Hatha Yoga

 

The asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath work) that we practice in the West constitute „Hatha Yoga“.  This term  can mean either „forceful“ or „willful“, indicating that Hatha  yoga requires a certain amount of effort for transformation to occur.  It can also mean sun (ha) and moon (tha), which refers to the balance of masculine qualities such as active/hot/sun with the feminine qualities such as receptive/cool/moon.  Thus Hatha yoga is a practice that creates balance within the systems of the body and helps to unite the various aspects of ourselves.  It allows us to still the fluctuations of the mind by requiring us to bring our attention to the breath and to the alignment of the body in the various postures.

 

Hatha Flow Yoga

(Basics, Deep Hatha Flow, Hatha Flow, Candlelight Flow)

 

Our Hatha Flow classes begin either with a few moments seated in silence or with breath work.  We then move on to a slow warm up, progress into flowing Sun Salutations, a creative flow of dynamic standing poses and finally move into the slower seated postures.  The sequences of asanas are designed to align your skin, the muscles and the bones so that Life Energy (prana) can flow freely through the many energy channels of the body, especially through the main energy channel running along the spine (Sushumna).  A Hatha Flow class  increases the body’s strength and flexibility and also brings clarity and serenity to the mind.  The difference between the various Hatha Flow classes is the degree of difficulty not only regarding the postures themselves but the reference to the inner energy work involved.

 

Yin Yoga

 

This class is a slow-paced style of Yoga with postures held for comparatively long periods of time 2 – 5 minutes per pose.  Because of this the asanas have an effect on the connective tissues – the tendons, fascia and ligaments – and therefore increase the circulation of Qi (subtle energy that runs through the meridian pathway of the body) and blood in the joints and improve flexibility and nourish the organs. This is a wonderful complement to the more Yang, dynamic types of class such as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Hatha Flow.

 

Yin & Yoga Nidra

 

Our Yoga Nidra evenings begin with a yin yoga session and some light mobilisation exercises that focus on the spine and breath. This is ideal to prepare your body for the later Yoga Nidra practice, calm your thoughts and reduce any tension.  In the second part of the practice, we devote ourselves to a 30-minute yoga nidra phase. Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation in which the body reaches a state between wakefulness and sleep. Your body is completely relaxed while your mind is awake and undisturbed. By focusing on your breath, your body and with the help of visualisations, you achieve even deeper relaxation and clarity.  The course is suitable for yoga practitioners of all levels. For the yoga nidra session, you should be able to lie on your back for approximately 30 minutes (with the support of cushions, blankets and other aids). Yogic sleep can help you to cope better with everyday stress. It offers an effective method of calming down and restoring your inner balance. 

 

Yoga for the over 60’s

 

This class is designed to keep body and mind fit and flexible! As the body ages we face many challenges: loss of bone density, stiffness, hardening of the arteries, hormonal fluctuations, mild depression .... a regular yoga practice can help combat all of this so that we can still move around in a happy, healthy body. We use the help of chairs, blocks and belts where appropriate.

 

Teen Yoga

 

Modern lifestyles subject children to everyday stresses in life and increased pressure in schools. Yoga provides our children with a set of tools and a solid foundation to balance these pressures.  By providing a nurturing but focused learning atmosphere yoga encourages children to relax and have fun whilst developing both their mental and physical potential.  Yoga is non-competitive and allows each child to work at his or her own pace. By assisting each other through partnering, the children help each other to achieve their goals in the asana practice. This helps develop compassion and awareness towards others.  Learning through play with yoga games, music and inspirational stories, a varied program is offered, teaching children many different aspects of yoga.

 

Prenatal Yoga

 

Stay active and embrace your pregnancy journey with prenatal yoga! This gentle practice offers a safe space to flow, strengthen, stretch, and breathe – all tailored to your changing body. Whether you're a yoga newbie or a seasoned practitioner, prenatal yoga helps you stay pain-free, balanced, confident, and relaxed throughout your pregnancy, leading you up to birth feeling your best.

 

Postnatal Yoga

 

This gentle yoga class is designed specifically for mothers in the early stages of postpartum (typically 6 to 12 weeks after childbirth). Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner, this class is a welcoming space to focus on gentle movements to aid postpartum healing, rebuild core strength including the pelvic floor, and improve flexibility. Soothing stretches will target common discomforts and leave you feeling rejuvenated while deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices will help you manage the emotional ups and downs of new motherhood.

 

SUP Yoga

 

SUP stands for Stand Up Paddle. If you enjoy the outdoors, fresh air and water beneath you this playful approach to yoga would appeal to you. Connect to the element of water as you move through a yoga practice on the paddle board putting your balance to the test.  SUP Yoga develops strength, fluidity and is a great core workout. Classes are held in Erlenbach on the Zürichsee.

 

Private Yoga Coaching

 

The aim of a private class or Yoga therapy class is to tailor-make a practice that suits your personal needs. In such a setting we have enough time to explain and show you appropriate practices of asana, pranayama and meditation techniques for your personal situation. Such a class can be of benefit for the following conditions:

 

Chronic back and neck tension

Muscle tension

Spinal problems

Chronic health issues

Insomnia

Digestive problems

High Blood pressure

Anxiety and Depression

Burn-out

 

Corporate Yoga

 

Yoga in the workplace is becoming increasingly popular as companies take a proactive step in reducing the stress levels of their staff ensuring they stay fit and healthy.  For further information please contact Rachel Sundström.

 

Pilates Flow

 

In this balanced, holistic workout for body and mind, you will experience a strengthening, joint-friendly and relaxing full-body workout with a focus on the powerhouse - the body's energy center around the deep muscles of the abdomen, pelvic floor and back. A strong core is essential for good posture and back health. This class will strengthen your core muscles for better overall stability. Flowing movements will challenge your coordination and improve your balance while the combination of movement and breath work can help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.

 

Body Sculpt

 

Ready to build lean muscle and improve your overall physique? Our Body Sculpt class is designed to do just that! This energetic, total-body workout combines strength training with targeted exercises to help you achieve your fitness goals. A dynamic warm-up will get your blood pumping and muscles prepped with a fun and functional routine. Each class will focus on different muscle groups, utilising a variety of equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, and your own body weight. The class will also incorporate exercises that strengthen and stabilise your core which is essential for better posture, and overall fitness. Enjoy a motivating group setting with upbeat music to keep you energised throughout the workout.  We'll finish the class with a cool-down to bring your heart rate down and stretches to improve flexibility.  Suitable for all fitness levels.  Please bring a small towel and a bottle of water.

 

Feel free to contact us to arrange a trial class. We look forward to sharing our love of yoga and movement with you.