Yoga in the evening online class to break up the week with a challenge whether in Worcester or where ever you are in the world. Connect with friends and family around the country or globe and do Yoga together. The class time is reduced to 70 minutes giving you the option to use the online guided relaxation resource or not. Online Yoga classes open at 5:50 to ensure everyone is online and have an optional natter before the class starts promptly at 6 pm. If you are late you will probably miss the class due to the nature of classes now being taught online, so please schedule them into your diary. If you do miss this class there is another one at 7:30 that same evening. Remember too when you pay for one class weekly you can join as many of the other classes as you like for free. Use the online resource to deepen your practise and experience the many benefits of yoga more speedily.
Yoga taught traditionally starts with Pranayama breathing techniques to help cleanse and detox our internal organs. Starting with deep abdominal breathing, ideally adopted in everyday life, always in and out through the nose. With the virus around breathing in and out through the nose is hugely encouraged as the hair follicles and mucus membrane act as natural filters, helping to purify the air going into the lungs. If you struggle with this then please do get in touch and suggestions for ways to support you can be given.
Pranayama breathing techniques then progress to Anuloma Vuloma, alternate nostril breathing. It is important to listen to the instruction to ensure the right nostrils are being used at the right time. Try not to trouble yourself with the counting as that’s my job, but try to relax focus on your abdominal muscles expanding and contracting with each in and out-breath. Alternate Nostril breathing will help support you with any stress or issues where the mind is racing as long as you listen to the instructions given. Our minds are so often busy that emptying them is a real challenge, pranayama can help do just that and assists you with meditation.
After 2/3 months of Anuloma Vuloma and you are comfortable with the retention of 20 seconds then the advanced breathing technique is introduced. Kapalabathi breathing is an advanced breathing technique which can not only assist with cleansing the internal organs but also weight loss, alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet. The breathing techniques should never be forced. Should you ever feel light-headed or dizzy you must stop and return to deep abdominal breathing, the breathing style ideally adopted as ordinary breathing.
After pranayama comes the physical bit, Asana. The majority of postures taught online are demonstrated so if you are unsure watch the demonstration but just as important listen to the instruction. Discomfort is encouraged but never pain so it is so important to listen to your body and recognise that our bodies change daily so one day you may be able to do a posture more comfortably than another day. Try not to get frustrated but use it as an opportunity to see if there is anything else going on. Remember yoga is not about the end result but the journey and our attitude are hugely important in our learning. You will be given more and less strenuous options depending on how you are feeling so go ahead, challenge yourself if you in the mood on the day you attend online yoga.
We are all built and shaped differently so work with your body and use the opportunity to practise more than once a week to really see and feel your body changing in strength and flexibility. Yoga is not a competitive practice so do not compare yourself with anyone or how you were once upon a time.
Please see our other online Worcester yoga class and our guided relaxation page.
Barbara
I love this blend of breathing techniques, classical yoga assanas and deep relaxation. Claire is a competent and caring teacher who takes seriously the welfare of each student to ensure everyone has the best possible yoga experience for them. I would recommend to anyone at any level
Claire Swaffield
Barbara thank you so much for your kind words and i so glad that the practise of traditional yoga suits you. It is so good to see you online particularly at this time.x
Ann Taylor
Hi,
I began classes with Claire around 10 months ago. Physically stiff and mentally exhausted. Cynical that yoga wasn’t for me but would give it ago!
Well, I attend 2 classes a week, don’t pretend to be an expert, overweight and over 50, but the stretching helps with 20 years of back problems, and the relaxation set at end of the class resets my head for a stressful week at work much to my surprise.
Claire is with every one welcoming and encouraging. This I, plan to make a lifelong habit.
Ann – Worcester
Claire Swaffield
Ann im so pleased that your back has improved and it shows that a regular practise really supports us both mentally and physically. Great too that you can access the classes online. Thanks for sharing x
simonmendes
My Chiropractor recommended yoga for my bad back. I’ve been attending Yoga classes with Claire for over a year now and much improved in body and mind!
The online classes are great. Claire’s instructions are clear and easy to follow and, at £7 a week for multiple classes, it’s an absolute bargain!
Claire Swaffield
So great Simon that you and Sarah can access the online classes and coming more than once a week too. Thanks for your review and i’m thrilled that you are benefiting from the classes xx
Caitlin
I joined Claire’s yoga classes to complement physio I was having for my knees. It’s now coming up to 2 years since I started and I no longer have problems with my knees. I also saw improvement in my strength just a few months after starting the weekly classes. Claire is a great teacher, explaining and demonstrating the postures clearly, and making sure the classes are tailored to suit all levels.
Claire Swaffield
Caitlin thanks so much and im so pleased that the classes and regular practise has helped physically. Its is great too that youre able to do the classes with your family.xx