CLASS STRUCTURE

Shanti yoga is multilevel and is designed for students with varying levels of experience with yoga, from beginners to seasoned practitioners at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, within the same class. Classes are fully led and consist of fluid, guided sequences designed to offer a deeper rhythmic flow of asana, movement and breath and favour the rich continuity of quiet, focused flow. You must take care to work at your level of ability, where you will most benefit, and, be safe.

BEGINNING YOGA is where most people start! As a beginner, you must focus on the details of the instructions for the principles of health, alignment and movement, learning the essentials of a healthy and sustainable foundation for your yoga practice. Here you learn how to work with your body with precision and insight, while developing an understanding of the various practices and stretches and their variations. Work gently, yet challengingly as you learn about structural alignment and beginning pranayama in floor, seated, kneeling and standing poses, twists and gentle backbends.

In your INTERMEDIATE PRACTICE, you can expand the asana and you must cultivate a keener awareness of movement and breath as you increase your strength and resilience. Now you focus less on step-by-step instruction and must emphasise the application of the asana. You’re ready for intermediate practice when you have achieved a familiarity with the basic poses and you know what is healthy for your body, based on your ability to listen to its messages. So, now you can attempt the more advanced choices and variations offered in seated and standing poses, twists, backbends, balances and inversions.

ADVANCED YOGA brings a dynamic flow to your class practice and permits you to a wider range of intensity, intricacy and challenge that requires a spirit of adventure as well as an advanced level of skill.

REMEDIAL YOGA involves the use of props to support the body in gentle poses and you must emphasise open, gentle breathing that relieves the effects of chronic stress and toxicity and facilitates a state of deep, lucid relaxation and healing.

RESTORATIVE classes are thoroughly restful. A restorative practice like nidra or pranayama help you settle quietly into deeper sensations and awareness within your body. It is peaceful and nourishing.

In PRENATAL and POSTPARTUM YOGA, the general, multilevel class offers a supportive space to engage with others also engaged in gentle asana and pranayama. Now you must focus on postural alignment, strengthening and stretching the legs and spine, opening the hips, toning the pelvic floor, deep breathing and relaxation.

Don’t hesitate to ask the teacher for suggestions as to which classes may be more suitable for you. Please keep in mind that personal instruction, as in a personal one-to-one session is also available.