yoga images

E6

Beginners Courses

We offer introductory courses, which are carefully designed to set the foundations of the practice and provide an intensive and focused introduction to ashtanga yoga and its benefits. These courses are for those who are completely new to ashtanga yoga as well as for those who are looking to reestablish their practice. Each course covers the sequential order of postures, breath control (ujjayi breath) and core strength (bandhas) as well as elements of meditation and relaxation. The course will set you on the path to finding your own ashtanga yoga practice where you learn to be receptive to your own level, speed and breath with the teacher there to inform, correct and encourage. We encourage all students who are new to ashtanga to do one of these courses to ensure they gain a solid and safe foundation for their yoga practice. See about ashtanga for more on the benefits and background of the practice.

 

Week-long Introduction to Ashtanga (mornings)

Course Dates:
7-8am Mon 15, Tue 16, Wed 17, Thu 18 & Fri 19 April 2013
7–8am Mon 20, Tue 21, Wed 22, Thu 23, Fri 24 May 2013
7–8am Mon 3, Tue 4, Wed 5, Thu 6, Fri 7 June 2013
7–8am Mon 1, Tue 2, Wed 3, Thu 4, Fri 5 July 2013
Cost: £62
Booking Information: early booking recommended – please book this course online.


These courses run for one week each month on five weekday mornings. The final sessions is a Mysore style class, which introduces you to this style of practice. Places on this course are extremely limited (6 students) and the small group size makes this a fantastic opportunity to learn the foundations of the practice with plenty of one-to-one correction and guidance. The course is also a perfect way to experience the stillness, energy and magic of the early morning classes.

 

 

4-week Introduction to Ashtanga (evenings)

Course Dates:
8–9.30pm Monday 4, 11, 18, 25 March
8–9.30pm Monday 8, 15, 22, 29 April
8–9.30pm Monday 3, 10, 17, 24 June
8–9.30am Monday 1, 8, 15, 22 July

 

During the first week we will establish the core strengths to guide you through your practice involving breath, movement and stillness as we explore the surya namaskaras (sun salutations), and padmasana (lotus posture).

 

The second week will carry you through the standing and some key closing postures allowing you to feel confident to partake in the self-practice beginners sessions. The dynamics of vinyasa will be explored with jump through's to sitting and standing.

 

The third week will begin further exploration of the finishing sequence. By providing strength-building exercises, you will feel confident entering postures such as urdhva dhanurasana (backbend) and salamba sarvangasana (shoulder stand).

 

The fourth week culminates with the full embodiment of the standing and closing sequences. A few of the postures from the middle section will be introduced, setting your body in motion for the rest to be revealed through your self-practice.

 

Weekend Introduction to Ashtanga

Course Dates & Times
2–4pm Saturday 11 May & Sunday 12 May
Cost: £55 (for both days)


These weekend workshops run a few times a year and are ideal for those who are unable to attend weekday courses at the Shala. The sessions run for 2 hours on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons.