Yoga Updates
OUR TERM DATES, looking forward to seeing you on the Yoga mat
Hatha Yoga Classes - Classes at Commeytrowe Community Centre
Wednesdays 6pm - 7pm
Wednesdays 7.05pm - 8.05pm
April / May / June 2024 / July 2024
Wednesday 10, 17, 24 April 2024
Wednesday 1 May 2024
Wednesday 8 May - NO YOGA
Wednesday 15, 22 May 2024
Wednesday 29 May - NO YOGA
Wednesday 6, 12, 19, 26 June 2024
Wednesday 3, 10 July 2024
Wednesday 10 July final class until September 2024, dates to follow. Returning Wednesday 11 September 2024.
Vinyasa Flow intermediate to advanced students
Saturdays 9.30am-11.00am
Yoga Schedule
Please see our full timetable below for our Taunton based classes. Booking is essential.
WEDNESDAYS
10.00am - 11.00am - One to One Yoga - Paula
12.00 midday - 1pm One to One Yoga - Paula
3.30pm - 4.30pm One to One Yoga - Paula
6.00pm - 7.00pm - Hatha Yoga - Paula - COMEYTROWE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TAUNTON, beginners/improvers
7.05pm - 8.05pm - Vinyasa Flow Yoga - Paula - COMEYTROWE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TAUNTON, intermediate
9.30-10.30 - Vinyasa Flow Yoga - Paula - COMEYTROWE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TAUNTON , intermediate
SATURDAYS
What is Yoga?
“99% PRACTICE 1% THEORY”
- SRI K. PATTABHI JOIS
“As the mind so the person, bondage or liberation are all in the mind!”
You may be thinking of coming because a friend has recommended it. You may want to learn how to stretch safely.
The aim is to purify and work on the mind but it is difficult sometimes to start there, so we work on purifying the body first. Certain practises called shatkarma help to purify the body.
We work on the subtle energies, first cleansing the entire nervous system by practising asana (postures) and our pranayama (breathing practice). The aim is to begin the balance of mind and body.
Pranayama or deeper breathing practise has a profound effect on the way we feel! This deeper breath helps to turn on the parasympathetic nervous system and allow our flight or flight to turn off. Thus allowing the body to deeply relax.
If you are really getting to know yoga through your yoga teacher’s classes you will begin to realise it is about the breath, mind and body, in whichever order this realisation falls on you.
Yoga Classes
HATHA YOGA
This class is for all levels from complete beginners onwards, the asanas (postures) can be modified for new students. We deepen the breath and with this the posture and stretch becomes that little bit easier. A sun salutation (series of movements put together to give energy and move every joint in the body) is practised every week and new asanas are woven into the flow of the breath.
VINYASA FLOW YOGA
Vinyasa flow offers a more challenging yoga practice; it helps deepen the breath as you move through the asana. The sun salutations will help you build strength and flexibility throughout your practice, we like to practice sun salutations A and B. This is for the yogi with a bit of knowledge of postures as the class is faster paced.
RESTORATIVE YOGA
The art of doing nothing, something we could all work on a little. Our lovely restorative classes bring together a guided breath, meditation, and restorative poses. We use lots of equipment (for online classes we give guidance to what you might find in your home). Each pose traditionally held from 3-10 minutes. Giving us the opportunity to sink deeply into each stretch and really relax.
During a class
Expect a safe and welcoming space, where you will be held and guided through your yoga. Encouraging you to explore your own body and to develop your own practise.
A deeper breath is taught. We practise different Asanas (postures), we try and still the waters and the constant chitti vritti nirodham (to quieten the constant chatter in our minds).
Different breath is taught (called pranayama) we sink deeper into our asana, now we start to be able to still the chitti vritti nirodham.
We practise pranayama, we introduce the bandha (muscular locks in the body), we find a flow of breath in the asana; where did the time go? The chitti vritti nirodham is ceasing, the yoga has given us some space in our minds, a sense of well-being manifests.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Please wear loose comfortable clothing (gym clothes are good, tracksuit bottoms or Lycra shorts under normal loose fitting shorts are ideal for men) layers are good for all as these can be removed as we warm and layers can be put back on when we practise relaxation. We don’t wear shoes in the studios. Socks are best taken off once warmed up to stop slipping.
CAN I EAT BEFORE CLASS?
It is important not to have eaten a large meal before any yoga class, we recommend no food for at least a couple of hours before practise, it is good to practise on an empty tummy unless medical reasons dictate food is needed.
I FEEL I MIGHT LAUGH WHEN I SHOULD BE RELAXING
Yoga can bring out all sorts of emotions and in our opinion laughing is good for us. We like the release of the happy endorphins.
SHOULD I BRING A MAT?
If you have a mat do bring it along, it is lovely to have your own and it encourages home practise too.
I HAVE NOT GOT TIME TO PRACTISE REGULAR CLASSES
This is the time you should definitely practise yoga for your own peace of mind and to help with stress, drop in when you can but try to make a commitment to yourself to do this. It will help you feel like you have more time, just by putting an hour or so aside just for you.
MY SHIFTS DON’T LET ME COMMIT TO A REGULAR CLASS
Come when you can and pay our drop in fee, you are always welcome.
I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION , CAN I STILL PRACTICE YOGA?
It is important to speak to your health professional to make sure it is ok to practise yoga, please let us know if you have any health requirements, this is all in strictest confidence, and do bring your medication to class eg inhalers, insulin, tablets, etc. If you are still unsure please do contact us via our contact page or email us to discuss further.
CAN I JUST TRY A CLASS TO SEE IF I LIKE IT?
You can do this and just pay a drop in fee, and then book a course if you wish or continue to use the drop in option.
I AM VERY STIFF! AND NOT VERY GOOD AT STRETCHING!
This is quite normal, we all start off feeling stiff and not very good at stretching. Come and practise yoga it will help.
Yoga has many benefits and strength, flexibility and a calmer mind are but a few.