| Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation |
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient science and practice, which originated in India
over 5000 years ago to address physical, mental and spiritual development.
Through the training of body, breath and mind, one can gradually
attain higher levels of self-knowledge and wisdom, as well as enjoying
a healthy body and a calm and clear mind.
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Typically, classes will have students with a wide
range of ability and experience.
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Senior
Yoga 50+ ... back to top
Senior Yoga 50+ will be a gentle yoga class suitable for the
more mature student.
Beginners are welcome to attend these classes, but it is recommended
that they also consider joining one of our Introduction to Yoga
and Meditation Workshops to learn the basics of Yoga.
Find
out 77 Surprising Health Benefits of Yoga ‘From lowering blood
pressure to increasing pain tolerance…’ |
 Senior Yoga 50+ is a gentle yoga class suitable
for the more mature student. |
Pregnancy
Yoga ... back to top
Pregnancy is a transitional time bringing many changes. Yoga should
be the first choice of exercise for any pregnant woman. Widely recommended
and promoted by midwives and doctors, it is considered one of the
safest forms of exercise for women during pregnancy and ideal for
birth preparation.
This class is suitable for complete beginners to the more experienced
from 14 weeks to term. Yoga is the perfect exercise for pregnancy,
childbirth and the months after the baby is born. Yoga is a gentle
and safe means of keeping your body toned and supple, preventing
or relieving the aches and pains of pregnancy, relaxing your mind
and body.
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You will learn simple but effective breath, relaxation
techniques and yoga postures that will strengthen your body, visualisation
practices to build confidence and assist during the birth, and
you'll meet other mums-to-be. After one hour of yoga, we end with
a deep healing relaxation allowing the body to release tensions,
the mind to become still allowing mother and baby to create a
deeper connection.
Independent midwife Manijeh
Nedas says: 'In my experience, I believe that yoga plays a
very important role in pregnancy. Generally, pregnant mums who
do yoga exercises appear healthier, both in mind and body. Their
bodies are more flexible, which enables them to adapt to various
positions when in labour and the ligaments are more elastic, which
in turn can help to reduce labour pain.'
Netdoctor |
Mum and Baby Yoga
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This class allows both mums and infants to exercise together and
is suitable for babies from three months to around eleven months
(mobile) Yoga experience is not necessary.
Baby Yoga is a natural progression of baby massage. The yoga allows
your baby the freedom to stretch, relax and have fun in a safe setting.
In these special classes we combine postnatal yoga exercises for
the mothers with baby yoga to ensure that both mothers and babies
enjoy their yoga experience.
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| The classes will contain a mix of dynamic exercises,
special holds and relaxation techniques. The postnatal yoga focuses
on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and re-building core strength
whilst the Baby Yoga, through a combination of song, movement and
yoga postures, provides an enjoyable physical experience for the
mothers and babies. The class is a fun way to spend time bonding with your
babies with song and yoga postures for both mum and baby. |
Meditation and Mindfulness Classes
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"Whatever the
present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it."
Eckhart Tolle
Meditation Classes at Island Yoga and Tai Chi are suitable for
both the beginner and those who are more experienced. Meditation
is the art of being aware and conscious in our day to day living.
Most of us are aware that our minds are too busy; that we create
enormous stress in our lives by having over-active minds. Those
who learn meditation and create a regular practice soon report
many positive changes within their lives. We use a variety of
meditation techniques in our courses to allow participants to
discover a route that best suits them, exercises include mindfulness,
breathing and guided meditation.
A simple ten or fifteen minute breathing
meditation can help you find some
inner peace and balance.
"There
is increasing evidence that meditation is a useful and, for some
people, a powerful therapy" Dr Adrian White Department
of Complementary Medicine University of Exeter. |
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Tai Chi ... back
to top
"The mind is everything; what you think, you become."
Buddha
There are different ideas on the origin of Tai Chi. One of the most
common is that of a monk who, in observing the attacking and defending
movements of a bird and a snake, conceived of a method of self defence
that was based on timing and balance rather than muscular strength.
Tai Chi Chuan, or taijiquan, is an ancient Chinese form of co-ordinated
body movements focusing on the cultivation of internal energy 'chi'
or 'qi'. Its aim is to harmonize the mind, body and spirit, promoting
both mental and physical well being.
When practiced correctly the movements (or Form) of Tai Chi appear
rhythmical, effortless and in continuous flow. Tai Chi is like a
meditation in movement.
As a form of exercise, Tai Chi provides a thorough, low-impact workout
for the entire body. The movements are easily modified, making them
suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is therefore
no surprise that Tai Chi is one of the most popular forms of exercise,
practiced by millions of people around the world.
A
study by the Institute of Aging found that Tai Chi can significantly
cut the risk of falls among older people and is a way of maintaining
physical performance in late life. |
Tai Chi provides a thorough, low-impact workout for the
entire body, which is based on timing and balance.
Tai Chi movements are easily modified, making them
suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. |
Qigong
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"Knowing others
is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power."
Lao Tse
The origins of Qigong date back thousands of years to ancient China
the practice was taught to build the ‘energy, strength, and
life force of a person’. Qigong exercises come in many shapes
and sizes from a single exercise to a set of exercises called a
form. Qigong pronounced "chee gung, also known as Chi Kung,
or Chi Gong is literally translated as "energy work."
Qi is translated as "energy". Gong is translated as "work."
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Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice believed to energize the body
and bring health and well-being. |
According to Chinese medicine, the energy relating
to the body’s internal organs flows around the extremities
of the body - the hands and the feet. By stretching the arms and
legs in specific movements, the health of the internal organs can
be improved. The aim of qigong is to promote the movement of Qi
(energy) in the body; this is done by opening certain gates and
stretching and twisting energy channels. A key point in qigong practice
is relaxation and deep breathing, both of which are prerequisites
to allow Qi to flow.
The breath should be relaxed, slow and deep, originating from the
diaphragm. This type of breathing has a very calming and balancing
effect on the mind.
Qigong may reduce stress and have anti-aging benefits.
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Private and Holiday Lessons
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Private classes are tailored to the individual, ensuring you progress
at your own pace. Increase your flexibility, stamina, strength and
levels of energy. Learn to relax and reduce stress in your life.
Sessions are available in Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong and Meditation.
Private Groups sessions are ideal for groups of 2 and above.
This has proved to be very popular with holiday parties where we
can come out to you with all yoga mats etc and set up a class for
you while on the Isle of Wight. Pricing will vary according to the
specific situation.
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