Applying Pilates Principles to a Modern Yoga Practice

2PM – 4PM SATURDAY 13th APRIL

With Alison Firth

What is the connection between Pilates, a technique for developing and improving movement and helping to rehabilitate after injury and Yoga?

Jospeh Pilates drew from his experiences of practicing yoga in the development of his technique and as a result they make comfortable bedfellows. When we learn Pilates, we learn isolated exercises. Here we will explore what we mean by ‘the core’ and play with how the matwork exercises can be applied functionally and in a fun way in your Yoga practice.

This workshop will take you through some of the basic Pilates techniques and mat work exercises and explore how they can help improve and enrich our yoga practice through increasing awareness, use of breath, precision, centering and flow.

Yin Yoga

6PM – 7PM FRIDAY 19th APRIL

With Tilly Maylen

The body cannot for long tolerate consuming more than is replaced. Yin yoga is essential for those of us who enjoy strong physical exercise. To prevent tightening of muscles, stress on the joints and a lowering of our energy strong dynamic practices need to be balanced with the cooling element of Yin.

Yin Yoga focuses on releasing the connective tissue of the body (tendons, ligaments and fascia). The practice works deeply into our body with passive, longer-held poses to help muscles to lengthen & release.

In this session Tilly will guide you through a series of sustained, passive floor poses, that mainly work the lower body – hips, pelvis, inner thighs, lower spine.

This beautiful practice cultivates a deep sense of physical awareness – rejuvenating our body and recharging our energy levels.

“If you practice the yang – do the yin”

Qi Gong

TRANSFORM STRESS INTO VITALITY WITH QI GONG

12:05pm – 12:50pm TUESDAY

11am – 12 Noon FRIDAY

What is Qi Gong?

Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese mind-body practice which is used to promote and restore both physical & mental health. When we face stress or uncertainty in our lives, it is important to stay connected to our centre maintaining balance and resilience. With its roots in traditional Chinese medicine Qi Gong utilises gentle movement and breathwork to connect mind & body.

What happens in a class?

• Qi Gong is practiced standing, however a few floor based stretches may also be used.
• A class starts with breathing exercises – Breath is the bridge influencing our respiratory, nervous, circulatory and immune systems.
• Gentle warm up and stretching movements help to ease muscular tension, aches & pains.
• At the heart of the practice are simple, gentle flowing sequences that help to transform stress into vitality.
• The session ends with a 10-minute meditation to restore mental clarity and balance.

Pilates Course

11:30am – 12:30pm SATURDAY

4th MAY – 8th JUNE (6 week Course)

With Alison Firth

Jospeh Pilates drew from his experiences of practicing yoga in the development of his technique and as a result they make comfortable bedfellows. When we learn Pilates, we learn isolated exercises. In these classes we will explore what we mean by ‘ the core’ and play with how the matwork exercises can be applied functionally and in a fun way in your Yoga practice.

Over six weeks, Alison will take you through some of the basic Pilates techniques and mat work exercises and explore how they can help improve and enrich our yoga practice through increasing awareness, use of breath, precision, centring and flow.