HATHA YOGA

Hatha, meaning sun (ha) and moon (tha) is the coming together of the masculine, active (ha) energy and the feminine, receptive (tha) energy. It is a strong physical practice that was traditionally used to prepare the body to sit for long periods of meditiation and to bring a greater sense of health and wellness to its practitioner. Here in the West, Hatha yoga has mostly become the yoga of postures and breath control, asana and pranayama. It forms the basis from which other yogic traditions have originated, like Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga. Hatha forms the basis of all classes provided here at Keola Studio.

Yoga strengthens, stretches and tones the body, but also brings greater breath and energy awareness. It allows you to fully engage in life with a strong body, connected to a more balanced, open and aware mind.

SOME USEFUL YOGA TERMS!

Asana: a yoga posture or pose
Surya Namaskar: Sun Salutation, a sequence of postures linked together to warm up the body, practiced at the start of a class.
Mantra: a chant or the singing aspect of the class (always optional!)
Pranayama: breathing technique
Vinyasa: a number of postures linked together, similar to a sun salutation, used to maintain heat in the body and to link one posture to the next.
Savasana: Corpse pose, practiced by lying flat out on the mat. This helps the body to become centred and relaxed. The most important part of your yoga practice and perhaps the most lovely!!
Bandhas: Locks in the body, used to keep heat within the body which helps with strength and core stability.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

BEGINNERS YOGA

This class uses a core Ashtanga yoga series suited to those who have never done yoga before and wish to begin their yoga journey. It moves at a slower space with more detailed instrutions. It includes mantra, pranayama, the foundational postures and an opening and closing savasana for a lovely all round yoga experience.

IMPROVERS YOGA

This class is designed around a shortened Ashtanga primary series with a core set of essential asanas with some extras added for variety! The class includes an opening mantra (which you can join in with if you like) and savasana, pranayama and sun salutations to awaken the body and build heat. The asanas follow a structure moving from the standing, seated, lying and then deeper finishing postures, to bring the body through its full range of movement in a safe and sequential way. This class also includes an element of vinyasa The class ends with savasana where the body resets itself and switches back to relaxation mode, most people’s favourite part of class!!

This class is suitable for those who have already some yoga experience as it moves at a faster pace.

GENTLE YOGA

This class is suitable for those with no experience of yoga or who are looking for a slow, relaxing and rejuvenating class. This class is excellent for those who need more peace and calm in their lives or who wish to maintain a slower practice, it is also suitable for those recovering from injury and want to ease back into their practice more gently. This class includes an opening savasana (centering and relaxation), mantra (chant), pranayama (breath practice), postures used to reset and calm the body and a long closing savasana.

KIDS YOGA

This class is excellent for all children. It helps to calm, stretch, strengthen children and to give them the skills to cope with a busy and confronting world. Children’s yoga builds confidence and self esteem, essential for a happy and fulfilling life.

ONE TO ONE CLASS

One-to-one classes are excellent for those who are just starting out in yoga and want to become comfortable with the basic postures before starting a class. It is also excellent for those who are not yet comfortable in a class environment. One-to-one yoga is also excellent for those who want to go more deeply into yoga, either at a faster or slower pace.

PRIVATE GROUP CLASSES

If you belong to a company, school, or would like a private class for yourself and your friends, then look no further!

Check out the Schedule page for information on class times and prices!