This traditional (non-heated) yoga class involves controlled, steady movements with a focus on breath. Each posture (asana) has various options and variations.
A Hatha class will typically involve a set of yoga poses and breathing techniques, practised more slowly and with more static posture holds than perhaps a Vinyasa flow.
Students can work with what feels challenging, but not strained. We should strive to practice yoga with strength and in a relaxed manner.
Sthira translates as strong, steady, and stable. Sukha means comfortable, happy, and relaxed. Working with these concepts, students come to embody the effects of prana and asana to reach stillness in the mind.
Lou teaches basic, foundational Hatha postures that are good for beginners and also nice as a cool-down to after more intensive classes. She ends her class with a longer relaxation called Yoga Nidra (yogic 'sleep').
Yoga Nidra is a powerful technique for controlling your body's relaxation response. It can be as restorative as sleep, while you remain fully conscious, cultivating conscious relaxation, easing ongoing stress and anxiety, and feeling the body melt away into a soothing state of being.
Matt's Hatha class focusses on some of the more challenging postures from the original 84 classic asanas. In this class the students is invited to try new postures in a supportive style.
Hatha increase flexibility, muscle tone and strength; improves circulatory health; helps us to achieve better concentration; increases energy levels; improves posture; reduces anxiety and depression; releases endorphins that improve mood; great during lockdown.
Easy Hatha is on Monday evenings. Matt's Hatha is on Friday evenings and is followed by meditation.