Questions
The answers to some frequently asked questions |
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Yoga
is an ancient system of Indian philosophy. It incorporates a range
of practices from meditation, to physical postures and breath control.
All of the yoga styles we teach at Yoga Junction come under the
umbrella of Hatha Yoga. Hatha Yoga combines movement and
breath to exercise and purify the body’s muscles, nerves and
glands and to focus the mind. There are many different syles of
Hatha Yoga (Iyengar, Astanga, Viniyoga, Sivananda etc.) Where the
timetable says simply Hatha Yoga this means it is a class in the
classical tradition of Hatha Yoga which does not follow an particular
'Guru' or teacher. The ultimate goal of all forms of yoga is self-realisation,
to help you discover
your true nature. |
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The regular practice of yoga can have a profound effect on your physical and mental state. Practising yoga can help you: Build strength
Increase flexibility
Promote calm and relaxation
Relieve tension
Improve concentration
Boost energy
Develop stamina
Enhance body awareness
Yoga has also been shown to help alleviate many common complaints
such as insomnia, anxiety, IBS, digestive disorders, PMS, stress,
backache and headaches. |
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| Almost
anyone can practise Yoga, regardless of your level of flexibility,
strength or balance. Yoga is non-competitive. This means you learn
how your body works and maximise its potential. Yoga works with your
body, it does not impose a system of goals towards which you must
push yourself, but allows you to discover what you are capable of.
Depending on your individual circumstances you may prefer a very gentle
class or one that is athletically challenging. We also have special
classes for people living with serious illness or injury, for children,
for pregnant and for post-natal women. |
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| What
happens in a class ? |
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| During
a Yoga class, you will be guided through a series of Yoga Postures
(called Asana). The teacher will both explain and demonstrate. He/She
may also help you learn a posture by adjusting you. Some classes include
breathing exercises (pranayama) and some include chanting. At the
end of class there is a relaxation, which is generally done lying
down. |
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| Wear
comfortable clothes that you can move in freely. You do not need shoes.
In the more dynamic classes you will tend to get hot, so we recommend
that you wear thin leggings or shorts and light T-shirts. For the
gentler classes you might want to wear a little more clothing. |
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| Yoga
mats, blankets and other props are provided, but you are welcome to
bring your own if you have one. We also sell yoga mats, blocks and
belts if you would like to have your own (which is more hygienic!). |
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| We have 2 classes each week specifically for women who are pregnant. Mondays at 6.30pm and Thursdays at 11.15am. These classes are ideal right through a pregnancy. It’s usually best to wait until you are 15 weeks before attending classes. If you plan to come before then, please tell the teacher beforehand. It is possible to attend regular classes through a pregnancy, but not advisable to so anything too strong and heating. If you do plan to come to a regular class, please call first to check it is ok, and always tell the teacher that you are pregnant before the class.
We also run Preparation for Birth Workshops with Julia East, yoga teacher and mid-wife. You can attend these with your partner. They usually run every couple of months. Check out the Workshop section for more information.
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| Injuries,
mobility problems, high blood pressure and other health problems |
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Yoga
postures can be adapted for most conditions. We would be happy to
discuss the most appropriate classes for you. If you do come to
a class and you have any injuries or health problems, please inform
the teacher before the class begins.
We are quite happy to meet you for a chat before you come to a class, so if you are unsure about which class to come to, then either call up and ask for Nigel or Tara, or you could arrange to come in and chat to us. |
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Do
not eat for at least an hour before class and even an hour may not
be enough to digest a heavy meal. It can be very uncomfortable to
practise with a full stomach.
Practising
yoga helps to eliminate toxins from the body. It is important to
drink water to assist this process. Obviously, you do not want a
lot of liquid sloshing around in your stomach when you are practising;
so don’t drink a lot just before class. We also do not recommend
drinking water during practice. But make sure you have some water
after a class. |
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Off-road parking is available at Yoga Junction, but entirely at the Security Guard’s discretion. There is 24-hour security here, and the Security Guard is totally in charge of parking. The parking spaces are mostly for permanent workers at City North. If there are spaces available, he may let you park for free during quiet times. Alternatively he may let you park at £2 per hour or he may not let you park at all. Evenings and weekends are the quietest times, but not when Arsenal are playing at home. There are meters in Fonthill road at £2 per hour. Please note that we have no control whatsoever over the parking here.
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