We selected “Yoga 2” for group of the month and for half an hour watched the tutor instruct six members through a series of movements, including breath control, simple meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures which are widely practised for health and relaxation.
It was most interesting that Graeme, the only male member present, commented, “he always has the best sleep of the week after having attended the Yoga session”. Exercise causes the body to secrete serotonin and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Yoga is an ancient discipline and I was intrigued to find out what Mr. Google had to say about it and here is the answer:-
“The word yoga comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. It is a derivation of the word yuj, which means yoking, as in a team of oxen. In contemporary practice, this is often interpreted as meaning union. Yoga is said to be for the purpose of uniting the mind, body, and spirit.”
From a member's perspective
Each Thursday the Yoga 2 group meets in the early afternoon for 90 minutes of stretching, twisting , controlled breathing and deep relaxation.
Maria, our expert tutor , provides a smooth, detailed instruction for our practice and everyone responds to the best of their physical ability.
The atmosphere is friendly and good humoured even in the middle of classes.
It really isn’t that tough, however you know you’ve had a good workout , once the 30 minute savasana ( relaxation) period is over at the end the session.
Please note that our classes will change to Thursday mornings when we begin in February next year.
See below some of the interesting poses we achieve in our yoga practice.
Here are the names of the members who were present this afternoon.
From left to right, starting on the back row:-
Graeme Wilson
Sylvia Collins
Judith Lee
Linda Wadsworth
Shirley McCallum
Margaret Dixon
Maria Kerewaro (tutor)
From a practitioners perspective