GARDEN STUDIO IN COOKHAM
Pilatesandyoga
Mind, body and spirit
Hatha Flowis a gentle and joyful way to increase strength, cultivate flexibility, improve health and help reduce stress. The Flow session will build strength and stamina with asanas that are sequenced into a simple, natural flow that tones muscles, improves balance and calms mental focus. After warming the body we continue stretching in seated postures in preparation for relaxation. Janet's classes are mindful and soulful combining the flow of asanas sequenced with Pranayama (breath control), Relaxation and Meditation to enhance spiritual growth.
In a Restorative Yoga class movements will be gentle, settling into seated and supine poses for a prolonged amount of time with the support of numerous props to ensure you are stable and comfortable. A still body does not mean a quiet mind, the real yoga comes when the mind reflects the pose, allowing yourself to cultivate an inner peace. This class has a deeply calming and grounding effect on the body and mind and benefits those who have a frenetic lifestyle, or are recovering from illness or simply want to relax, restore and rejuvenate.
Pilates is a complete exercise method developed by its founder Joseph Pilates over the course of a lifetime dedicated to improving physical and mental health. It focuses on building your body's core strength and improving your posture through a series of repetitive low impact conditioning and stretching exercises. By core strength, we are talking about your back and shoulder girdle, abdominal and pelvic girdle including the muscles that support your lower back around the hip girdle. It corrects muscular imbalance and restores good alignment. There is evidence that with the regular practice of Pilates, it can provide pain relief to people with lower back pain.
PureStretch was originally created as a light hearted alternative to classes such as Yoga and Pilates. The idea is simple, to teach people how to stretch correctly using props such as straps, resistance bands, blocks and even broom handles! By using a varied and progressive stretch routine you can maximise your flexibility rather than limiting the muscle's potential. A more flexible muscle has the ability to help you become stronger. By stretching the muscles in the legs and around the hips and can help alleviate lower back pain. PureStretch is designed to leave you feeling opened and stretched.
All classes incorporate a fusion of all disciplines and I have always thought the combination of Pilates and Yoga as the perfect marriage. Both are transformational, focused methods of movement that facilitate positive change in the body, mind and spirit. In my opinion, their differences complement one another in the best of ways. Pilates is known as a 'workout' and Yoga as a 'practice', however in order to improve anything, we have to practice and when we practice well, both Pilates and Yoga can be exceptional workouts.
Both develop strength, flexibility, posture and good breathing technique and both emphasise the connection between physical and mental health. They have been used to rehabilitate injuries and syndromes including anxiety, sleep deprivation, joint injuries and lower back pain.
Do not eat a large meal at least two hours before a class and wear clothes that you are comfortable in and can move freely.
COST:
Pilates 1 hour £15
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*Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance without charge.