Class Descriptions
ARE YOU NEW TO YOGA?
We recommend people who have NEVER done any Yoga before start with a BEGINNERS COURSE ideally, or several GENTLE classes.
It is not about how fit or strong you are, it is about learning the basics of Yoga technique and alignment - how to perform the poses properly and what is important about them, AND about learning to listen in to your body as you go.
GENTLE Yoga Classes
Seriously gentle. We promise.
The ideal for:
- progressing from the Beginners Course
- re-starting your practice after a break
- working with an injury
- Seniors
- those who prefer a more relaxing-style Yoga practice.
Expect MINDFUL movement, functional stretching and mobility - gently lengthening muscles, loosening joints as you’re guided in some of the less-threatening Yoga poses.
We’ll coax you out of your brain to cultivate a connection with your body using guided breath work, and encourage modifications to keep things accessible and safe for YOU - in the body you’re in right now.
A great lead-up if you wish to progress toward the OPEN class - though that isn’t necessarily the ultimate goal.
OPEN Yoga Classes
This Hatha style class infuses traditional Yoga poses and styles with functional alignment principles.
This well-rounded practice offers more in terms of physical intensity, as well as delving deeper into the other rich aspects of the Yoga practice.
Modifications are encouraged, though this is not an ideal class for beginners: there is an assumed prior Yoga experience and knowledge of one's own limitations.
ACCESSIBLE YOGA Yoga
Have you ever felt like a regular Yoga class wasn't for you? Like you felt forced to fit the mould of the class rather than the class serving your individual needs? Then you need accessible Yoga. Accessible Yoga meets you where you are at, regardless of shape, size, age, ability and experience. This class is a body positive, shame-free space for diverse bodies to experience the benefits of Yoga.
TEENS Yoga (High school age) Course
The ideal Yoga class for stressed out High School aged girls and boys.
The physical aspects of Teens Yoga will stretch, strengthen and tone your body - which complements the sport you play by increasing focus and preventing injury AND is ideal for desk-sitters and slouchers.
Aside from the physical benefits, teenagers learn tools for coping with the unique issues they're faced with everyday: exams & expectations, stressful schedules & situations, friendships and relationships, and the enormous pressure to fit in.
We provide a safe, fun space where they don’t need to overachieve - and offer tools to develop focus, deal with pressure, stress and anxiety AND develop focus and confidence.
They’ll truly relax with a combination of movement, breathing and gentle meditation techniques.
THE ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHER IS VALID FOR OUR YOGA. PLEASE EMAIL THE TEENS NAME, DATE OF BIRTH AND VOUCHER NUMBER TO BOOK. THE VOUCHER IS ONLY VALID FOR IN STUDIO YOGA, NOT ONLINE YOGA.
GYROKINESIS®
The Gyrokinesis Method is a movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength through rhythmic, flowing movement sequences. It is a unique method which coordinates movement, breath and mental focus.
The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced in a group with a qualified Gyrokinesis trainer. You will do some of the class on a stool and some on a mat.
GYROTONIC®
The Gyrotonic method is an original and unique movement method that addresses the entire body, opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion and creating functional strength.
Gyrotonic exercise sequences are composed of spiralling, circular movements which flow together seamlessly in rhythmic repetitions with corresponding breath patterns. Each movement flows into the next allowing the joints to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. These carefully crafted sequences create balance, efficiency, strength and flexibility.
The Gyrotonic Method utilizes specially designed equipment which supports the bodys' natural movement patterns in its ability to arch, spiral and curl. Sophisticated adjustments allow Gyrotonic Trainers to adapt the equipment to the ideal setting for each persons unique physique, adapting for things such as height, arm length and leg length, natural range of motion and physical ability.
Gyrotonic sessions are adapted to fit anyones ability from those recovering from injury or living with a disability to elite athletes.
For bookings Please email
PILATES STUDIO sessions
We focus on individually tailored Pilates using appropriate Pilates equipment and/or mat exercises to achieve desired outcomes. There is top quality Pilates equipment in the studio. Ingrid and her teachers are very happy to work with referring health professionals to help achieve the best outcomes.
We offer private sessions, duets with a friend or small groups of up to 3 people all being guided according to their needs. One starts off with a private initial consult where the teacher can assess your posture, strengths and ascertain any goals you have in mind to start working towards. After that most people book into a regular time-slot each week or simply book week by week as your diary, and ours, allows.
“A body free from nervous tension and fatigue is the ideal shelter provided by nature for housing a well-balanced mind, fully capable of successfully meeting all the complex problems of modern living” Joseph Pilates
FOOT FITNESS
Foot Fitness is crucial to our health and wellbeing.... How many of us neglect or take our feet for granted?
Yamuna Foot Fitness helps to increase space and musculature within the feet, giving a multitude of benefits to your posture and alignment. Stimulation of muscles, organs and bones creates greater body awareness as well as relaxing the nervous system and increasing metabolism. Foot Fitness is a fabulous way to enhance any movement program and is also a fantastic place to start if painful feet are preventing you from moving.
This class uses a pair of Yamuna wakers, or Body Organics Hedgehogs or Makarlu
"So thankful to find Katrina and foot fitness class on the wakers. This weekly class has truly given me a new appreciation for my feet and how neglected they often are. The stimulation is intense and you can see and feel your feet strengthen and align. The effect is not only on your feet, your whole body feels invigorated after. This type of foot training will forever be a part of my fitness regime." Colleen
RESTORATIVE Yoga workshops
Restorative Yoga is a clever manipulation of the nervous system - leading to deep relaxation, when all the organ systems of the body are benefited. A few of the measurable physical results of deep relaxation are the reduction of blood pressure, insomnia and general fatigue; improved immune function, digestion, fertility, elimination, and an increase of the "good cholesterol" levels. The emotional benefits are way beyond measure.
Restorative Yoga is a chance to deepen the connection with your body, minimising our habitual tendency to go stronger, harder, faster, more… and to in fact actively and intentionally do nothing.
When given the chance to emerge, our inborn relaxation response provides a soothing, healing effect on the body, mind and spirit.
People heal because we take the metaphoric weight from the body, allowing it to find balance/homeostasis and reducing blood pressure.
Savouring in Restorative Yoga poses for longer allows you to cultivate a compassionate self enquiry: to listen to your body AND your spirit with your intuitive ear and connect with your inner wisdom – what needs healing or restoring?
Restorative Yoga involves extensive use of Yoga props (bolsters, blankets, blocks etc) - so we literally support, cushion and cradle the body, we cover you up and leave you there for around 20 minutes. We’re looking to reach the point where the physical body can completely relax, which initiates and facilitates healing on deeper levels including stress and emotions.
Restorative Yoga is highly recommended for any and everyone, regardless of previous yoga experience.
NOT SURE ?
How is your practice serving you RIGHT NOW?
Like life - our bodies, our energy and therefore our Yoga NEEDS change from time to time.
If you’re finishing your practice feeling unsatisfied on some level …
If you're wondering whether to take it up OR down a notch and move to a different class … ask yourself:
"Do I finish class feeling like I wanted MORE (more REST or more CHALLENGE)?”
"Do I know most of the poses we practice regularly in class, by name - and their correct execution?"
“Am I listening to my body, or am I listening to the “should’s” ?
"Am I still carrying that chronic injury (and should I continue to nurture it in a lower level class)?"
"Do I really need a change after all, or am I enjoying my practice just as it is?"
PLEASE ask your teacher if you're not sure which class is appropriate for your current practice. If we think you've made an inappropriate choice, we'll discuss it with you.
Sound Bath
Each Sound Bath is a unique experience which provides the opportunity for you to gently relax and for the body to initiate healing.
Using a variety of therapeutic sound instruments (Himalayan and Japanese Singing Bowls, chimes, gongs, drums, rain stick, Ocean drum, etc), you will be immersed in waves of vibration, a cocoon of gentle healing sounds which will penetrate every cell in your body.
As our cells are essentially composed of water, the sound waves readily pass through and affect them, via sympathetic resonance. Joined with a combined and focused positive intention, this helps to ‘re-set’ the vibrational frequency of our cells, initiating and promoting holistic healing.
The sound waves also interact with our brainwaves, putting us quickly and effectively into a relaxed state. It is similar to meditation in it’s effects.
Studies with an EEG (elctroencephalography, which records brain activity), have shown that these healing sounds alter our brainwave patterns almost immediately, allowing us to reap the benefits of deep states of relaxation.
Lastly, the sound instruments also affect our personal energetic field (bio-field or ‘aura’): refreshing, revitalising and even rebuilding our energetic patterns.
Combined, this presents a wonderful opportunity to clear, balance and harmonise the entire body, whilst helping to invigorate our natural healing processes.
KEY BENEFITS:
Deep relaxation
Lowers stress levels
Balances brain hemispheres (through entrainment)
Cleanses bio-energetic field
Realigns chakras (energy centres)
Re-sets normal cellular frequency
Empowers intention
Boosts immune system
Stimulates endocrine system
Promotes better sleep
Initiates healing
Thanks Mitch - you are an incredible teacher and you make my world a better place.
Kate
Thank you so much for the restorative class yesterday - I really did enjoy being nurtured (spoilt??) so much. You do a wonderful job & make Yogabowl a place of such variety not only of learning, but general well-being and inner peace.
Judy
I’m in a yoga trance… you have magical powers! I really love coming to your yoga class, I feel like a ‘whole’ person again!
Shauna
Feelin'' all loved up after taking class with Mitch.
Sigh ~ Everyone should get to experience the way she teaches self nurturing... Go see her at Yogabowl ~ we could all do with a little bit of that.
Kirralie
I think you''re a wonderful teacher Mitch, with a very special way of connecting with your students. To have your support and encouragement with my Yoga Teacher Training, is something I''m really grateful for.
Jo
Thank you for the warm welcome today - first time I''ve felt so welcomed at a yoga class. I thoroughly enjoyed the deep stretching.
Marie
The Beginner course was a wonderful introduction to yoga - and helped me overcome my reservation that I might not be sufficiently fit or spiritual to get into it. I loved the content - the exercises were within my reach and I also appreciated Jo''s ability to adapt the practice to everyone''s individual body and capacity.
The atmosphere was nurturing and encouraging and Jo''s expertise very valuable. I always left feeling relaxed and fabulous. Many many thanks - I will be back!
Christine
As a former yoga student of Mitch, all I can say is that she sets the standard for every yoga teacher I have been looking for since. I had the honour of being her student for a little over a year - though having relocated recently, no teacher has come remotely close.
She has ruined me for the better and my body misses her classes. :)
She is so kind and patient and encouraging for any student looking to learn yoga; yet she knows just how much to push you to go that little bit further. Her intuitive teaching style and attentive eye, makes you feel like you are having a one on one class with her, never mind the fact that there might be 20 other people in the room.
Every yoga student should have a teacher like Mitch at least once in their lifetime. If I was back down in Sydney, I''d be at her classes every weekend in Lane Cove. If I had the authority in my workplace, I''d have Mitch giving my co-workers a lunchtime yoga class (but I don''t).
In a world of increased sedentary lifestyles and employment, yoga is necessary for good health. If you have always wanted to learn yoga, go to Mitch. I''m not kidding.
Christine
Thanks for the lovely welcome back this morning. I had such great time and loved the class.
Ange
Your classes have taught me to take some much needed time out to be grateful for the strengths of my
body and soul. I am looking forward to next term.
Marie