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.
BEGINNERS Yoga Course
If you’ve never done Yoga before, this BEGINNER Yoga course is for you.
The ideal non-threatening starting point. You’ll be guided through:
* Basic Yoga technique and alignment
* English names of the poses - nothing tricky to remember.
* Learn about how these poses are beneficial, and which ones we avoid - when new to Yoga.
* Simple breathing and relaxation techniques.
* We’ll slow down enough to really listen in to our bodies (bypassing expectations) and explore self care instead.
* No crazy poses or taking you our of your comfort zone. This is genuinely for beginner Yogi’s - we promise.
A fun, approachable learning environment where every BODY is cared for & accepted, and you can ask as many questions as you need.
It will give you the confidence to say, “I do Yoga” - and to progress into other Yoga classes.
During times where there are no Beginner Courses running, we highly recommend you join the GENTLE Classes.
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.
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.
Gyrotonic 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 classes 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
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.
Yoga and Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be the most incredible time in a woman’s life. It’s a time for nurturing, slowing down and listening to your body with your intuitive ear. Yoga during pregnancy connects women with their breath, their bodies and their baby by offering safe, simple and effective exercises to strengthen and relax your rapidly changing body, preparing you for your best possible birthing outcome. If you’re expecting a baby, we welcome you to join in our GENTLE CLASSES and we'll guide you through relevant and appropriate modifications to ensure the practice is safe and effective. All women at any stage in their pregnancy are welcome - even during attempted conception.
If the class times are inconvenient, or you're experiencing pelvic pain (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction), high blood pressure, are carrying twins or are experiencing discomfort and/or immobility in your third trimester, please enquire with us.
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.
Thanks for all your efforts in bringing good people together through Yogabowl. Keep up the good work.
Andrew
My daughter,(year 7) attended your Teens Yoga class on the weekend. Despite being very anxious about not knowing anyone and having no idea what to do she loved it and is keen to return next week!
CF
Thanks, I loved the free trial class and it was amazing to feel like my body had been woken up! It''s true - it really looks after our minds, body and soul. I''m looking forward to my next class.
Suellen
My golf swing has really improved since starting Yoga. So thanks.
Gary, Ernst & Young.
I can''t believe how relaxed I am. My mind feels so clear and uncluttered. One of my goals this year to find peace, calmness, clarity, flexibility and personal happiness. I feel like I have been running on empty for years. I feel like I need yoga like I need oxygen!
Anon
Restorative Yoga is nothing short of totally transformational!
The gentle, nurturing nature of this event, enriched by, the care you and Mary provided, made for a very welcome and utterly relaxing couple of hours ... with on going benefits of calmness and relaxation.
The barbed wire in my brain has been transformed into the softest velvet. I haven''t felt so relaxed and peaceful in a very long time.
Diane
I have to say, you have been a godsend for me since i moved to Sydney. thanks to your yoga classes, and the lovely way you present to us all.
Christal
I can''t believe how relaxed I am. My mind feels so clear and uncluttered. One of my goals this year to find peace, calmness, clarity, flexibility and personal happiness. I feel like I have been running on empty for years. I feel like I need yoga like I need oxygen!
Anon
So glad we have you in our lives, Mitch - you do wonderful things for the earth and the people in it x
Susan
Thank you so much for a wonderful term! I''ve found the Corporate Yoga sessions so relaxing and look forward to the next term.
Prashanti