The following Yin sequence has been designed by Andrea Kwiatkowski. It is only suitable for those with Yin experience and should not be done by anyone with medical conditions which affect their practice. Please consult Andrea after class for further guidance. Click here to find out more about Yin and Meditation, as part of our Focus: On series.

Please keep an eye on the blog over the coming weeks as we will be posting further exclusive Yin sequences designed by Andrea, who has been so generous in sharing these powerful practices with us.

TWIST SEQUENCE

SHOELACE 3 MINS EACH SIDE

SEATED SPINAL TWIST 3 MINS

HALF SADDLE 3 MINS

SADDLE 5 MINS

CROCODILE 3 X PUSH UPS

TWISTED ROOTS 3 MINS EACH SIDE

SAVASANA

The following Yin sequence has been designed by Andrea Kwiatkowski. It is only suitable for those with Yin experience and should not be done by anyone with medical conditions which affect their practice. Please consult Andrea after class for further guidance. Click here to find out more about Yin and Meditation, as part of our Focus: On series.

Please keep an eye on the blog over the coming weeks as we will be posting further exclusive Yin sequences designed by Andrea, who has been so generous in sharing these powerful practices with us.

SEQUENCE FOR YIN /YANG 45 MINS
RECLINED BUTTERFLY 5 MINS
SQUAT 3 MINS
BUTTERFLY 5 MINS
SHOELACE 5 MINS EACH SIDE
TRIPOD X3 EACH SIDE
SPHINX 2 MINS OPTION SEAL EXTEND ARMS 3 MINS
INFANT POSE 1 MIN
SWAN 5 MINS EACH SIDE
SAVASANA

The latest addition to Camyoga’s schedule, Yin and Meditation offers a fully rounded practice with a mindful approach. Yin yoga is a slow paced, floor- based practice which focuses on releasing the pelvis, lower spine and hips, freeing up the flow of energy (‘qi’) in the body. It was first taught in the 1970s by Taoist yoga teacher Paulie Zinke and has since been developed by prominent teachers Paul Grilley and Sarah Powers. Unlike Zinke, who posited the practice as a complete method in itself, both Grilley and Powers emphasise passive Yin as a complement to other, more active forms of movement and exercise.

Yin poses are typically held for several minutes, allowing the practitioner to cultivate a deep sense of inner silence. As such, it is a practice which works very well in conjunction with, or as a precursor to, meditation. Whilst the poses are being held, the teacher typically engages in what is known as a “dharma” tallk, comprising philosophical teachings, thoughts and sometimes poems. Although many Yin poses will be recognisable to practitioners of other styles of yoga, in Yin they are given different names, to emphasise the fact that they should be performed in a different (passive) manner. Camyoga’s Yin and Meditation class is suitable for all students with an existing flow-based practice.

Click here to view our Yin + Meditation classes

GREAT FOR: flexibility, relaxation, sports people.

Forrest Yoga is a contemporary style of yoga which is physically intense, deeply healing and internally focused. It is named after its founder, Ana Forrest (pictured), and draws from both Sivananda and Iyengar traditions.

Designed to treat typically modern aches and pains such as back pain, neck strain and tense shoulders, Forrest Yoga uses powerful breathwork to release both physical and mental tension, breaking down emotional blockages. Poses are held for long periods of time, with props used to ensure the practice is suitable for all bodies and even students with injuries. Core strengthening, in order to support a healthy back, is a key element of all Forrest Yoga classes.

Forrest Yoga does not require strength or flexibility; it only requires a willingness to learn how to feel authentically and respond honestly. The tenets of the method are breath, strength, integrity and spirit. This style has found particular application in overcoming negative patterns of behaviour, and has been effectively used to treat addictions, eating disorders and even post traumatic stress disorder. Forrest developed this style of yoga after fighting with her own demons over many years. As such, the style cultivates a sense of strength and positivity, encouraging students to walk their own path, regardless of any perceived stumbling blocks or limitations.

Click here to book into a Forrest Yoga class!

GREAT FOR: core strength, flexibility, weight loss, back pain

As you might have read recently in the Cambridge News (read article here), Camyoga are teaming up with Woodlands Surgery on Bateman Street to offer Mindfulness sessions to the general public. After GPs at the surgery tried Mindfulness with Camyoga they simply had to get behind these sessions and offer their support. The first session, an Introduction to Mindfulness workshop, costs just £20 and is open to everyone. Click here to find out more and to book your place.

This week we met up with Dr Emma Tiffin, of Woodlands Surgery, to ask her a few questions about her experiences of mindfulness. Here’s what she had to say!

Energy balls seem to be cropping up everywhere, from health food stores to yoga studios. They make a great raw, vegan alternative to sugar-packed cereal bars and other unhealthy snacks. Often they contain lots of protein and healthy fats too! Did you know that once you have the ingredients (which are readily available from shops such as Arjuna on Mill Road) these are a piece of cake to make? All that’s required is a food processor. Here’s one simple version to get you started, but the possibilities are endless – try experimenting with coconut, spirulina, dried cranberries and cashews. Let us know your favourite energy ball combination using the comments section below!

1 cup dates, pitted

1 cup almonds

1/2 cup walnuts

2 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1 tbsp hemp protein powder

1 tbsp water

extra cacao powder for dusting

Method

1) Blend the nuts and seeds in a food processor until almost flour-like. This could take up to a minute depending on the power of your blender. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to blend.

2) Roll the mixture into little balls. Place the remaining cacao into a dish and roll each ball in this until coated.

3) Place the balls on a sheet of non-stick baking parchment and place in the fridge until chilled.

Iyengar Yoga, named after its founder BKS Iyengar (pictured) is a form of hatha yoga which emphasises correct alignment in static poses. Poses are typically held for longer periods of time to develop strength, stability and integrity.

Props such as blocks, straps and bricks are often used to enable correct aligment and to assist students to achieve a safe pose which is correct for their unique body. In fact, Iyengar himself pioneered the use of props, recognising that no two bodies are exactly the same, or equally as able. As such, this is a wonderful style of yoga for anyone with physical limitations, or for those who prefer working at a more measured pace. Beginners start slowly, progressing gradually to more advanced poses. Between poses students rest in either Corpse Pose or Child’s Pose – Iyengar classes do not feature “flowing” elements.

Unlike classes where students are invited to “find their way” into a pose, the teacher’s dialogue during an Iyengar class is typically very precise and anatomically specific, directing the student into perfect alignment.

BKS Iyengar has published many influential books, including Light on Yoga, Light on Life and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. He is widely regarded as a Yoga Master.

Click here to view our Iyengar schedule

GREAT FOR: strength, flexibility

Jivamukti is a truly integrated practice. It combines strong, flowing sequences of postures with breathwork, meditation, chanting and philosophical teachings too. Jivamukti classes always feature powerful, enlivening soundtracks and teachers typically perform hands-on adjustments to help you to improve your alignment by felt experience.

The New York-based founders of Jivamukti are Sharon Gannon and David Life, who created the method in 1984 after making many transformative trips to India to study yoga and meditation. Sharon and David’s background in New York’s alternative arts scene has made Jivamukti particularly appealing to many dancers, artists and musicians, including many celebrities in the public eye.

All Jivamukti teachers’ training is overseen personally by Sharon and David, and the five tenets of the method are present in every class. These tenets include non-violence (ahimsa), devotion (bhakti), meditation (dhyana), sound (nada) and the study of ancient texts (shastra). Asana sequences are ever-changing, to ensure that Jivamukti classes remain fresh and creative. There is also a strong focus on animal rights; most Jivamukti teachers are vegan and promote this harm-free way of eating and living in their classes, which contain a strong ethical element.

Click here to view our class schedule

GREAT FOR: strength, fitness, weight loss, flexibility, energising, philosophy

We are all very fortunate to live in a world where yoga is immensely popular, in fact increasingly so, but to the beginner it’s hard to know where to start when there are so many forms, styles and lineages to choose from. Our brand new Focus on: guides are designed to help you to choose the style of yoga that is right for you. We hope you find them both interesting and informative! First up, Yoga Flow…

Yoga Flow (also known as ‘vinyasa flow’) is an elegant, dynamic style of yoga, derived from Ashtanga Yoga, which emphasises the synchronisation of mind, body and breath. In fact, the Sanskrit word for ‘vinyasa’ is often translated as “connection”. Intelligent and creative sequencing will lead you safely towards a different ‘peak’ posture every time. Pace varies from teacher to teacher but expect to work hard and get hot, using ujjayi breath (“ocean breathing” – inhaling and exhaling through the nose, creating a rasping sound in the throat) to support your practice.

The term ‘vinyasa’ is also used to describe the sequence of poses that are performed between Downward Facing Dogs as part of a Sun Salutation sequence.

Yoga Flow classes typically involve repetitions of Sun Salutations, with Downward Facing Dog used as a resting pose throughout the class. Most teachers will offer a variety of levels to suit different bodies and abilities, encouraging those who feel tired or pushed beyond their limits to rest in Child’s Pose. Due to the fast pace of most Yoga Flow classes, they aren’t recommended for beginners. Make sure that you have a few months of yoga under your belt first, along with a reasonable level of fitness.

Click here to view our class schedule.

GREAT FOR: strength, fitness, weight loss, energising, flexibility

This warming, substantial soup is a breeze to rustle up – you can have it on the table within half an hour! Delicious with some chunky wholemeal bread slathered in soy margarine…yummy. Powdered stock rather than the real deal is totally acceptable. We recommend Marigold Swiss Vegetable stock powder, which is widely available in decent sized tubs, they also do a reduced salt variety. You will need a blender or hand blender for this recipe. Serves 4.

2 tbsp olive oil | 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped | 4 heads broccoli, chopped into florets | 1 litre stock | salt & freshly ground black pepper | pinch of chili flakes

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Add the garlic and fry for 1-2minutes, being careful not to burn. Add a tiny pinch of chili flakes if you’re inclined towards a little spice.

2. Add the broccoli and stock. Bring to the boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 mins.

3. Remove from the heat and blend. Return to heat to warm through before dividing between bowls and serving.