What should I wear and bring to the session?
Wear comfortable, stretchable clothing. T-shirts and track suit bottoms are fine, but you might want something under your T-shirt that fits close to the body for the inverted postures. We work with bare feet, so please be able to remove your socks. Please bring a yoga mat! A blanket is useful for relaxation. It is also advisable to bring a small cushion or yoga block to sit on, and a necktie or yoga belt for certain stretches and partner work. Laura has mats for £16, yoga blocks and belts for £5 each -- please order in advance.

Is it okay to have a meal before practicing yoga?
It is best to wait for 1 ½ - 2 hours after a normal sized meal. However, a light snack (i.e., a piece of fruit) is okay if you need something to tide you over during the lunchtime classes.

Do you allow men in your class?
Yes. More and more men are taking up yoga, whether it be for enhancing their regular sports activity or for reducing the level of stress in their lives. (See the “Student Quotes” page.)

How does a usual class proceed? What will we be doing?
Each hatha class will begin with a short relaxation period to put aside the hustle and bustle of life so that deeper concentration can occur during the yoga session. A series of warm-up exercises and easy stretches will then limber and prepare the body for working with the more intense asana practice. Asana will usually be followed by a short pranayama (breathing) practice. The class concludes with a 10-15 minute Guided Relaxation. The Ashtanga classes follow a slightly different format. Traditionally, the Primary Series starts with five repetitions of two sun salutations, moves on to standing postures, followed by a sequence of sitting postures, then back bends, finishing postures, breathing sequence and relaxation. We will be working towards this with modifications.

Why do I need to register and book for a course in advance?
Apart from drop-in classes that are part of Health Club memberships, most yoga classes in Harrogate are conducted on a termly or half-termly basis. Although one gets fit with yoga practice, it is not an ordinary ‘keep fit’ class with the same basic routine each week. The yoga student has to master certain asanas or pranayama techniques before moving on to the next level. The sequential nature of such a practice would mean that the class momentum would be jeopardised whilst the teacher (for safety reasons) went over an unknown posture or sequence with a drop-in. It would not be fair to the other members of the class. Due to the increased popularity of yoga, it is advisable to register and book early for a particular course to avoid disappointment. Even some of the venues can accommodate more people, I limit the class size to around 15 members so that each student can receive individual attention.

What's the difference between Yoga and ‘keep fit’ classes?
Yoga is non-competitive. One works within the limits of one’s own body. You should not compare your ability to do a posture with someone else, nor should you be in competition with what you used to be able to do. As your teacher, I will offer modifications of a pose that are suitable for you at the time. Traditional exercise is goal orientated: How many press-ups can I do? Can I touch my toes? I'm going to do 10 more sit-ups today than I did yesterday. Yoga, by contrast, is a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are doing and how you feel as you perform the postures. In exercise, you fail if you miss your goal. In Yoga, you succeed by trying. The concentration and focus, along with breath synchronization, are the most important aspects of yoga practice.

What if I can’t make one of the sessions?
Can I come on another day that week?
Yes, if you check with me first to:
1) make sure that a particular class will be suitable for you and
2) make sure that your attendance will not overcrowd the session.

Will there be time for me to ask individual questions about my own personal practice?
There is usually a few minutes before or after the class when I can answer questions. You can always ring me if you have to leave right at the end of class. It could be that you need to book a one-to-one session to get you on the proper track. (See “Private Tuition”)

Is it okay to practise Yoga while pregnant?
I practised yoga through both my pregnancies. It is okay to continue practising Yoga while you are pregnant as long as you were practising before conception. Yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. In particular it can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalise thyroid functioning and blood pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed -- all of which is good for the baby, too. In general, however, you want to avoid strain, compressing the belly or abdomen and inverted postures, especially in the later stages. Many public libraries carry books about Yoga and pregnancy. It is a good idea to work with a Yoga teacher with pre-natal Yoga experience.

Should I practise Yoga during my period?
Mostly it is a matter of personal preference. Some women don't want to do yoga during this time, many don't mind and continue to practise. For women who do choose to practise, it is suggested that they avoid inverted poses, abdominal strengtheners, extended holding of any pose, or energizing breaths (like kapalabhati). Some say that these practices might interfere with the downward flow or cause discomfort.

What kind of Hatha Yoga do you teach?
My teaching is Wheel-based, but I borrow techniques from traditions such as Iyengar, Viniyoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga if I feel the method is appropriate for a particular class. I do have an introductory course of Ashtanga for Beginners which teaches the basic skills needed for that particular practice. I teach Swami Gitananda’s system of pranayama.

Do you teach any remedial yoga classes?
Watch this space! I have plans to do a teacher training course in remedial yoga offered by the Yoga for Health Foundation with which I am affiliated. For further information about the Foundation, see “Links”.

What is Baby Yoga?
Baby Yoga classes are for babies and their mums (or dads or carers). You learn how to practise infant massage and gentle yoga exercises with the baby. Nursery rhymes and songs help to keep the atmosphere fun and enjoyable for all. There are also postpartum exercises for new mums. An important part of any yoga practice is Relaxation, but these techniques are even more important to learn when a new baby arrives on the scene. Baby Yoga not only helps with the baby's physical and mental development, but also provides a means of communication through direct multi-sensory contact. It helps you to bond with your baby and it provides a way for the two of you to relax together.

What is YogaTots?
Whereas Baby Yoga is designed for babies up to crawling, I have developed YogaTots for the older baby and toddler. It is partner yoga for you and your child with fun songs and activities which aid in the development of concentration skills. YogaTots encourages pre-verbal communication and enhances physical confidence. It enriches the parent/child relationship, teaching you both how to relax together.

What is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is the name given to the system of hatha yoga currently taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and yogi in Mysore, India. However, the historical definition of ashtanga yoga is "eight-limbed yoga, " as originally outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Written between 400 and 200 B.C., the Yoga Sutras is the primary text of the science of classical yoga in which Patanjali collated and systemized existing techniques and knowledge of yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois began with the rediscovery, early in this century, of the Yoga Korunta, an ancient manuscript describing a unique system of hatha yoga practiced and created by the ancient sage Vamana Rishi. Under the direction of his guru Sri T. Krishnamacharya, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois helped decipher and collate this system of practising asana (postures). Entrusted with preserving, refining, and teaching the system of yoga described in the Yoga Korunta, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois named this system "Ashtanga Yoga," after Patanjali’s yoga system.

The Yoga Korunta emphasizes “vinyasa” (‘breath-synchronized movement’ ), a method of synchronizing progressive series of postures with a specific breathing technique (“ujjayi pranayama”)-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

Ashtanga yoga has become popular in the West, partly because it is practised by celebrities such as Madonna, Geri Halliwell and Sting. It is sometimes called 'Power' yoga because it is a dynamic and energetic practice suitable for those wanting intense physical exercise.

Some yoga purists have criticised the practice for its strong emphasis on the physical, fearing that the real purpose of yoga (union of the body, mind and spirit which leads to union with the Supreme Spirit) is often overlooked by Ashtanga teachers. In the original “Ashtanga” or “eight-limbed” system of Patanjali, the physical asana practice is merely the third step on the path towards this union - a means to an end, not the end itself.

Most reputable Ashtanga teachers, however, find that the breath-synchronized movements of vinyasa, along with the “bandhas” (muscular ‘locks’ that seal energy) and “dristis” (‘concentration points’), uniquely intensify concentration so that their students can more readily experience the sixth and seventh limbs of asthanga - “dharana” (‘concentration;) and “dhyana” (‘meditation’). The systemised practice of Ashtanga can truly nurture all of the eight limbs of the tree of yoga.

Some yoga anatomists condemn the Primary Series for having too many forward bends which can be stressful to the lower back. The theory behind the Primary Series is that forward bends expel stagnant energy from the system and replace it with fresh energy, making it an effective yoga chikitsa or “therapy”. As with all yoga practices, it is important to listen to your body. If you feel body stress or pain, either work more gently, skip the vinyasas or stop!

I teach a Beginners Introduction to Ashtanga suitable for people who have some experience of yoga (any tradition) but who are new to Ashtanga Yoga. The basic principles of Ashtanga Yoga will be introduced gradually over the course. Modifications are offered and students can rest at any time.

What are the “Eight Limbs of Yoga”?
1. Yama - the Observances (moral restraints upon behaviour)
2. Niyama - the Practices (self-purification and study)
3. Asana - the postures, the physical positions of yoga
4. Pranayama - the control of breathing; to expand awareness, help to control the mind
5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses
6. Dharana - concentration upon an object or idea - focussing attention onto one point
7. Dhyana - meditation, a constant stream of thought about the object of concentration
8. Samadhi - the state of identity with God/the Universe/the Life Force - a state of bliss consciousness that transcends thought

THE ASHTANGA GARDEN
Cultivate the ground with Yama and Niyama, living morally and ethically because it is the only way to live, the only possibility if you seek spiritual growth.

Plant your seeds with a controlled and aware body. Through the practice of Asanas, become strong and flexible enough to sit straight and still for long periods of time

Give your young plant food for growth with plenty of Pranayama, breath control, in many patterns and timings, held in and out. Your body and mind will ‘quiet’ themselves with the aid of the breath awareness.

Pratyahara is the ability of the young plant of your Yoga Sadhana to hold up to the onslaughts of the outer world as reported back to you by your senses. Many are the enemies for the tender seed, so be aware.

Take root firmly in your body, breath and mind, and reach Dharana. Hold to one spot. Let your roots go deep. Bend not in the wind, nor before the rain. Grow straight and tall, true and sincere to your purpose, your spiritual goal.

If you have cultivated your garden, planted good seeds, provided proper nutrients, and fresh air, withstood the predators of the world as reported to you by your senses….if you have remained true to your spiritual goal and sincere….. if you have held yourself body, heart and mind to one spot, in a one-pointed desire for perfection ... then ...... The bud of Dhyana may appear on the plant of your life, if your Karma and the grace of God so wills it. Do not pluck It. Tend to it carefully.

At the right moment, at the right place, when all 'first works have been done first" the lovely sun may rise of a morning and touch the bud of your aspiration .... and the full flowering of all that has gone before will unfold .... Samadhi ... the magnificent flower of Sincere Yoga Sadhana.

Hold on to this vision. Work for it.
Give over and into the Divine. He is a great gardener. He will make you grow.
By Yogamaharishi Swami Gitananda