Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga is a dynamic form of yoga that synchronises movement with breath control. The sequence of postures (asanas) is interlinked by movement (vinyasas) to create a continuous flow, making the body more toned, flexible and stronger.
There are many different types of yoga, with ashtanga being one of the most popular performed today. It is one of the oldest forms of yoga, with its roots steeped in ancient Indian tradition. In sanskrit, one of the earliest Indo-European languages of India, ashtanga is translated as ‘having eight limbs’. In the book of proverbs written by Patanjali, an Indian teacher, many centuries ago, the eight limbs of yoga offer a blueprint in which to live a meaningful and purposeful life.
The eight limbs of yoga begin by bringing focus and attention to what we are doing in the here and now, with the intention to quieten our chattering mind. This is at the heart of mind body practice, with potential to experience a calmer way of being. It helps us direct our attention towards ourselves and all aspects of our health. The eight limbs further encourages an expanding of our awareness to others and to the world around us, to create a sense of connectedness. It outlines moral and ethical codes to live a full, happy and purposeful life and to be your best self. In short, it offers a way of living that helps to create body, mind and spiritual unity both on and off the mat. Importantly though, ashtanga whilst being inherently a spiritual self-practice, it is not and does not claim to be a religion or dogma.
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We offer primary led ashtanga classes, with the primary referring to the first of six levels of ashtanga. Primary led classes are suitable for all levels of ability, whether you are new to yoga practice or have an established regular practice of your own. The advantage of coming to a led class is that you are guided through the asana and vinyasa flow with breath and postural control. This enables you to become familiar and refine the sequence without having to remember it!
Classes are welcoming and friendly with numbers limited to 12 people per class. Every measure is taken to ensure you practice safely. Classes are led by an experienced Physiotherapist, with extensive experience in musculoskeletal conditions and pain management. You will be asked to complete a Health Screening Questionnaire before participating in the classes to inform the instructor of any health related conditions to allow adaptations to be given to suit your body while you exercise. With a smaller class size there is ample opportunity to have postures and movements refined and modified throughout the class with verbal and hands on assists.
You may have come across the term ‘mysore’ if you have been exploring class options. Mysore is the self-practice of ashtanga where you guide yourself through the asanas at your own pace. This allows you to take time on certain postures while learning to synchronise your breath with movement. Having a teacher available to you in class, means they are able to spend time with you, refining postures and giving verbal and hands on assists. It’s almost like a personalised practice within the energy of a group setting. Mysore, just like guided classes, is suitable for all levels of yoga experience and is a sure way to learn your practice! Most teachers would recommend a combination of both; guided classes to synchronise breath with movement and mysore to learn the sequence and hone your practice.
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“Sheila is a great teacher. She tailors the movement to meet the varied needs of the class. Come out feeling grounded and energised.”
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Current classes
Please check our class calendar to see what classes are currently running and our class information below. You can also email us to be added to our mailing list for future classes and events.
Class information
Joining our classes
If you would like to join any of our classes or would like any more class information please email us. Before you come to class for the first time we will send you a health screening form to make sure we can assist you appropriately during class.
Class fees
We offer block classes which usually run in 8 week blocks. Blocks of yoga are £80 for 8 led classes. Drop-ins are not available for 8 week blocks. Payment for block bookings are made in advance by bank transfer.
Additional primary led ashtanga classes are available as either an 8 class pass for £60 or a 1 class pass for £10. Payment for an 8 class pass is made in advance by bank transfer. Payment for a 1 class pass can be made at the time in cash, or beforehand by bank transfer. Please email us for more information.
Cancellation policy
We ask for 24 hours prior notice if you wish to cancel a class. Where we are given more than 24 hours notice, and at our discretion, we may be able to offer an alternative class if you cannot make a block booking class, this will depend on class availability.
What to bring
You don't need to bring much to your yoga class.
Wear comfortable clothes which don't restrict your movement.
Please bring your own yoga mat. Your instructor will advise of any other equipment needed for your class.
Bring a water bottle with you and make sure you're well-hydrated before class starts.
Polite requests
Do arrive on time.
Do let us know if you can't make a class beforehand (we understand emergencies happen).
Do turn your phone off before class, so you can enjoy it uninterrupted.
Do let us know about any new injuries or health changes at the start of class.
Do ask if something isn't clear during class or you would like an exercise modified, we're here to help.
“Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.”
B.K.S. Iyengar