Most of us only take an interest in the body when it breaks down.  If we allow such things as poor posture, poor muscle tone, emotional tensions and stress to go unchecked, they will eventually take hold.  

We need to become aware of our individual weaknesses and limitations.  Yoga has the ability to increase this awareness and is unsurpassed in its approach to total body fitness. 

What to expect from your first class

The lesson will last 1hour and 30 minutes. We will work through a plan which incorporates limbering and Yoga asanas (postures). It will usually end with a 15 minute period of relaxation.

We work with the breath throughout the lesson. This may seem difficult to start with, but don’t worry about this, just do what you feel happy with.

Yoga is non-competitive. You do not need to be concerned with what other students can or cannot do, everybody is different. A posture that is easy one day may not be as easy the next.

Listen to your body. Do what you feel comfortable with. Try to do what you can, but never strain the body. If it hurts, stop!

Yoga is not about twisting the body into strange positions. If there is anything you do not wish to do, you don't have to do it!

Wear clothes that are comfortable and non restricting, women usually wear leggings and a T-shirt or a leotard. 

Men usually wear training bottoms/shorts and a T-shirt.

Again don’t worry about this as it is not a fashion parade!

Bare feet is normal, (non slip socks could be worn in the winter)

If you wear contact lenses, it might be better to bring an old pair of spectacles.

A non slip mat - 

[Yoga mats are best due to their additional length]  £15.00 each

I will lend you a mat for your first lesson

A blanket or some extra clothing for when you relax

Source: University of California Venice 2002

Students did yoga 4 times a week which included 10 mins of breathing exercises, 15mins of warm ups and 50 mins of posture work.  

After just 8 weeks of yoga:-

• muscular strength had increased by 31%

• Stamina was up by 57%

• flexibility had increased by 188%

Breathing capacities were also up by 7% which is very high for only 8 weeks of yoga.

However, for the students that did not carry on with their practice the benefits were lost as the body goes through a period of detraining very quickly.

For example in just 20 day's of rest:-

• Stamina reduces by 25%, a loss of about 1% a day.  

• Strength reduction is even higher, with losses of over 35%. 

• Flexibility also reverses as muscles become more tighter and risk of imbalance increases as some muscle groups tighten more quickly than others.  

The principles are clear...use it or lose it!

Yoga classes with Phil Aston

We look forward to seeing you, and don't forget - ENJOY YOURSELF!