Do I need to bring anything to class?
All you need to bring to class is yourself and a yoga mat. A ‘sticky’ yoga mat can be purchased from a number of retail sports shops, specialist yoga shops or online. Other equipment such as bolsters, blocks, belts and blankets are supplied by Beecroft Yoga. The equipment is used, if necessary, to assist you in the yoga poses. It’s a good idea to wear something loose and comfortable. Its best to come to class with an empty stomach, so don’t eat anything too heavy before class. A snack is fine within an hour or so of your class. This is because it’s unpleasant and uncomfortable to be doing yoga poses with a full stomach.
I can’t touch my toes – can I do yoga?
Don’t be put off by your lack of flexibility. Lots of people practice yoga to improve their flexibility. That’s one of the reasons to come to yoga class! But different people have different levels of flexibility and strength so they appear to be ‘better’ at yoga than others. That’s just how they are made. It’s not better or worse. You will increase your flexibility and find that after some time you are able to touch your toes. You willl feel stronger. All you need to do is start on the yoga journey. PS. Dont be put off by the pretzel poses you see in magazines and books. They are ok and possible for some people…..but certainly not everyone.
How often should I practice yoga?
To begin with you may find that one class a week is sufficient. As you get more used to the poses you may want to attend two classes each week. Between attending classes, it is hoped that you will develop a home practice where for a few minutes each day you practice some simple yoga poses to help keep your body flexible and strong, your mind present and calm.
How do I get to Beecroft Yoga?
The address is 128 Copeland Road (Beecroft Bowling Club). The yoga classes are held downstairs.
128 Copeland Road is adjacent to the Beecroft Primary School.
There is on-site parking in either of the two car parks which are on either side of the Bowling Club and accessed from Copeland Road.
Do I have to be young and fit to benefit from yoga?
Certainly not! All shapes, sizes and ages come to yoga class. It’s never too late to begin yoga practice. It’s one of the practices you can do for the rest of your life.
I’m pregnant. Do you have any recommendations?
Yes – Yoga is a wonderful thing to take into your pregnancy with you. If you haven’t had a regular practice before becoming pregnant, it’s advisable to join a class after the 12 week mark. The yoga poses can be adapted for you and more importantly there are poses that are particularly beneficial in pregnancy.
I’m carrying an injury/condition/postural issue/pregnant – can I still do yoga?
Yes you can, but it is important to let your teacher know of your injury or condition. Poses can be adapted so that you can participate in the yoga class as safely as possible.
Do you offer PRIVATE (one-on-one) sessions?
Yes – a private lesson is useful if you want to focus on a particular aspect of your practice. Some students feel more comfortable and confident having a one to one session before they join a class. Or you might want to focus on a particular aspect of yoga such as your breathing practice. Students who have physical injuries find it helpful to have a private lesson so they know how to manage their condition during a yoga class.
Does YOGA conflict with my religious beliefs/faith?
Yoga is not aligned with any religion, though it does connect you towards your own truth and so is complementary to most people’s belief systems and spirituality. In any group Yoga practice there may be Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Catholic & agnostic or even atheists all enjoying the practice together.
When you start on your yoga journey, the focus is initially on the physical aspects (poses and breath work) as well as the quietening of the mind – rather than raising concepts of ideology. During your practice, if your teacher chooses chanting or perhaps uses spiritual-based terminology, interpret it through a filter that suits and supports your own faith. The yogic spirit is really honouring the spirit within ourselves, and for the general greater good.
What does NAMASTE mean?
The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart center. “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “I bow to you.” It is also a way of acknowledging the spirt in you and in another person. “My soul, my spirit, greets your soul and your spirit”
To perform Namaste, we place the hands together at the heart centre, close the eyes, and bow the head. Some people like to place their hands together in front of the third eye, bow their head, and then bringing their hands down to the heart.
What does YOGA mean? What is YOGA?
The word YOGA comes from a Sanskrit word meaning union, to yoke or to join.
It originated in India hundreds of years ago. Most yoga practiced in the western world is Hatha Yoga – which means any form of yoga that involves the act of doing poses (asanas), breathing with intention (pranayama) and creating a deep state of internal focus. The word Hatha is translated as: Ha = Sun. Tha = Moon. Hatha = the union of sun & moon, which comes back to the definition of yoga.
There are 8 limbs of yoga:
Yamas – how one deals with the world
Niyamas – how one deals with one’s self
Asanas – doing physical poses
Pranayama – breathing with awareness
Pratyahara – minimizing of the 5 senses
Dharana – concentration
Dhyana – meditation
Samadhi – bliss or enlightenment
Typically one will encounter different ‘styles’ of yoga in the western world, eg. Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram, Kundalini, – and some classes will even be described as Hatha. This could be thought of as different styles of clothing. They are ways of practising yoga.