Yoga

Namaste,

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root Yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It is the true union of our will with the will of God; it involves the disciplining of the intellect, the mind, the emotions, and the will which yoga presupposes; it is an equilibrium of the soul which enable one to look at life in all its aspects evenly.

Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy. It touches the life of human at every level - physical, mental and spiritual. It is a practical method for making one’s life purposeful, useful and noble. As honey is sweet from any part of the honeycomb, so is yoga. It enables every part of the human system to become attuned to its essence. Yoga alone enables the practitioner to perceive and experience the world with in and around him, to touch the divine joy of all creation, and share the nectar of divine wealth and happiness with his fellow being.

Yoga is a way of life. It is predominantly concerned with maintaining a state of equanimity at all costs.

Circulation
Oxygen is the source of life for every cell in the body. It heals our wounds, kills germs and bacteria, and ensures the strength and vitality of all living tissues. Blood is what carries oxygen throughout the body, and physical activities like yoga raise the heart rate and increase the circulation of oxygen-rich blood.

What makes yoga particularly beneficial is that it also boosts blood circulation to often-neglected areas of the body like joints, connective tissues, and internal organs. Deep stretches, twists, backbends, and muscular contractions signal the body to send blood to those specific areas.

Detoxification
Toxins are all around us - in the air, in our food, and in the water - but fortunately, our bodies are designed to naturally eliminate these poisons through the skin, the breath, the blood, and the organs of elimination. So how does this relate to yoga?

In almost every yoga class, you sweat, you breathe deeply, your heart rate rises (increased circulation), and you massage and stimulate the organs of elimination through twisting and bending postures. For detoxification, a regular yoga practice is extremely effective.

Strength and Flexibility
Many people think that in order to change their body they need to use the latest exercise machine or hire a personal trainer. While some people find results with those methods, more people find results through yoga because of its natural, holistic approach.

Yoga postures strengthen and lengthen the body's connective tissues through physical postures that have been practiced for thousands of years. It doesn't matter if you are flexible or stiff, weak or strong, yoga can transform your body and mind and improve your overall health.

Stress Relief
The stress and pressure of our daily lives can lead to serious illness and disease if left unchecked. A regular yoga practice calms the body and mind, boosts the immune system, and eliminates the toxins that stress creates - so many students see yoga as the perfect "cure" for a hard day at work.

Self Confidence & Self Esteem
Yoga makes you feel healthy, strong, and limber which will immediately boost your self-image and self-confidence. Learning yoga postures creates an enormous sense of pride that will improve the way you feel about yourself both inside the studio as well as out in your daily life.

Breath Control
The quality of our breath is directly related to our mental state. When we are upset, the breath tends to be fast and shallow. When we are at ease, the breath is usually slow and deep. We don't have to think to breathe, but when we learn to consciously control the breath, it helps us to control the body and mind as well.

Often referred to as "moving meditation," an advanced yoga practice is one where students are able to maintain deep, consistent breath throughout their entire practice, regardless of the physical posture they are performing. In this manner, yoga teaches us to control our state of mind, regardless of the daily stresses we encounter.

Weight Loss
Many students report that after practicing yoga regularly, they feel less hungry and make better choices when eating. As part of an overall healthy lifestyle, yoga is a great way to cleanse the body, increase metabolism, stimulate waste elimination, and reduce food cravings.

All yoga schools of thought emphasize the importance of the mind remaining calm, because as the saying goes, only when the water is still can you see through it.

As a well cut diamond has many facets, each reflecting a different color of light, so does the word yoga, each facet reflecting different shade of meaning and revealing different aspects of the entire range of Human Endeavour to win inner peace and happiness.

Our instructors are doctors and physiotherapists and always ready to attend  clientele who are seeking rehabilitation with the Yoga and Pilates practice.

Below classes will provide physical exercise focusing on joint mobility, increasing range of motion, strengthening and body awareness in a way that is accessible for all adults, regardless of age or level of fitness. Breathing techniques and guided meditation will help you reduce stress and increase systemic health.

Essentials for Beginners:
An introduction to the fundamentals of yoga with an explanation of the postures combined with correct breathing techniques. Class is conducted Class is conducted in a workshop style basis at a more relaxed pace where students are encouraged to ask questions. Proper alignment of the basic asanas for e.g. Downward Dog is explained and demonstrated in depth. Ideal for first timers to yoga!

Traditional Yoga:
Traditional Yoga is a deeply relaxing way of practicing yoga brought as it is from India without destroying its real essence by using the traditional concepts for standing, sitting and lying postures, Traditional Yoga is a restorative form of yoga. It encompasses poses from the Sun Salutation series, other asana and pranayama which encourage peripheral and systemic circulation. It is beneficial class to counteract the effects of a busy stressful lifestyle.

Yoga Sukham (B)
If you are new to yoga, this class is designed for you to learn the fundamentals of yoga. Asana (physical postures) are broken down into      easy-to-follow components. You will also learn breathing techniques and simple meditation practices to reduce stress, while strengthening and revitalizing your body. PLEASE NOTE: If you have not been exercising in a while or have physical or health challenges, This class may be more appropriate for you to begin.

Sun Salutation:
A great way to start the day! You will never be tired, lazy or sleepy during work. In yoga the sun is represented by Pingla or Surya (Sun) Nadi, the Pranic channel which carries the vital, life giving force. Sun salutation consists of three elements: form, energy and rhythm. The sun Salutation is traditionally a series of 12 postures performed in a single, graceful flow. The 12 postures are the physical matrix around which the form of practice is woven.
This class builds strength and increases flexibility, in short it warm, tone and energizes the body. It is an effective way of loosening up, stretching, massaging and toning all internal organs of the body. Regular practice helps to improve the elasticity of the skin, loosening of the muscles, relieves stiffness and pain in the joints and increases mental strength.  

Yoga Sukham (I)
A gentle flowing practice, where flows are simple, short and only contains basic balancing postures to deepen your practice. This class is specially designed to train postural muscles of the body including Back, Leg, Shoulder and neck Muscles.

HATHA YOGA:
The word Hatha is derived from the two terms “HA” meaning ‘the sun’ and “THA” meaning ‘the moon’. Taken together, the term stands for ‘Union of force’. Hence, central to hatha yoga disciplines is the harmonizing of its positive (sun) and negative (moon) currents. It takes the help of pranayama (breath-control exercises) and mudras (hand gestures) to attain optimum health. The class consists of postures (asanas) and stretches in combination with the breath to develop flexibility and relaxation.  However this practice encourages proper alignment of the body and brings balance, strength, and calmness to the practitioner. Our Hatha Yoga classes are based on the classic and ancient practices with strong postures.

Hatha Yoga (B):
A standard all level class, focused to train lower body with high intensity than the upper body to build strength, stamina and endurance.

Hatha yoga (M):
A standard moderately paced class for those who are more experienced yoga students looking forward to develop strength, balance and personality. Experience of Hatha Yoga (B) is must, not for Beginners!

Shivananda Yoga:
Take the journey towards physical and spiritual wellness and experience health, energy and vibrancy in this world famous system of yoga developed by Swami Shivananda. This style is another form of Hatha yoga which consists of a series of 12 basic poses: Headstand, Shoulder stand, Plough, Fish, Seated forward Bend, Cobra, Locust, Bow, Half Spinal twist, Crow, Standing forward bend and Triangle. Great for those need a change in their yoga routine and practice. Learn proper yoga pose, breathing, relaxation and positive thinking in this class that is good for all levels.

Patanjali Yoga

Yin Yoga:  We don't use our body to get into a pose; we use the pose to get into our body.

Yin Yoga is the ideal complement to dynamic and muscular (Yang) styles of yoga that emphasize internal heat and the lengthening and contracting of our muscles. Based on 3 principles - Playing the edge, Resolving the Stillness and Holding Time Yin Yoga generally targets the connective tissues such as ligaments; of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine. Inspired by gentleness, precision and letting go, this practice draws together different elements of yoga: softness combined with strength, inner and outer balance, and stillness flowing into movement. Yin practice can be quite challenging due to the long duration of the poses. Yin and yang tissues respond quite differently to being exercised. Suitable for almost all levels of students and best for athletes!

Please note: Yin Yoga is not restorative yoga. Like all yoga practices, if the tissues you are targeting for exercise are damaged or injured previously by some way, please give yourself a chance to heal before resuming your regular practice. 

Yin and Yang Yoga:
This class blends the elements of yin yoga. The class includes some slow deep hip opening stretches and moves into a movement practice of connecting postures through breath. The yang style is much more about dynamic movement that focuses on strength and building inner heat. But within yin there is yang and within yang there is yin – by bringing these elements into harmony we lead more balanced lives on and off the mat. Both of these classes are perfect for the beginner or the seasoned practitioner.
Patanjali Yoga:
COMING SOON

This is a traditional practice derived from the 8 limbed (or ashta-anga) system outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutra in 200 BC. Ashtanga Yoga involves breath synchronization with progressive series of postures- producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying perspiration that detoxifies muscles and organs, resulting in improvement of circulation, a light & strong body and controlled mind. The sequence of postures in this system is brilliant and extremely well balanced. In Ashtanga yoga classes we ramp it up and make it flow. The Ujjayi breathing (Victorious Breath also taught in Pranayama sessions) is another hallmark of Ashtanga yoga session.

Abbysan Ashtanga Yoga (B)
A classical sequence of successive yoga postures within the series, uniquely complimentary, includes sun salutations, Shortened primary (Standing pose), middle (Seated pose) and finishing (Inverted pose) sequence, developing strength and flexibility both concurrently and alternatively. This class is a combination of primary and secondary series of Ashtanga Yoga. All beginners interested in learning the system of Ashtanga yoga are welcome to join this class!

Abbysan Ashtanga Primary Series (YOGA CHIKITSA)
A complete and classical sequence of successive and connecting yoga postures, combines power and flexibility with movement, bandha and breathe to produce an energetic and detoxifying practice. The idea of connecting postures together with movement and a unique breathing technique to keep the whole practice flowing and alive. Endurance and a graceful flow are developed as Asanas are weaved through Vinyasa. This concept of uninterrupted flow or Vinyasa, tied to an empowering breath, sets the practice apart from every other form of yoga. This is what starts and maintains the heat “You have to be hot to stretch” which is what enables the healing and therapy to take place. Previous Ashtanga yoga experience is strongly recommended to benefit from this class.

Abbysan Ashtanga Intermediate series (NADI-SHODANA)

This series is an ideal compliment to a first series class but with an amazingly different selection of poses in the middle. This series is an invigorating practice with lots of challenges. Nadi Shodhana refers to the result of the practice said to purify the subtle energy channels or nadis, allowing the vital force of life (Prana) to flow freely throughout the body. Come, do what you can and let the practice deepen over time. We encourage skipping things you’re not ready for or working on modified versions of the poses that we’ll suggest.

YOGALATES:

Yogalates is a complete and comprehensive fusion of Yoga, Pilates and Cardio. It is a paced movement system that extensively stretches and strengthens all major muscle groups developing a streamlined slenderness rather than bulk. This promotes "core stability" which enhances spinal/pelvic awareness, protecting the spine against injury whilst supporting the internal organs and promoting good posture.

YOGA CORE: 
Building strong, balanced abdominal muscles in a healthy, holistic way

This ultimate core strength programme takes “Best of Yoga” and “Best of Pilates” and integrates them into one balanced system of exercise. More then yoga fusion or Pilates fusion, it evolves the practice of each to train the mind as well as the body for higher performance. The “YOGA CORE” will always require certain degree of fortitude, but the strength and awareness they provide are worth it.

Building strength and flexibility in the abdominal and back muscles enhances spinal and pelvic awareness to protect the spine against injury which forms the body’s core is the main goal of “YOGA CORE.”

YOGA CORE STRENGTH:
Abdominal strengtheners are a key component of yoga practice. From its central location abdomen provides the bridge between upper and lower body, helping to connect the movements of ribs and pelvis & hips in every pose. The muscles in this region help stabilize the lower back support and abdominal organs, and facilitate respiration.

With an emphasis on breath, core conditioning and body awareness, the Yoga Core Strength programme is safe and highly effective way to stretch strengthen and streamline your body – without building bulk or stressing your joints.

Typically, inhalations are linked to upward movements and motions intended to expand the front of the body and create lightness. Exhalations are tied to movements that either compress the belly, as in forward bends and twists, or ground and stabilize us with downward flowing energy.

Gentle Flow:  

A gentle flowing practice, slow, restorative and breath based, activates the deep rotators of the spine leaving your back completely relaxed and pain free, this is the best class for back pain caused due to occupational or physical stress.

Solar Flow:
In this moving meditation we honor the center of our solar system, the Sun (Surya) which is alive in every cell of our body. This meditation integrates the traditional mantra of sun salutation with each breath, revitalizing and strengthening practice with the invigorating energy of the sun. This class activates "tapas" transformational heat in the body, burning away that which obscures being. Suitable for all levels

Yoga classes that emphasize flowing movements can be described as Vinyasa. The Sanskrit word Vinyasa comes from a prefix vi, which means "in a special way" and suffix nyasa, which means "to place" with in prescribed parameters. The parameters prescribed in classical yoga with respect to yogasanas, as contained in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are STHIRA (STEADINESS), SUKHA (COMFORT) AND PRAYATNA SAITHILYA (SMOOTH AND LONG BREATHING). The Ujjayi breathing is practiced throughout to facilitate the unaided control of breathing which is necessary. Basically the Vinyasa are divided in to Symmetric and Asymmetric Vinyasa and Major five Vinyasa krama are listed below:
1 - Head up
2 - Abdomen down
3 - On the side
4 - Abdomen up
5 - Head down

Vinyasa Rhythm:
An energetic flow style practice with lots of emphasis on the breath and movement combined as “Breath-synchronized movement journey” are seamlessly united in such a way that each action encourages the other. For each movement, there is a corresponding breath. Typically, inhalations are linked to upward movements and motions intended to expand the front of the body and create lightness. Exhalations are tied to movements that either compress the belly, as in forward bends and twists, or ground and stabilize us with downward flowing energy. This class gives rhythm to the practice, keeps the heat building, builds upper body strength and acts as a counter pose to stretch the legs and re-set the spine to neutral for the next sequence. You'll develop strength, endurance and mental focus over time.

If you're new, just set some limits in class and work on modified versions that will be suggested for the more esoteric poses. The class should be fun, not an ordeal.

Power Vinyasa:
“A more athletic approach” Power Vinyasa is a beautiful blend of yoga styles, based in Ashtanga, lyengar, and Hatha flow, Created to open your body, mind and spirit, we use an amazing breathing technique to awaken, revive and transform you to a new level of awareness throughout all levels of your being. This class awakens the power of Breath, the strength of your body and the beauty of your soul. ALL levels of ability are welcome to participate.

Yoga is incomplete without Meditation and relaxation technique. The characteristic feature of meditation is the maintenance of an uninterrupted flow of attention on a fixed point or region, without intervention or interruption and if this flow of attention is steadily maintained in this manner, meditation takes place.

Pranayama and Meditation:
Pranayama is a compound term ('prana' and 'yama') meaning controlling the breath. More than a breath-control exercise, pranayama is all about controlling the life force or prana. The practices of pranayama—the correct breathing technique helps to manipulate our energies. Most of us breathe incorrectly, using only half of our lung capacity. Pranayama is a technique, which re-educates our breathing process, helps us to release tensions and develop a relaxed state of mind. It also balances our nervous system and encourages creative thinking. In addition, by increasing the amount of oxygen to our brain it improves mental clarity, alertness and physical well being. Pranayama is a preliminary practice for Meditation.

This group Pranayama and Meditation class is offered for students of all levels who are interested in more fully integrating their yogic transformation. Conscious relaxation through breath awareness is the goal.

Chidakasha Meditation:
The word “Chidakasha” literally means ‘the space of Consciousness’. It is the viewing screen of Ajna chakra, the space behind the forehead where all visualization and psychic events are viewed and also the point where the object of meditation is most easily perceived. It is basically a practice which, with the aid of visualization, intensifies concentration and makes the mind one pointed. Its perfection will lead to the state of meditation and may awaken the latent potentials of clairvoyance.

Kids Yoga (Age 6-12 only):
Children today are under a tremendous amount of stress from school, their environment, peer competition and expectations from the media. Stress affects the way children learn and interact with their surroundings. It affects their health, well-being and confidence.  Yoga for Kids is a unique approach to integrative learning using yoga as a pathway. Yoga for Kids curriculum provides children with an exciting new way to explore and appreciate their academic and creative potential. In Kids yoga classes traditional yoga techniques have been recreated in playful, simple and fun ways. Children learn invaluable skills that set the groundwork for meeting challenges and growing strong physically, mentally and emotionally, cultivating self-esteem for a lifetime of successful achievement.

Teens Yoga: (age 12 – 18 only)

Personal Yoga:

Personal yoga is also offered at our facility for groups and individuals. It is a great way to enhance your yoga Practice, learn about the details of poses, design a series of posture to practice at home, or use as quality time to spend with friends or loved ones. Each personal class  is tailored to suit your needs. Excellent for beginners to gain basic understanding with detailed explanations from Yoga instructor.

Geriatric yoga (above 60 years), Prenatal, Parental and Postnatal Yoga

For more information; Call 076 326 279 or email at rx@abbysan.com