Class Descriptions
General guidelines: Below are some guidelines, they are not necessarily rules. You are always free to discuss with me which class you would like to join. You are also free to try different classes and feel for yourself which level suits you the best. I may even suggest classes to you.
New students:
1. Everyone’s body and personality are different and there are always exceptions but as a general guideline; if you are new to yoga, nervous about attending yoga or have had unsatisfactory yoga experiences in the past then, ideally, you would start classes as close to the beginning of the term as is possible.
2. Again, speaking ideally, you would also attend at least three weeks in a row. Yoga is a cumulative experience.
3. Having said that, new students are welcome at any time up until the last two weeks of a term. This is not only for your own sense of comfort but also for those students who have been building their skills and awareness over the term. The last two weeks are often an opportunity to explore variations on what has been practiced in the previous weeks.
Beginner:
These classes are especially for those with little or no previous yoga or meditation experience and very suitable for those under the care of a GP, physiotherapist, Feldenkrais practitioner etc for injury, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, limited mobility… My preference is that, where possible and suitable, all students do at least two terms of beginner classes. I will suggest moving classes if it is not appropriate for you.
Beginner/General:
These classes are suitable for beginners (little or no yoga experience). Although you may have little or no yoga experience to attend these classes, should you be coming to yoga on the referral of your GP, physiotherapist or other health care professionals, then my preference is that you choose to start in the beginner classes designed for those with injury or limited mobility so that I have a chance to see for myself what your needs may be.
Intermediate level 1:
These classes are for those that have attended at least two terms of beginner or beginner/general Yoga Moves classes. (For those with good body-mind awareness, natural flexibility, high fitness or previous yoga experience exceptions may be made early in the term. Please speak with me directly).
Intermediate levels 1/2:
As above plus students must be interested in exploring some of the more challenging and/or deeper aspects of their yoga practice.
Open:
This is a general yoga class suitable for those with some experience of yoga. It is not suitable for complete beginners but is suitable for those who usually attend the intermediate and beginner/general classes.
General (Iyengar-based):
As with other styles of yoga, Iyengar-based yoga classes combine techniques of breathing, stretching, strengthening, relaxing, balancing and mind-body awareness. Open classes are suitable for every level of ability, age and physical condition as classes are multi-levelled and diverse to cater for all students. The primary characteristics of this style of yoga include a focus on postural alignment and precision; holding poses for an extended period of time; and healing/therapeutic applications. Props are also used more readily in class (eg. belts, blocks and bolsters) to encourage good alignment, as well as providing extra support for those who are pregnant or injured. (NB: It should be noted that only teachers who have trained under B.K.S Iyengar himself have the freedom to identify the style of yoga they teach as Iyengar yoga. Yoga teachers who did not train under B.K.S Iyengar teach Iyengar-based yoga).
Awareness Through Movement – a Feldenkrais Approach to Yoga: Using the Feldenkrais Method as the tool, each week we will explore two or three yoga poses or movements which share a similar movement pattern (i.e. twisting, forward bending, backward bending, side bending etc). In an ATM lesson, participants are asked to slow down, to bring more attention to the elements of movements and generally be interested more in improving the quality and ease of the process rather than only ‘achieving’ the pose. This attitude or orientation may be described as ‘friendly curiosity’. The changes of position and configuration of movements will serve to highlight ways that parts of yourself may be moved differently. Short breaks between movements are given to allow for integration and an opportunity for participants to notice difference/changes. This gradual study of various components of the position or the movement tends to result in participants using more of themselves in the action being explored making it easier, lighter, more graceful and requiring less effort. The wonderful thing about all of this is that this tends to trickle into other areas of life…
The Feldenkrais Method:
Developed by engineer and martial artist Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984), the Feldenkrais Method of movement education is now practiced the world over. The method's application ranges from rehabilitation and injury prevention to music instruction, dance and theatre education, and athletic training. The method is most effective for learning complex and refined skills, developing the “sixth” sense—kinesthesia—the perception of movement, and changing one's own habits and ways of moving.
A Note about the Classes (applicable to all Yoga Moves classes and Feldenkrais classes):
1. Each class is completely different from the previous one.
2. Come as you are. You need no prior experience of anything to come along. Feldenkrais classes are equally suitable for stiff or flexible people!! These classes are suitable for almost everyone. If you have any concerns about an injury or illness please check with Usha prior to starting the classes. Feldenkrais is remedial bodywork as well as awareness training.
3. As with yoga and other disciplines, it is always better to commit to a series of classes over a period of time as this will increase the benefits and the likelihood that the new learning sticks. However, there is also immediate benefit to be felt after one class and just coming along and trying out a new way of doing things is of great value to your life generally and your yoga practice specifically.
If you have any questions please contact Usha on usha@yogamoves.net.au