Posts tagged practice
Ashtanga Yoga: An Authentic Practice

Ashtanga Yoga: An Authentic Practice

by Paul Fox

imageskrishThe Ashtanga Yoga classes at Camyoga are increasingly busy at the moment. Why is this form of yoga proving to be so popular with students?  I believe the answer lies in the authenticity of this practice and the connection it has back to the renaissance in yoga in the 1930s.

In an age where hatha yoga has grown, evolved and developed into myriad forms and styles – many of them excellent – there is still a place for a practice that lies at the heart of the hatha yoga tradition. It was in the 1930s that the great yogi Krishnamacharya re-invented and revitalized the discipline of hatha yoga which had largely fallen out of favour in India. While teaching at the Maharaja of Mysore’s Palance, Krishnamacharya was exposed to many influences, including Indian wrestling, body building, Swedish gymnastics and other disciplines then grouped under the title of “physical culture”.

He evolved a system of dynamic hatha yoga, incorporating sun salutations almost for the first time into the yoga tradition (their exact origin is unclear with some claiming they existed a few decades earlier in the yoga tradition, while others claim they were a warm-up routine for wrestlers).

Krishnamacharya developed hatha yoga as a complete and comprehensive discipline. He then taught it to his main students, BKS Iyengar, his son Deskikachar (much later) and to Shri K Pattabhi Jois, the Guru of Ashtanga yoga.  We can confidently say that almost all the hatha yoga taught in the West has its origins in the work done by Krishnamacharya. He is truly the founding father of modern hatha yoga. Pattabhi Jois – who passed away a few years ago in his 90s – developed the yoga of Krishnamacharya further into the current system of Ashtanga Yoga.

The practice is divided into Primary Series, Intermediate and Advanced. Most led classes are Primary Series, with other series explored in self-practice “Mysore style” classes or during specialist workshops with visiting tutors, like my own teacher, John Scott.

The Primary Series is quite possibly the greatest vinyasa ever written. The exact sequence of poses perfectly opens the body, with each posture leading the way to the next. When practiced diligently it is said to heal body and mind and is known as “Yoga Chikitsa” – yoga therapy. The Primary Series is perfectly suited for chair-sitting westerners as it contains a lot of forward bends to counteract the shortening of hamstrings from our sedentary lifestyles. The strength needed to lift and lower to and from the floor also builds power and stamina that it also often missing in our inactive lives.

If you haven’t already tried Ashtanga Yoga then consider giving it a go this Autumn with myself or Emma Lindsay. In my classes this Autumn I will be focusing on one or two poses each class to build up confidence and competence in the practice of ashtanga yoga, together with the usual emphasis on breath (ujjayi), bandha (engagement of core) and drishti (looking place).

As Pattabhi Jois was fond of saying, "practice, practice and all is coming".

paul_fox2

Paul Fox has been practicing yoga intensively for 17 years and holds the British Wheel of Yoga Teaching Diploma (1999), A two-year Ashtanga Yoga teaching diploma from John and Lucy Scott (2006) and a Yoga Sports Science Yoga Sports Coach Diploma (2011). View Paul's classes here.

Is Yoga Better with Friends?

Is Yoga Better With Friends?

YOGA-SUTRA-314Are you a lone yogi? Or do you prefer to practice with friends? According to research by Oxford University anthropologist Dr Emma Cohen exercising in a group actually has many benefits - both physical and psychological. Firstly, training in a synchronised group may heighten tolerance for pain, enabling atheltes to train longer and harder. At Camyoga we certainly don't advocate pushing our members to the point of pain - yoga should never be painful - but this does suggest that practising with friends can improve endurance, which is particularly relevant to more physically taxing forms of yoga such as hot yoga, power yoga and ashtanga.  As Jackie MacLeod and Sukey Novogratz, yoga buddies and founders of The Well Daily, point out, "who better to tackle crow pose with than someone you know is rooting for your success?"

Another recent study, conducted by Virgin Active Health Clubs, reveals that friends who exercise together will visit the gym more regularly, and of women who run, go to the gym or attend group exercise classes with friends, 64% push themselves harder than if they went alone. In terms of attendance, we all know that one of the most mentally challenging aspects of yoga practice can be making the commitment to just do it. Whether it's early in the morning or after work, getting into the right frame of mind to get yourself to class on time can sometimes be pretty tough. Whether you're too tired, too busy, too hungry or simply 'not in the mood', finding excuses to avoid practice, and caving in to them, is probably all too familiar for most of us. Even the most dedicated of yogis have 'off' days! Heading to class with friends can take some of the decision-making out of that process - we've agreed to go and 'that is that'. After all, it's much easier to convince yourself that you just can't be bothered than it is to convince a persuasive friend...

On  a less scientific front, many of us live increasingly busy lives, jam-packed with work commitments, financial concerns, busy calendars full of social events and even more for those of us who are parents! Sometimes socialising, outside of pre-ordained 'social events', can be hard to squeeze in. Neighbours are less and less likely to 'just pop round' for a a cup of tea. Practising yoga with friends can be a beautiful and relaxed way to spend time with pals with no pressure attached.

At Camyoga we value the importance of friendship. That's why our Gold Members can now bring a friend to class, absolutely free of charge. To find out more, ask at reception or email info@camyoga.co.uk for more details.

 

Our Top Ten Yoga Books: Part Two

Our Top 10 Yoga Books: Part Two

We recently asked you to share your favourite yoga books with us. Here's part two of the results. Read the first part here. Is your favourite missing from the list? Add your own recommendations using the comments form at the bottom of the page... happy reading!

booksfarhi6. Bringing Yoga to Life (Donna Farhi)

Donna Farhi is a world renowned yoga teacher and reading this book, it is very clear to see why. Laced with real life examples and personal vignettes, this book is a wonderful guide to applying what happens on your mat to the rest of your life too. Inspiring, heartwarming and evocative, Donna's style is both down to earth and refreshingly honest. She encourages the reader to take a long, hard look at their lives, their minds and their practice. A great book to turn to now and again when you need a strong pick-me-up! Our very own Beverley Nolan studies annually with Donna. (And Donna herself will be visiting Camyoga in July next year!)

bookskaminoff7. Yoga Anatomy (Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews)

Ever wondered what your psoas is or how breathing works? This popular guide to anatomy is one of the best available, revealing the inner workings of the human body asana by asana.  Whether you're studying to be a yoga teacher, looking to improve your knowledge of anatomy or simply just plain curious, this book is a wonderful reference and great for dipping in and out of.

 

bookbihar

8. Bihar School of Yoga Books

 The Bihar School of Yoga was founded in 1964 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati and they have been publishing books and articles on all aspects of yoga for over 40 years through their publishing house, Yoga Publications Trust. All of the books in the series act as wonderfully detailed guides to specific aspects of yoga. Mark Stevens, our Jivamukti teacher, says "If you see a Bihar School of Yoga book in a second hand bookshop, buy it and read it. If you don't like it, I'll buy it off you." Now that certainly is a recommendation!

 

books eliade

 

9. Yoga: Immortality & Freedom (Mircea Eliade)

This book certainly doesn't make for light reading but readers' efforts are rewarded - a staggering and colourful ride through the history of yogic traditions and philosophy. Discover the origins of what we know today as yoga and uncover the social, political and spiritual contexts in which the practice has developed, splintered and expanded. Eliade presents yoga in all of its glorious complexity, diversity and richness.

41VCDtl3ETL10. The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy & Practice (Georg Feurstein)

This mammoth 720-page book contains a wealth of information on all aspects of yoga. Covering the links between yoga and major religions, yogic cults, literature, philosophy and practice, this truly is a comprehensive guide. The book also contains full and part translations of key yogic texts, including the Sutras and parts of the Bhagavad Gita.

Get to know Camyoga Teacher, Rachael Moore

Get to Know Camyoga Teacher: Rachael Moore

Rachael Moore

Name: Rachael

Age:  38

Occupation: Mum and yoga teacher

What brought you to yoga?

As with many people, I first came to yoga as many people do, to help combat 'stress' as a result of my job. I worked as a speech and language therapist for children with profound medical and learning difficulties and although hugely rewarding, it was also at times highly emotional and stressful. Yoga helped me find a way to deal with the challenges I faced in a calm and grounded manner, reacting to situations in a more balanced way.

As a teacher what is Yoga about and not about?

Oooh how long have you got!!!! It is probably easier for me to say what I personally think it is not. Yoga is not about being the best in the room, yoga is not about being competetive (even with yourself), yoga is not always the glossy images you see in the magazines, practising yoga, does not  mean that you no longer experience hardship or tough times (unfortunately). The practice of yoga is far greater and deeper than all of that. Yoga gives you the tools for everyday living, it helps you on every level of your being. Yoga releases your tired stiff body from sitting at a desk all day helping you re-find that childhood softness and agility. In helping you re-claim physical flexibility, this flexibilty then leads to greater flexibility in the mind and how we react to life situations off the matt. It leads you towards a truer more honest you! Wherever you are in your life, yoga can be there for you . It can transform the body physically, energeticly and emotionally. It can energize, detox, heal and nourish you . It can be a soft landing when you fall.

What do you do when you are not doing yoga?

Being mum to my three gorgeous daughters and being taken for a walk by my two huge labradoodles Molly and Floss! What is your favourite yoga pose and why?

Wow! It's almost impossible to choose one as depending where I am on any particular day will determine my favourite pose!. Generally though, I absolutely love and standing balance, especially Natarajasana for its openness and grace and Garudasana for that beautiful feeling of opening up the shoulders.

What is your least favourite yoga pose and why?

I know it sounds cheesy and a bit of a cop out, but I really don't have a least favourite pose. If pushed though, I probably shy away from strong core work a little more readily than I should do!

What is one quality you have taken off the mat and incorporated into your daily life? Patience

An interesting fact about Rachel that you may not know is:

I used to do synchronized swimming as a teenager!!

To book into Rachel's classes click on link

 

Being Your Biggest Self

Being Your Biggest Self

100ft wave

What are you like when you are your most expansive? Courageous, creative, playful, funny, considered, patient, adventurous?  What are you like to be around when you are your smallest?.......

Here are two examples of folk being their most expansive and living their best lives:

On the 28th January 2013 Garrett McNamara was on holiday in Portugal. He looked out of his window and the weather was awful and he knew it was going to be a great day.... His two friends jet skied him out to sea so that he could surf an incredible 100 ft wave. Fishermen from the town had abandoned the sea as weather as it was too rough, for him it was a chance to be his biggest self....To see this incredible achievement click here

Arthur Boorman had been a paratrooper in the Gulf War and too many jumps had left him wearing back and knee braces. For 15 years he was told this is it and he accepted it. Then he found a yoga teacher who did not know him but believed in him and he then believed in his biggest self........Be your biggest self, whatever it takes.

Arthur

 

Thank you to Pilar and Simone for sharing this inspiring clip:  Click here to see Arthur overcome 15 years of disability

Inspiring workshops at Camyoga

Get to know Camyoga Student, Ellie Carter

Get to Know Camyogi: Ellie Carter

Blog Ellie

Name: Ellie Carter

Age: 34

Occupation: Anaesthetist

What brought you to yoga? A hamstring injury from running - I realised that working on my flexibility might be a good idea!

What do you do when you are not working? When I'm not working, I like doing slightly crazy endurance sport events. Last year I did an Ironman triathlon and this year I'll be attempting a cross-country ski marathon.

What is your favourite yoga pose and why? I like balance poses  because of the focus required and the satisfaction if/when you manage not to fall over.

What is your least favourite yoga pose and why? Supta Vajrasana - my  quads are far too tight from running & cycling to make this pose comfortable.

What is one quality you have taken off the mat and incorporated into your daily life? Learning that it can be good to incorporate a bit of stillness and quiet into my busy life!

An interesting fact about Ellie that you may not know is… I appear in my bikini in the Rough Guide to eco travel....not the most flattering shot but there is a nice Finnish lake in the background!

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

But I am Too Stiff for Yoga

Are you considering Yoga but not sure yet if it is for you?  There must be scope for a t-shirt with this statement on the front and on the back answering ‘This Makes you Perfect for Yoga!’’ Some-one considering  Yoga might be concerned  they would not fit in a class of nimble adepts and in a worst case scenario they imagine it would be more like an audition for Cirque du Soleil.  In reality there is a very wide range of people that practise Yoga and in class the teacher will help you to focus on your own practise so that you very quickly forget what is going on around you.  If you are starting out a beginners course and then a basics class is a great place to start. Every pose has an accessible version and the teacher will offer modifications and props and ways of building up. After the course try out a number of different classes and teachers to find one that works for you. The key is to ask yourself  did you feel better after the session than before? Yoga is for every one and Every Body.

Beginners Courses and Classes that you can attend:

Yoga for Beginners

Ashtanga for Beginners

Yoga Basics

World Class Ashtanga Teachers Coming to Camyoga

Camyoga has an exciting year looking forward as we are hosting some of the world's best

ashtanga teachers.  Nancy Gilgoff, John Scott, and David Swenson will all be joining us in 2012.  These teachers are not to be missed. All three have long histories of study with the late Patthabi Jois. Gilgoff and Swenson are both largely responsible for spreading ashtanga to the west during the 1970's.

Nancy Gilgoffwill be here June 23 and 24 for Intensive

ashtanga workshops.  She travels all the way from Maui.   John Scott  joins us September 7 - 9 to bring us inward to a transformative practice.  David Swensonreturns to Camyoga November 28 for a fun-filled exploration of yoga.

Don't miss the chance to study and learn from these fabulous teachers and practitioners. You can find both led and mysore style ashtanga classes on the Camyoga schedule to guide you through the primary series.  We are aslo pleased to welcome Gunveer Muhandru as our newest ashtanga teacher.

"Practice and all is coming" ~Sri. K. Patthabi Jois

Get To Know Camyoga Student: Rebecca Meyers

Name:  Rebecca Myers

Age: 45

Occupation: Academic (Science)

What brought you to yoga?

It’s not so much what brought me to yoga, it’s who – six months ago a dear friend (and impressive yogini) brought me along one day. I had never envisaged myself and yoga in the same room before – not being one for enjoying exercise classes of any sort. My yoga expectation was all about a cold dusty hall, twisting my stiff old-self into knots and spending the rest of the week aching ... I was so wrong! In a very unfocused, procrastinating sort of way I was indeed looking for ways to improve my general fitness, flexibility and all-round joie-de-vivre, but they’d been on my rediscovery list for some years. So ... yoga eh? What the heck, I’d nothing to lose! What I wasn’t prepared for was the impact it would have on me from day one. I had never done any yoga before coming to Camyoga and my first class was Hot Yoga – I was a convert. I try to make as many as five classes a week now and in the last few weeks I’ve also begun to dip/pull my toe into Ashtanga. As they say – it’s all about the journey.

What do you do when you are not doing yoga?

I work (in a research environment for the University), I eat and I sleep. I do squeeze in some travel and quite a few fun things too – but my average week comprises just that.

What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

This is a hard question. There a quite a few poses I enjoy a lot as each one has different gifts. I like Trikonasana (triangle pose and its variants) as it is a good all-round full-body stretch and balance and I just like the way it feels. With poses I find more challenging (and there are loads!) such as Standing Head to Knee (Dandayamana-janushirasana) I get a real sense of achievement, especially on days when I can do it – or do it just a little better than the last class.

What is your least favorite yoga pose and why?

There are more than several poses that would fall under this category at this stage of my practice – for pure physical effort it most definitely has to be Chaturanga (the sort of half-press up). The other pose (for comedy value and personal highlight of my Hot Yoga class) is Rabbit – which opens up a whole new angle on self-administered water-boarding.

What is one quality you have taken off the mat and incorporated into your daily life?

I have reassessed a lot of how I approach life – it’s not been deep navel-gazing as such – I’ve simply created space for the (rediscovered) joie-de-vivre that seems to have emerged from my regular practice. I have neither felt fitter nor more flexible since I was in my teens, I’ve lost weight in the order of double-digits, and my diet has naturally evolved into one that is far healthier and sustains me better. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity had Camyoga and its great atmosphere and teachers not been on my doorstep. It’s a home from home.

An interesting fact about Rebecca that you may not know is…

There are rather a lot of interesting facts about me, most are classified and none of which are publishable! I am, however, a big cat lover – I have four of them. My special joy is a huge Maine Coon called ‘Cody’ who I swear is a dog-in-a-cat-suit.

Insabina Retreat: Book Now for £100 Off

It is not too soon to be thinking about longer days, the relief of warmer weather, and summer holidays. In Sabina yoga retreats are just around the corner. For a limited time we are offering  £100 Off either week. You can join Louise Lloyd and Mark Stevens in week one, or Howard Daly and Pilar Carrillo in week 2. Dates are: July 28, 2012 - August 11,  2012 This retreat is an all inclusive life changing week at one of the most gorgeous retreat centres in the world. A mix of Yoga, breath work, therapies and meditation.

Everything at In Sabina is perfectly arranged with taste and style and with yoga in mind. There are seven acres of lush grounds comprising a natural spring, gardens, pond and swimming pool amidst a tranquil and rustic setting. The surrounding area is unspoilt farmland, and the house and grounds are peaceful and quiet. There are two yoga spaces for yoga and meditation, an indoor yoga studio, and a magnificent 15 x 10 metre architect designed covered outdoor wooden platform, which sits in the valley surrounding by verdant unspoilt nature. The food is a highlight of the holiday, three meals a day of beautiful vegetarian food in abundance prepared by a specialist vegetarian chef. All adding up to the perfect environment for a yoga holiday.

Why not take a look at a video clip of Louise Lloyd teaching in In Sabina last year?

Families are welcome and for more info and booking click here

 

http://youtu.be/Ynpf2nXsDvw

Ashtanga in the New Year

Whether you dabble in  ashtanga or make it a daily practice, the primary series is a lifelong journey.  It unfolds day by day and piece by piece.  As a set series, the system allows for self-practice and a deep understanding of moving within.

"Practice and all is coming"

-Sri K. pattabhi Jois

Camyoga is a excited to welcome Alan O'leary for a weekend of ashtanga workshops in January. Alan teaches Italian Culture at Leeds University and yoga as a balance to his life.  He brings with him experience in the ashtanga intermediate series and from his time spent in the Shala in Mysore.

His first workshop will be on building strength and stamina in the Primary series and is open to ashtanga practitioners of all levels. The next day's workshop will be on making the second series more accessible.  Non-dogmatic in his approach, Alan will  dispel fear and help you find the ways to approach the primary and second series challenges with confidence and fun.

Alan will also be hosting our Camyoga social evening following his first workshop on Saturday January 21.  We will screen the film, "Guru" featuring the late Pattabhi Jois, and have a talk around the tradition of ashtanga yoga in Mysore.

Don't miss these great workshops and discussion.  Further your ashtanga practice and gain new insight into this tradition.

Book here

New to ashtanga?  Get your feet wet in one of our ashtanga led classes.  Then come along to mysore in the mornings. You will be taught how to build your self-practice. Check out the Camyoga schedule for all of our ashtanga classes with Camyoga's own, Howard Daly and Emma Lindsay.

 

 

Michael Gannon at Camyoga and on Your iPhone

The 'Yoga Dealer' is coming to Camyoga before he hits the London Yoga Show.  Michael Ganoon trained in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd series of Ashtanga with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.  He now travels the world, teaching, inspiring, and sharing his love of the practice.

Camyoga is thrilled to welcome him on Wednesday October 26 for a workshop on opening your heart and finding the elements of backbending.  You don't have to be a backbending superstar for this session, it's open to all levels and abilities.

Love your ashtanga?  Then Join Michael on Thursday for a Full Ashtnaga Vinyasa Count class. It is a rare opportunity to practice the "full form" with the correct vinyasa count in Sanskrit.  Book here for both events.

Want your ashtanga anywhere? There's an app for that. Michael has released the first ever ashtanga app for iPhone and iPad. This app is personally tried, tested, and approved. It has beginner and advanced options, great pictures and instructions, and simple to use features. Check it out! 

It's Raining Yoga Classes!

If you find yourself always coming to the same classes and therefore not checking in with the schedule much, take a look at it this week and the weeks to come.  We have more classes cropping up all over the place in response to your need for more yoga options.  Check it out here We have added classes in time slots such as 07:30 - 08:30 before you go to work, 13:00 - 14:00 yoga for lunch, and 17:00 - 18:15 so you can be home for dinner.  But we are also adding in the evenings to alleviate some of our very popular classes!

We are hoping that our extra classes allow you to practice more and get more out of what you do.  Also check out our rotating masterclasses on Saturdays. These 2 hour classes are free to members and allow you to delve deeper.

New classes starting this week:

Tuesdays 17.00-18.00 Ashtanga Express with Howard Daly

Wednesdays 15.00-16.00 Yoga Open Level with Carole Bodalbhai This is available as a normal drop in, or free for members, and also available as a community class for £3 for unwaged people.

Thursdays 07.30-08.30 (note the later start time) Yoga Flow Open Level with Molly Altenburg

Thursdays 20.00-21.15 Iyengar Level 1 (beginners) with Michael Balshaw

Fridays 17.00-18.00 Hot Yoga Express with Jennifer Hersch.

Saturdays 12.00-14.00 from 24th Sept New Mastercasses every week....

There have also been a few time changes from this week: Weds Detox flow moves to 18.30-19.45 Weds Pilates moves to 20.00-21.15 Fri Jivamukti moves to 18.30-20.00

New classes starting in October:

Mondays 20.00-21.15 from Oct 10th Yoga Open Level with Louise Lloyd

Wednesdays 17.00-18.15 from Oct 5th Yoga Open Level with Louise Lloyd

Thursdays 13.00-14.00 from Oct 4th Yoga Flow Open Level with Nikki Davies

 

 

Hands up for Hanumanasana!

We sometimes avoid the poses that we think we just can't do, the poses that maybe our bodies weren't "built" for.  Hanumanasana is just one of those poses. Full splits are something we feel we either can or can't do.  But even the naturally unflexible have hope in this pose.

Warming up the body and the key muscles is important as is the consistency of practicing.  The way to get better at hanumanasana is to do hanumanasana.  Sounds simple, right?  But then why do so many of us just avoid the pose altogether? Check out the following video for full split prep poses...

http://youtu.be/BgPTT6tQz20

Take inspiration from Hanuman, the monkey god for whom the pose is named before you take this leap of faith.  Hanuman leaped across an ocean in order to help a friend he loved.  And so this massive leap represents the expansion of his heart, the love that allowed him to take this step. In the full version of the pose we add in the expression of the heart opening. Take a look...and give hanumanasana another chance.

http://youtu.be/zUkMuJdOyZ4

Get to Know Camyoga Member, Nigel Rouse

Each month we get to know a Camyoga member, teacher, or staff member, so you can be more familiar with the faces you see in the studio. This month we get to know...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Nigel Rouse

Age: 45, hard to believe but true

Occupation: Logistics Manager

What brought you to yoga?

After years of playing sport my body was starting to show the signs or wear and tear so originally I started yoga to stretch out tired limbs and to try and fix the broken bits

What do you do when you are not doing yoga?

I’m a keen sports fan now watching the sports I used to play plus I enjoy exotic activity based holidays trekking in the mountains or exploring other cultures

What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

Probably Half Bound Lotus Standing Forward Bend (Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana) it’s a pose I used to struggle with but now after lots of practice I can do most days I need to

What is your least favorite yoga pose and why?

Currently its Forearm balance (Pincha Mayurasana) I appear to be built from a different set of parts than those required to do it successfully now obviously a longer term project!!

What is one quality you have taken off the mat and incorporated into your daily life?

I started yoga from a physical perspective but over time it’s become more a mental thing so I find that I’m more relaxed generally so the general stresses of life don’t get to me as much as they used to

An interesting fact about Nigel that you may not know is…

Cheryl Sayers one of my previous yoga teachers convinced me back in 2004  to climb Kilimanjaro with her for charity between the team  we raised £23k for Addenbrooke’s