at both venues.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (an ancient yoga text) describes eight limbs of Yoga, each of these limbs relates to a facet of living a healthy and contented life. The third of these limbs concerns the practice of yoga poses, and the fourth the practice of breathing exercises, these two limbs combined make up the practice of Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is the type of Yoga most practised in the West, and is often considered to be an alternative or complementary medicine practice, having won respect in the mainstream medical community. It consists mainly of poses which are designed to increase strength and flexibility, and controlled breathing. Movement and breathing are combined to help you move smoothly from one pose to another.

The Yoga poses and breathing techniques form a self-care system designed to rejuvenate the body and free the mind from tension and fatigue, it’s so much more than just exercise as it not only works on the major muscle groups to shape and tone, but reaches the deeper postural muscles that maintain the health of the joints and spine, while also stimulating the function of internal organs helping them work more efficiently.

When the poses of Hatha Yoga are practised, the aim is to give full attention to what we are doing and how we are doing it, with the clear intention of deriving benefit from it. We ensure a pose is comfortable and stable and that our breath can flow smoothly, this focus encourages the mind to be peaceful and quiet which in turn helps to balance our mental functions, a Yoga pose could be described as a meditation in motion. This soothing meditative effect on the brain has been verified by EEG data, it has great healing implications and helps us develop a more level headed approach to life.

Patanjali further suggests that the practice of Hatha Yoga creates health in body and mind and will harmonize the flow of life force within us, and from this grounding a fertile field is created for the evolution of the spirit.

It is worth noting at this point that Yoga is not a religion, this is a common misconception in the West, which has perhaps come about because some eastern religions also practise Yoga. There is nothing in Yoga that requires anyone to embrace a particular set of beliefs, or worship any deities.

In many Hatha classes a small amount of time may also be given to the other six limbs of Yoga as set out by Patanjali. They are further explained and outlined below:

It can be helpful to think of these eight limbs as being the arms and legs of a child’s body, connected to each other via the central body of Yoga. Just as a child’s arms and legs grow in proportion to one another, whatever limb of Yoga we practise the other limbs seem to develop alongside. Often a person will begin with posture and breathing practice and is then drawn to meditation, or vice versa. Just as the development of each arm and leg is necessary for optimal body function, every limb of Yoga has an important purpose too.

The eight limbs in a nutshell:

1. Yama: Universal morality – behaviour toward other:
   Non violence, Truthfulness, Non stealing, Non lust, Non acquiring.
2. Niyama: Personal observances:
   Cleanliness, Contentment, Sustained practice, Self study, Surrender to life.
3. Asanas: Postures to keep the body strong, flexible, and relaxed.
4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises, and control of life force (prana).
5. Pratyahara: Control of the senses.
6. Dharana: Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness.
7. Dhyana: Sustaining awareness under all conditions.
8. Samadhi: Union with the Divine, sometimes referred to as enlightenment.

Below are some of the questions I am often asked when people enquire about Yoga, if you have questions that are not covered here you may find the answers under the 'Yoga Classes' section, alternatively just give me a call . . .

Is Yoga a religion? Yoga is not a religion, this is a common misconception in the West, which has perhaps come about because some eastern religions also practice Yoga. There is nothing in Yoga that requires anyone to embrace a particular set of beliefs, or worship any deities.



Will Yoga help me keep fit? Although yoga doesn’t involve the obvious cardiovascular workouts of running, swimming or other traditional ‘aerobic’ exercise, it can actually provide a very effective means of keeping fit. Some aspects of yoga involve the holding of strong static poses, and flowing sequences, both of which can raise the heart rate. These are performed while trying to keep the breath steady and even. Thus the health of the heart, lungs and breathing apparatus is enhanced without much of the breathlessness that is commonly associated with keeping fit.



Will Yoga help me feel less stressed out? Participating in a yoga class involves a period of time where your focus is taken into yourself and your body. A state of calm concentration should result, which can take us away from our preoccupations and woes, and help put them in perspective!

Can Yoga improve my posture? Yoga gives attention to good body alignment in all poses, this helps correct our bad habits. The more practice we do, the more we carry an improved posture ‘off the mat’ and into our everyday lives.

Is Yoga just stretching? Although yoga involves stretching your muscles, it is a whole different ballgame than the few warm-up stretches you might do at the gym. Let's look at a few of the ways yoga is different:

Yoga places emphasis on alignment, meaning that how you are touching your toes is more important than whether you can actually touch them or not.

Attention to the breath and tuning in to the subtle sensations of the body introduce a mindfulness to even simple poses that is missing from stretching. 


Most yoga poses are not stretching an isolated area, but rather involve the whole body in both stretching and strengthening.

I don't think I'm very flexible. Will I be able to do Yoga? Contrary to popular belief, being flexible isn’t a prerequisite for practising yoga! Some people are born naturally flexible, others have to work a bit harder to attain their optimum flexibility. A regular yoga practice will definitely increase your flexibility. However, flexibility isn’t yoga’s only goal or its only benefit. The ultimate benefit of yoga - to promote radiant health inside and out - can be experienced by everyone, regardless of whether or not they can touch their toes! Yoga can be taken up by anyone; any age; flexible or stiff; slim or well built. Yoga postures can be adapted to suit your needs.

Is Yoga like Pilates? There are some similarities but they are not the same. Joseph Pilates was very interested in yoga and you can see the influence in many of the moves. Both have an emphasis on focusing the mind and using the breath. Yoga has a lot more variety in the types of postures and much more standing poses - plus there is more emphasis on flexibility and relaxation.


Can I do Yoga during pregnancy? It’s advisable to get the go ahead from your midwife or GP before starting yoga, (especially if you have a history of miscarriage). Generally, during the first trimester, take it easy. If you don’t already have a yoga practice, this is not the time to start. If you already have a yoga practice, stick to very gentle classes and restorative yoga. The rule of thumb during this time is to take it easy and allow for the pregnancy to stabilize. The second and third trimesters are a great time to do yoga if you are healthy and your doctor gives you the go ahead. Adjust postures so that the belly is not restricted or impinged upon in any way: No deep twisting, deep backbends or abdominal strengtheners. Sun Salutations are not advisable unless it is specifically modified to suit the pregnancy. Stick to standing poses and poses that open the pelvic floor and hips and focus on breath awareness. The best way to do yoga during pregnancy is in a specifically designed ‘pregnancy’ yoga class.

Do I have to be vegetarian to practice Yoga? A principle of Yoga philosophy is something called ahimsa, which means non-harming to self and others. Some people interpret this to include not eating animal products. There is debate about this in the yoga community - I believe it's a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well as how your choices will affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be something you impose on others, that kind of aggressive action in itself is not an expression of ahimsa.

What are the health benefits of Yoga? Dozens of scientific trials of varying quality have been published on yoga. While there's scope for more rigorous studies on yoga's health benefits, most studies suggest that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. There's evidence that regular Yoga practice is beneficial for people with fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, heart disease, aches and pains, including low back pain, anxiety, depression and stress. In addition you can expect improved balance, range of motion, and agility, which means you are less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavours.

While you shouldn't expect yoga to cure you or offer 100% relief, it can help many health conditions when combined with standard treatment.

Reflexology

So much more than a foot massage! Reflexology is a specific way of contacting reflexes on the feet that relate to other parts of the body, this enables the therapist to identify and relieve areas of Tension, Congestion and Inflammation. The treatment is pleasant to receive and may help to:

Kinesiology

Utilising muscle testing techniques to identify energy blocks and other imbalances, Kinesiology employs the Chinese 5 Element model, and any imbalances are addressed by massaging, stimulating or sedating a variety of reflex and acupressure points. The treatment has many applications and may help:

Craniosacral Therapy

Originally developed by an osteopath, this gentle treatment does not involve the dreaded thrusts, cracks and crunches usually associated with manipulative therapies. Instead, subtle palpation and light touch work to bring about structural change thereby relieving back, neck, joint and muscular pain. In addition the influence on the central nervous system may enhance the function of organs and body systems.

Because Yoga postures affect internal organs, you will find it more comfortable and beneficial to practice on an empty stomach and bladder. Leave a gap of at least two hours after a heavy meal and one hour after a light meal.

It is recommended that some inverted postures (i.e. shoulder stands and headstands) be avoided during menstruation, and any pose where the head is taken below the level of the heart should also be avoided if you suffer from glaucoma, detached retina or high blood pressure.

If you have a heart condition refrain from doing postures that raise your arms overhead (i.e. do not allow your elbows to lift above shoulder height).

If you suffer from osteoporosis, cervical spondylosis, arthritis, or any other degenerative bone condition or if you are pregnant please tell your teacher.

If you are suffering from any other ‘labelled’ medical condition please tell your teacher as there may be further postures that you need to avoid and others that may be particularly beneficial. It is also wise to check with your G.P. before embarking on any exercise programme.

If you feel pain in any position it is important to STOP – pain is a signal that something is wrong.

If in doubt about any of the breathing techniques – just breathe evenly and normally throughout.

Getting the most out of a posture:

Nurture feelings of lightness, elongation and strength in each movement. Ask yourself how you can adjust to further lengthen the spine, feel stronger or steadier. Even in a curled ball you can create space in the joints of the shoulders and hips and the length of the back of the neck and spine.

You should feel good after a pose, better than before. Any slight discomfort whilst holding a pose should immediately disappear when you release it. Pain in joints during or after a pose indicates incorrect practice. Likewise unusual uncomfortable pressure in your eyes, ears or head is a sign to ease up. If you don’t feel relaxed and energized soon after completing your session you may be overdoing it.

Above all LISTEN to your body – only you know what it feels like!

During a class you will often see me looking around and sometimes focusing on a particular person, I know this can be disconcerting if you are the subject of my gaze, but I’m not judging how flexible you are or aren’t, I’m just wanting to ensure you are practising safely. Sometimes I may think you look uncomfortable or unbalanced, so I may come and suggest a slight adjustment to your pose, give you some support, or even recommend an alternative position, this is in no way intended to undermine your efforts, the intention is always to help you improve your agility.

If you are ever uncertain about anything, please don’t wonder in silence, ask, ask, ask, the chances are someone else in the group will have the same question inside their head too. I may not always have the answer, often someone else in the group does, or I will do my best to find out for you.

Remember we are all individuals and the things we find easy or challenging will be different, the more we can share with each other the faster we will all develop. To quote Richard Bach – “we are all learners, doers and teachers”.

Please arrive at least five minutes or so before the class is due to begin, this gives you time to say hello to the rest of the group and arrange your mat etc. before settling down.

If you do arrive late and can see that the group is already quietly unwinding/meditating, please wait outside until posture work begins, it can be very disturbing for others to hear the opening and closing of doors, the rolling out of mats and general arranging of belongings.

At St. Francis Hall, please remove and leave shoes in the entrance lobby, along with coats, umbrellas etc. Space is limited in this hall, so bring in only what is absolutely necessary.

Turn off mobile phones.

If you borrow any equipment during the class, kindly put it away at the end, taking care to place things back in bags in such a way as to make it easy to close and carry them. I am always very grateful for any help carrying bags to my car at the end of the class.

Clothing

You will need to wear either loose comfy clothing or something stretchy, your clothing should not inhibit your movement in any way.

It’s a good idea to wear layers, sometimes we will be working slowly and gently at floor level which may be chilly, other times we work energetically and can get very hot.

We always practise Yoga barefoot, so you will not need any shoes, though if you are prone to cold feet, socks are sometimes useful when working in sitting and lying poses.

Equipment

A non slip Yoga or exercise mat.
This a must, they come in varying thicknesses, so if you need a bit more padding for comfort a thicker one is better.

A small blanket or thick towel.
This can be rolled or folded to make some poses more comfortable, and is very useful for covering the body when relaxing at the end of the class.

I do bring some blankets with me, but not enough for everyone to use, think of these as spares for occasions when you might forget your own, or when extra warmth or support is needed. Having your own equipment is part of committing to your practice.

Belts, Ties & Blocks.
Not necessary to bring as I have plenty to go round, but many people like to have their own, particularly if they intend to practice at home.

There are many good suppliers of Yoga equipment as any ‘google’ search will reveal. I often use Yoga Mad or Yoga Matters and have always been very satisfied with their quality and service. www.yogamatters.com, www.yogamad.com, their equipment can also be found at Amazon. These suppliers are also great for DVD.s, C.D.s and books.

Water
It’s very important to stay well hydrated when doing any form of physical activity, Yoga is no different.

Classes are held at the following venues:

St Francis Church Hall, Upper Chobham Road, Frimley, GU15 1EE.

MONDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm
THURSDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm
THURSDAY afternoon 1.45pm – 3.15pm

All Saints Community Hall, Broadway Road, Lightwater, GU18 5SJ.

TUESDAY evening 8.30pm – 10pm

The classes run on a termly basis (the terms are usually 11, 12 or 13 weeks long), however you are welcome to try one class without committing to the term to see if YOGAgility is a style that suits you, and you can join at any point during the term. The remainder of the term is then payable from the point at which you join.

The classes work out at £8.50 per session. An average 12 week term is £102.00.

There is FREE car parking at both venues.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (an ancient yoga text) describes eight limbs of Yoga, each of these limbs relates to a facet of living a healthy and contented life. The third of these limbs concerns the practice of yoga poses, and the fourth the practice of breathing exercises, these two limbs combined make up the practice of Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga is the type of Yoga most practised in the West, and is often considered to be an alternative or complementary medicine practice, having won respect in the mainstream medical community. It consists mainly of poses which are designed to increase strength and flexibility, and controlled breathing. Movement and breathing are combined to help you move smoothly from one pose to another.

The Yoga poses and breathing techniques form a self-care system designed to rejuvenate the body and free the mind from tension and fatigue, it’s so much more than just exercise as it not only works on the major muscle groups to shape and tone, but reaches the deeper postural muscles that maintain the health of the joints and spine, while also stimulating the function of internal organs helping them work more efficiently.

When the poses of Hatha Yoga are practised, the aim is to give full attention to what we are doing and how we are doing it, with the clear intention of deriving benefit from it. We ensure a pose is comfortable and stable and that our breath can flow smoothly, this focus encourages the mind to be peaceful and quiet which in turn helps to balance our mental functions, a Yoga pose could be described as a meditation in motion. This soothing meditative effect on the brain has been verified by EEG data, it has great healing implications and helps us develop a more level headed approach to life.

Patanjali further suggests that the practice of Hatha Yoga creates health in body and mind and will harmonize the flow of life force within us, and from this grounding a fertile field is created for the evolution of the spirit.

It is worth noting at this point that Yoga is not a religion, this is a common misconception in the West, which has perhaps come about because some eastern religions also practise Yoga. There is nothing in Yoga that requires anyone to embrace a particular set of beliefs, or worship any deities.

In many Hatha classes a small amount of time may also be given to the other six limbs of Yoga as set out by Patanjali. They are further explained and outlined below:

It can be helpful to think of these eight limbs as being the arms and legs of a child’s body, connected to each other via the central body of Yoga. Just as a child’s arms and legs grow in proportion to one another, whatever limb of Yoga we practise the other limbs seem to develop alongside. Often a person will begin with posture and breathing practice and is then drawn to meditation, or vice versa. Just as the development of each arm and leg is necessary for optimal body function, every limb of Yoga has an important purpose too.

The eight limbs in a nutshell:

1. Yama: Universal morality – behaviour toward other:
   Non violence, Truthfulness, Non stealing, Non lust, Non acquiring.
2. Niyama: Personal observances:
   Cleanliness, Contentment, Sustained practice, Self study, Surrender to life.
3. Asanas: Postures to keep the body strong, flexible, and relaxed.
4. Pranayama: Breathing exercises, and control of life force (prana).
5. Pratyahara: Control of the senses.
6. Dharana: Concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness.
7. Dhyana: Sustaining awareness under all conditions.
8. Samadhi: Union with the Divine, sometimes referred to as enlightenment.