Yoga

Yoga

The word yoga means unison, of the mind, body & spirit. If all three parts of the body work in harmony it creates a healthy being. This increases self-awareness and therefore encourages you to go within and heal yourself.

Yoga is something anyone of any fitness level and age can do. At The Centre we hold small classes (maximum 9 students) enabling us to make sure all students are comfortable working at their own individual level. The main style of yoga is Iyengar, with variations such as Hatha and Flow Yoga.

Most classes begin by slowly warming up the body and bringing the focus into the class, then progressing into strength poses. The body is then cooled down towards the end of the class, finishing with meditation.

All yoga equipment is provided here at The Centre, but if you wish to bring your own mat you are more than welcome. Our classes run with the school terms throughout the year. Bookings are essential.

CLASS TIMETABLE: Term 1 begins Monday 1st February 2010

Monday: 6.15 - 7.15pm (beginners.), 7.30 - 8.30 pm (intermediate)

Tuesday: 9.30 - 10.30am (beg.), 6.15 - 7.15pm (intermediate), 7.30 - 8.30pm (beg.)

Thursday: 9.30 - 10.30am (beg.), 6.15 - 7.15pm (beg.), 7.30 - 8.30pm (beg.)

NEW CLASS: KIDS YOGA Wednesdays 5pm

PERSONAL YOGA SESSIONS:

Personal yoga sessions are available with Maria. Please call reception on 9742 6311 for more information.

Practitioner Feature:

MARIA CARRUBBA

Yoga Instructor

I first began yoga four years ago for the same reasons most of us do....to gain flexibility, improve my strength and to help myself relax a little. Then as I began to realise the great benefits I was experiencing, I developed a passion for yoga that I wanted to share with others through teaching.

I have been active most of my life. I have a background as a professional fitness instructor, personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I also have an eight year background as a Latin / Ballroom dancer.

My aim is to guide my students so they can have a better understanding of themselves, and to be able to apply their new found awareness into their daily lives.

Hope to see you in one of my classes,

Peace be with you,

Maria.

Yoga Pose of the month:

Head to Knee pose

Head to knee pose is an obvious hamstring stretch, a lot of us have been taught this stretch through sports at school and attending gyms. It's the typical 'touch your toes stretch". However, as simple as it seems, it is very important that in the pose we keep our shoulders square and chest open, to allow the breath to move freely in the lungs. Take a breath in and exhale as you reach for your leg and keep the floot flexed, and toes working up to the ceiling,. This allows us to engage our entire leg muscle. Make sure you are sitting evenly on your bottom before you come into the pose. In this pose your breath should be normal and relaxed.
As you can see in the picture I have open shoulders, and my upper back is not rounded. If you attempt to touch your toe, and your back begins to round you have come too far for your flexibility and need to bring it back and open the shoulders. If you can't touch your toes, thats OK, just place your hands on either side of the floor to keep your shoulders square.
This is a great hamstring stretch and lower back stretch. It sends blood flow to the kidneys, and gives the spine a nice long position and stretch. This pose can be done at anytime you feel comfortable and you can stay in it as long as you like. Any type of forward bend is great for females during the menstrual cycle, and a good restorative pose. It rests and massages the heart, and activates a sluggish liver. Do not do this pose after an asthma attack or if you have chest infections.


head to knee 1


head to knee 2