Styles of yoga

There are many different styles of yoga, ranging from extremely gentle to extremely energetic, and everything in-between. Before you come to a class please read the information on this web-site carefully, and feel free to call us and ask any questions you wish.

‘Hatha’ is a general term which is used to describe any sort of yoga practise which involves a combination of postures, controlled breathing, and some kind of concentration and relaxation. All classes involve these elements to some extent. Within this general term there are also specific types of yoga which have their own format and are practised in a particular way.

Hatha Yoga Classes

These classes involve practising a combination of postures, breathing and relaxation. They vary a lot depending on the teacher. Some classes are strong and energetic, others more gentle and relaxing.

Below is a list of our Hatha yoga classes with brief descriptions to give you some idea of the type of class and the level.

Individual Hatha yoga class descriptions

Monday 9.30 - 11.00am - Tara - These classes often work on a theme or focus derived from yoga philosophy. They usually include sequences of asana plus pranayama or meditation. Not suitable for beginners

Monday 7.30 - 9.00pm - Freddie - a fairly dynamic, strong class with a combination of standing and sitting postures with some breathing and relaxation. Some experience is useful for this class

Tuesday 9.30-11.00am - Dynamic yoga - Nicky - Strong flowing invigorating class combining sequences of postures with controlled breathing.  Not for total beginners

Tuesday 11.00-12.30pm - Open yoga - Tara - A class designed for anyone who has any sort of physical restrictions for whatever reason.  The whole class can be done in a chair if necessary.

Tuesday 12.30-1.30pm  - Marie-Flore - a general class suitable for all levels including beginners

Tuesday 4.30-6.00pm - Hatha yoga class - a class taught by trainee teachers, often observed by a tutor.  For all levels.

Tuesday 6.30-7.30pm - Marie-Flore - a general level class for those with some experience.

Wednesday 9.00-10.00am - Gentle yoga - Tara - A soft class which will include relaxation, breathing exercises and meditation.

Thursday 9.30-11.00am - Tara - General hatha yoga for all levels. (This class usually follows the same thematic material as Tara's Monday class but the asana work is designed to be accessible for all levels).

Thursday 1.00-2.30pm -  Hatha yoga class - a class taught by trainee teachers, often observed by a tutor.  For all levels.

Thursday 7.30-9.00pm - Non-beginners yoga -  Federica  - A class for students with some experience.  The class will involve a range of postures and pranayama.

Friday 6.30-7.30pm - Steve - class for those with some experience.

Sunday 10.00-11.30pm - Tara - Hatha yoga class for non-beginners.

Sunday 11.30-12.30pm - Dawn - a class for total beginners or those with a little experience.

Astanga vinyasa yoga

More conveniently known as astanga yoga. This is potentially very energetic and physically strong. It originates from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and involves learning a set sequence of postures practised continuously, combined with controlled breathing. It involves a lot of movement, a fair amount of upper body work and you will get hot and sweaty.
There are 3 types of classes.

1. Beginners courses - Wednesdays 8.15-9.30pm and Monday 6.30-7.30pm - for total beginners to astanga yoga. You will learn the basic principles of the practise and work your way through some of the sequence. You will look at each posture in the sequence in a lot of detail. The emphasis is on making sure every student understands the basics and is able to practice safely. Suitable for total beginners or for people who have practised other styles of yoga.  See courses page for details.

2. Self-practice classes (also known as ‘Mysore style’) - Saturday 8.00-10.00am - this is the traditional way of learning and practising astanga yoga. Each student practises at their own pace and gets one-to-one instruction within a class situation. Each student tries to remember as much as possible on their own, with the assistance of a teacher where necessary. If you are a beginner you will be taught a small part of the sequence one-to-one and then attempt to repeat it on your own. These type of classes involve quite a lot of hands-on work from the teacher and also lots of one on one teaching within the class. These classes are suitable for total beginners as well as more experienced practitioners.

3. Taught classes - Wednesday 6.45-8.15pm, Monday 12.30-2.00pm - The whole class is verbally instructed through the sequence. These classes are fairly continuous and are definitely not suitable for beginners. Even if you are experienced in other forms of yoga, you still need to do a beginners course or self-practice class before you attend this type of class.

If you are in any doubt about what type of class to attend please contact Nigel

Iyengar Yoga

Originates from B.K.S. Iyengar. It involves qualities of attention and alignment in postures. Postures are held statically for a relatively long period of time and great strength and stamina as well as flexibility can be developed. The use of various props such as blocks, belts, blankets and chairs to support the body are a key feature of this style. Great emphasis is placed on correct and safe positioning of the body, with detailed verbal instruction by the teacher. We offer one general level class on Fridays at 10.00-11.30am. and a level 2 class on Tuesdays 7.30-9.00pm which is run in blocks and has to be booked in advance.

Yoga for pregnancy

Yoga can help you have a happy, healthy pregnancy and birth. We run two regular drop-in classes for pregnant women and regular birth preparation workshops.

Drop-in classes - these classes are open to all women from 15 weeks right up to delivery. The classes involve yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation. You will learn simple techniques to alleviate some of the common complaints of pregnancy and to help you in labour and beyond. No experience of yoga is needed to attend these classes.

Monday 11.00-12.30pm with Tara

Thursdays 6.30-7.30pm with Tara

Preparation for Birth

A workshop for you and your partner to learn methods of coping during labour and supporting the birth process.

Breathing and positions for labour and birth are covered alongside lots of practical information and tips. There is an emphasis on the role of the birth partner. This is also a good opportunity to meet other expectant parents.

Julia East is a midwife working within the local community. She is experienced in both hospital and homebirth and has worked with parents preparing for birth for 6 years. She also teaches pregnancy yoga and postnatal (mum and baby) classes.

See Workshops section for dates.

Post natal yoga

Special classes to help you re-gain your strength and muscle tone after having a baby. Relaxing and refreshing exercises in a low stress setting! You can come to the class as soon as you feel ready. If you have had a c-section please wait until your 6 week check.  Suitable for babies up to 5 months old (pre-crawling).

Classes Thursday 11.00-12.00am with Tara (term time only)

Baby Massage

Massage is a wonderful way of communicating with a baby, strengthening the bond between parent and child.  Learning baby massage can give parents increased confidence in handling their babies and better understanding of their babies non-verbal communication.  Massage enhances a baby's feeling of being loved and respected, as well as improving body\mind awareness, co-ordination and brain development.  Suitable for babies from approximately 4 weeks until crawling.

Please bring a towel and some vegetable oil for use during the class.

Anna Wise has been teaching new mothers in Crouch End for the last 5 years and is a qualified Infant Massage Instructor and a member of the Guild of Infant Massage as well as being CRB checked to work with babies.  She is also trained to give breastfeeding support.

Courses on Mondays 3.00-4.15pm.  £55

Open yoga  class

A special class for people with any sort of physical restriction, and their carers if appropriate. You will practise a simple range of basic yoga techniques in a friendly and welcoming environment with an expert tutor. Exercises will be taught with appropriate modifications for each individual - if necessary you can do the whole class sitting in a chair. Yoga is an ideal activity for carers to take part in too, and this class is a great opportunity to do something relaxing and enjoyable together. Please call us in advance if you are thinking of coming to this class.

Tuesday 11.00-12.30pm with Tara