Alexander Technique Pilates Yoga

Alexander Technique

Alexander Technique aims: improved awareness, objectivity and the connection between body and mind, ease of movement, improved balance, stamina and less muscular tension. Those who practice it often report that it gives them an enhanced ability to clarify their thinking, observations and the ability to choose new responses. Proponents further see the technique as a way to use less effort for movement and thus perform more efficiently, feel easier, look more graceful and free themselves from unintentional self-imposed limitations. Since Alexander Technique is suitable for those at any fitness level, it is also used as remedial movement education to complete recovery and provide pain management. Its principles apply to movement, psychology, creative thinking, learning theory and styles of coaching, training and effective communication for teachers and directors. The technique is regarded by the United Kingdom National Health Service to offer an alternative and complementary management for many medical complaints. A partial list is: back problems, unlearning and avoiding Repetitive Strain Injury , improving ergonomics, stuttering, speech training and voice loss, mobility for those with Parkinson's disease , posture or balance problems, or to complete recovery from injury as an adjunct to Physical therapy. It has also helped people control unwanted reactions, phobias and depression.

“The self is the instrument through which we express ourselves” - F M Alexander.

The Alexander Technique improves the way we use ourselves in everyday activities.  It can help to manage and reduce chronic back pain, neck and shoulder tension, recurring headaches and excessive tension.  Or simply to stand, sit or walk more comfortably, free of strain.  With the help of a teacher pupils are able to re-educate their faulty habits, establish good posture and restore their natural sense of poise and freedom. Learning and applying the Technique develops their skills of balance and movement to enable them to restore and enhance the body's natural integration and coordination.

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- Pilates -

Pilates was designed to be a complete physical fitness discipline which once mastered, strengthens and realigns the entire body, avoiding high impact, high power output, and heavy muscular and skeletal loading. “The emphasis is not simply building muscle mass. Its focus is unique in its emphasis on lengthening and alignment, and it can successfully train muscles which bodybuilding and conventional gym aerobics can just as easily avoid, thus preventing injury.” “Pilates focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and strengthen the deep torso muscles, which are important to help alleviate and prevent back pain. The most frequent form, called "matwork” is a a series of calisthenic motions performed without weight or apparatus on a padded mat. In all forms, the "powerhouse" (abdomen, lower back, and buttocks) is supported and strengthened, enabling the rest of the body to move freely. Pilates practitioners use their own bodies as weights in training to build strength and flexibility. This is targeted without a focus on high-powered cardiovasclar exercise.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilates

Details of Classes -

All levels can be catered for in these small classes with a maximum
of 4 people per class thereby enabling much individual attention and
guidance. If you would like a class individually tailored for your
needs please call and speak to Jo Redmond.

One to one classes are available.

6 week course for £60
10 week course for £100
Special walk in classes on certain days and times

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- Yoga -

Yoga means 'union' to unite. It is a form of exercise based on the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind. Developed by Indian sages thousands of years ago, the yoga postures or 'asanas' are designed to ease muscular tension, tone internal organs and improve flexibility of the body's joints and ligaments.   Yoga practice consists of five key elements: proper breathing, proper exercise, proper relaxation, proper diet and positive thinking.   Yogis devised the asanas partly by observing how animal instincts work, the herbs they ate when ill, the way they stretch and contract muscles instinctively and the way in which they relax.   Asanas are also based on a sound knowledge of the human anatomy, yogis knew that by placing the body in certain positions it would stimulate specific nerves, glands and organs helping to soothe the nervous system and promote overall good health. Every single cell within the body is nourished. Yoga improves circulation, muscle tone, flexibility, strength, stamina and balance. Regular practice stimulates the Immune System, reduces stress and tension, improves concentration, boosts self-esteem and creates a sense of general well-being. Yoga can also help to manage or control anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, blood pressure, chronic fatigue, depression, head-aches, MS and many other conditions.Chronic asthma and bronchitis, chronic pain, allergies, certain mental states such as memory loss and poor concentration can be alleviated by mastering this ancient technique. Re-balancing the chemical, mechanical and hormonal systems assists detoxification which leads to improved function. Smokers are one group that studies have shown benefit immensely from this technique. It is invaluable to people who "live on their nerves" and to those who suffer from insomnia and low levels of energy . All levels can be catered for in these small classes with a maximum of 4 people per class thereby enabling much individual attention and guidance. If you would like a class individually tailored for your needs please call and speak to Jo Redmond.

One to one classes are available.

- Details of Classes -

Mondays *5.30, *6.30 & 7.30pm Tibetan Yoga for Weight management Thursdays 6.30 & 7.30pm
Tuesdays 6.00 & 7.30pm Hatha Yoga
Wednesdays * 6.00, 7.00 & 8.00pm Hatha Yoga
Thursdays * 6.30 & 7.30pm Hatha Yoga
Saturday 2-4pm (every 2 months) next class on 7 June Special Yoga Breathing & Relaxation Class (additional meditation on demand after the class)	*AnteNatal

Traditional Hatha and Iyengar Yoga is taught - tailor made if needed - for beginners, the elderly , those with limited flexibility, and those with more experience. Different classes for different abilities. A wonderful way to relax tone and rejuvenate yourself from the stress in your life.

6 week course for £60
10 week course for £100
Special walk in classes on certain days and times