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New Product Release: Yoga with a Chair Complete Set

Experienced Hatha Yoga Teacher - James Bryan

Check out this new release – the complete set of 7 Chair Yoga Open Level Classes.

These classes are designed to support you to maintain and enhance your fitness, and quality of life. The physical exercises (called yoga postures) together with the breath-work provide a holistic program supporting you to keep your body, mind and spirit active and healthy.

These classes have been design for use by anyone in the comfort of their own home, or in a group with the assistance of a diversional therapist or suitable qualified health professional.

Each class covers – centring, breath-work, yoga postures, guided-relaxation, and positive philosophy. They provide a well-rounded practice to stimulate your body, mind and spirit.

Level 1 is designed for where you are solely in your chair. Level 2 are more active classes compared to level 1, and have been designed for use by anyone active and stable on their feet, and are specially useful if you need the support of a chair for some balance or support.

Its really easy to start – all that you need is your chair.

Level 1 Class 1 – Breath & Foundation: With this class you will experience a complete practice that exercises your body and stimulates your mind. The intention is for you to feel energised, centred, calm and relaxed. It focuses on stretching your arms and sides, and increasing mobility through twists.

Level 1 Class 2 – Hamstrings & Core Stability: Building on from Class 1, this class further exercises your body and stimulates your mind. It focuses on gently stretching your arms, sides and back, increasing mobility through twists, and increasing your core stability. The intention is for you to feel energised, centred, calm and relaxed.

Level 1 Class 3 – Lateral Stretches & Twists: This class further explores increasing mobility in your arms, and side, and works to stretch your legs, and further develop your core stability. You will exercise your body while stimulating your mind. By the end of the class, you will feel energised, calm and relaxed.

Level 2 Class 1 – Balance & Standing Postures: This class builds on the concepts & principles from Level 1, James takes you one step up into this active set of Level 2 classes. In Class 1, you are introduced to standing postures that work on your balance and grounding. Explore traditional postures like Triangle Pose, Plank Pose, and Downward-Facing Dog, among many others, using a chair for both support and to take you deeper into the pose.

Level 2 Class 2 – Chest-Openers & Back Bends: Building on the foundation from Level 2 Class 1, James guides you through postures that work on releasing the shoulders, opening the chest, and releasing tension and strengthening the lower and upper back. Once again, these focus points are high-lights to a complete and whole-body exercise.

Level 2 Class 3 – Grounding & Leg Stretches: Here James Bryan builds the foundation work from Classes 1 & 2, exploring deeper hip, groin, and hamstring stretches. This holistic class gives you a complete body-mind-soul routine, with James’s consistent emphasis on breath-work, and positive philosophy to assist you in taking yoga off the mat!

Level 2 Class 4 – Core Stability & Twists: This is an energetic class which integrates the balancing and grounding work established in the previous classes, and which focuses on deeper abdominal work, twists, and back bends. A good class for integrating the philosophy, breath-work, strength & stability cultivated through these series of Chair Yoga Level 2 classes.

For Open / Beginner / Foundation Level – Check out Chair Yoga Complete Set (Classes 1 to 7). Exercise from the comfort of your own chair with experienced Cairns-based yoga teacher James Bryan. No yoga experience required.

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Interested in Iyengar Yoga – but not sure where to begin?

We have attended and enjoyed many Iyengar Yoga classes over several years. To someone who hasn’t tried Iyengar before it can seem a bit daunting. Not to worry – it is a very enjoy style of yoga that can provide amazing benefits if it matches what you need.

To help you get started we have outlined some things that you may find of use.

1. First cab off the rank – we would recommend finding a teacher in your local area who is certified by BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Australia or Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. The reason for this is because teaching Iyengar Yoga is challenging. There is also the safety element – better teachers are safer teachers. Hence the quality of their teacher training is very high to ensure you are properly instructed in a safe environment.

2. Ask whether the teacher specialises in beginners. We have come to realise that some teachers are great with beginners, while other teachers are better with more experienced yogis. Basically – horses for courses.

3. Discuss with your chosen teacher any medical or fitness related issues they should know about. Your teacher should ask you if you have any medical problems or any other concerns before you start the class. However if the class is busy this can sometimes be shorter or may not happen. So we would recommend you discuss this when you first speak with the teacher about attending their class. It is also a great way to check out whether the teacher is right for you.

Women only: If you are menstruating it is advisable to inform your teacher. They may give you more appropriate postures during the class. Also it is highly recommended to advise your teacher if you are pregnant. Consult you doctor before starting any physical exercise like yoga. Also check with your teacher as to whether they are qualified to teach a pregnant woman.

4. Ask whether the studio runs a beginners course or something similar. This is often a great way to get into Iyengar Yoga as the instructions are aimed for beginners, and you can enjoy learning with classmates who are at your level.

5. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to stretch in. For example – shorts, t-shirt, track pants. Also it is recommended (and we wholehearted agreed from experience) that you shouldn’t eat 2-3 hours before hand.

These tips should assist you in finding the best class for you. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your Iyengar Yoga experience as much as we have.

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New Product Release: Iyengar Yoga Foundation Complete Set

Experienced Iyengar Yoga Teacher - John Norris

Check out this new release – the complete set of 7 Iyengar Yoga Foundation Level Classes.

This program is an excellent foundation course on the fundamental yoga asanas (postures). Work on your posture , grounding and stability work in this static style of yoga. Enjoy exploring one pose at a time with attention to posture and correct alignment.

The Iyengar style of yoga is a static style that is known for it’s attention to anatomical alignment. It is also known for the use of props which not only allow muscle groups to release tension and tightness, but more importantly, it accommodates for differences in body types and structure.

Each class builds on the class before, adding extra poses and clear instructions.

Start off your yoga experience with thorough alignment and breath-work instructions. John Norris is a very experienced and certified Iyengar teacher well-known for his clear verbal instructions and his ability to bring students deeper in their asana practice.

We recommend that you repeat each class as many times as you need to before moving on to the next class.

In Iyengar yoga you will be using props / equipment – you need a yoga mat, a belt or strap, a bolster, a chair, 2-4 blankets, and wall-space.

Class 1: this class provides a gentle introduction to Iyengar yoga for any level of experience. Introduces you to the props and how to use them safely and effectively.

Class 2: builds on the foundation work in Class 1 – introducing new standing postures and seated twists, and giving more detailed alignment. This class provides a complete practice for the whole body.

Class 3: integrates the postures and alignment instructions from Classes 1 and 2. The focus pose in this sequence is Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose), a standing pose that works on your balance as well as opening the chest and shoulders. You are also introduced to the benefits of inversions by guiding you through an easy-to-do variation of Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), using the wall for support.

Class 4: integrates the poses from Classes 1 to 3, and introduces you to the basic movement in a Sun Salutation. The easy variation to Shoulder Stand is revisited and you are introduced to preparation work for other similar inversions.

Class 5: refines and integrates the standing and seated poses from Classes 1 to 4, continuing to build on the strength in your arms, legs, and core. In this sequence you are introduced to Hip-Openers to allow mobility, good stretches and flexibility around your hips.

Class 6: integrates the postures from classes 1 to 5, and introduces you to Utkatasana (Chair Pose) working on your legs and core, and Vrksasana (Tree Pose) a balancing pose. This class focuses on lengthening and releasing tension around the spine, and staying active yet relaxed in the poses.

Class 7: completes and integrates the foundation work you’ve done from Classes 1 to 6. By this point, you will be familiar not only with the fundamental poses and correct alignment, but also how these are referred to in Sanskrit, the ancient language in India.

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New Product Release: Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Complete Set

Experienced Ashtanga Yoga Teacher - Yuki Nakazawa

Check out this new release – the complete set of 7 Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes for Beginners.

This set of seven classes takes you through the fundamental postures and breath-work in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. It is a perfect for anyone wanting an easy introduction to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

That said, these set of classes are dynamic and require you to be physically fit. Previous yoga experience is ideal, but not essential. If you are a regular practitioner in yoga and you want to be introduced to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, this is the set of classes for you.

We recommend that you practise and familiarise yourself with each class as many times as you like, before moving on to the next class. All you need is a clean space and a yoga mat!

Class 1: The focus of this class is Sun Salutation A (Surya Namaskar A). This series of yoga poses is one of the most commonly practised in yoga, and this class is an excellent introduction for anyone who hasn’t practised this free-flowing form of yoga before.

Class 2: The focus of this class is Sun Salutation B (Surya Namaskar B). Sun Salutation A and B is one of the most commonly practised in yoga, and generally starts off an Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga class.

Class 3: This class combines Sun Salutation A & B with the first set of Standing Postures.

Class 4: This class adds to your knowledge of the Standing Postures in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and continues on from the standing postures learned from class 3.

Class 5: This class introduces the final set of standing postures in this introduction to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga – introducing the final set of standing postures. These new poses focus on balance, arm-strength, and lunges.

Class 6: This class introduces you to the Seated postures in Ashtanga Yoga that work on your hamstrings and flexibility, as well as two gentle Back Bend poses – these work on building your core and back muscles as well as your flexibility in these areas.

Class 7: In this last classes, it integrates all the postures and techniques learned from classes 1 to 6, and introduces you to more of the seated postures. This included seated Twists which are beneficial for your digestion and energy-circulation around the abdominal region.

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Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners – The Essentials

Practising Ashtanga Yoga on a regular basis is a great way to stay fit, flexible, and healthy. It promotes good physical health through exercises called yoga poses. These poses are done in a flowing sequence which is generally the same wherever you practice.

It is a great workout for your cardio-vascular system – the continual flowing poses coupled with a focus on breathing means you will generate a fair amount of body heat. Regular practice will hence significantly improve your level of ‘active’ fitness.

It is also excellent for improving emotional and mental health. The exercises / poses support improved focus and stability – which are important ingredients in having a balanced emotional and mental state.

Before you start doing Ashtanga Yoga it is worth noting that it is designed for people who have a reasonable level of fitness, or know have some yoga experience. It is not recommended for anyone with an injury or a health condition. It may be better to improve your level of fitness before starting Ashtanga Yoga.

The best way to start Ashtanga Yoga is to visit your local yoga studio that teaches Ashtanga Yoga or check out our downloadable Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Program. The seven class series is the perfect introduction to the fundamental postures and breath-work in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

When practising these classes, we also recommend that you familiarise yourself with each class as many times as you like before moving on to the next class. Each class is a progression from the previous class, so if you find one of the classes too much then just go back to the previous class.

In terms of equipment – your local yoga studio should have all the equipment you need. That said, you may want to get your own yoga mat.

When practising our downloadable MP3 yoga classes, the only equipment you will need is a clean clear space and a yoga mat!

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New Product Release: Vinyasa Hatha Beginners Yoga Complete Set

Hatha Yoga Teacher - Mark O'Brien

Check out this new release – the complete set of 6 vinyasa hatha yoga classes.

Designed for complete beginners or someone new to yoga who wants a proper introduction. This is the complete set of six classes that introduce you to breathing, body awareness, and some yoga postures that form part of Hatha Vinyasa Yoga.

This program is perfect for anyone who has never done yoga before or someone new to yoga who wants a proper introduction. It assumes no prior knowledge and will take you step-by-step through each aspect of the practice.

This program is a great way to gain the skills and/or confidence to attend a yoga class in your local community. The principles behind this program are at the heart of yoga – how to bring harmony to every aspect of ourselves, and developing awareness of our physical, emotional, and psychological nature. Its aim is one of transformation and spiritual happiness – something which is often missing in our modern day lives.

As each class builds upon the material in the previous classes, you will have the opportunity to see your healthy and well-being increase over the course of the program.

Class 1 – provides you with a gentle introduction to Hatha Vinyasa Yoga, and focuses on breath and body awareness.
Class 2 – introduces you to the distinction between good and bad stretches in a yoga practice. He explores the yoga principles of Ahimsa (‘Non-violence’), as well as breath awareness, gentle stretches and foundation postures of the sun salute.
Class 3 – in this practice you are encouraged to suspending judgement on how you perform, incorporating self-observation with Ahimsa which was introduced in the previous class – meaning non-violence to others and towards yourself.
Class 4 – focuses on alignment and your sense of stability in the postures, and introduces you to some new postures.
Class 5 – focuses on being focused and relaxed during your yoga practice, and will reinforce the concepts of alignment and stability from the previous class.
Class 6 – introduces you to more basic yoga postures, comfortable awareness of the breath, and lengthening & strengthening the spine.

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