Does practising yoga improve my flexibility?

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Saying you're not flexible enough to do yoga, is like saying you’re too dirty to take a bath

The most common thing we hear as yoga teachers is “I’m not flexible enough to do yoga” but in truth it’s practising yoga that will improve flexibility. Some people can see their flexibility improve in a matter of weeks, for others it may be months or longer, this is why we call it a yoga practise because it takes time!

practising yoga

We are all unique, we have different body types, we do different sports and work with different injuries, so some styles of yoga may suit you more than others styles

Yoga has the potential to increase weight loss, develop muscle tone, improve flexibility, improve concentration and help with stress and anxiety. If flexibility and balance are what you’re after, even the gentlest forms of yoga will do the trick. Many yoga practises will also help you build muscle strength and endurance

If you are just starting out on your yoga journey try as many different styles and classes as possible to find the teacher, studio and style that you feel meets your needs. Of course your needs both physically and mentally may change over time

Everyone should be practising yoga

The beauty of yoga is anybody can do it regardless of age, size, weight, fitness level or religion. There is a spiritual element to yoga but it’s essential to understand that practising yoga itself is not a religion 
 
The true goal of yoga is to move your body, connect with your breath and be in the present moment. It’s not just about what happens during the 60 minute class on your mat, it’s what you take from that class and carry throughout the day

What is Yin yoga?

Yin yoga is a slower practise that works deeply into our body with passive, longer-held poses, the perfect compliment to other ‘yang’ styles practises or sports.

It targets the deepest tissues of the body, our connective tissues, ligaments, joints, bones, the deep fascia networks of the body and the meridians.

practising yoga

Energetically, Yin yoga improves the energy flow, enhancing the flow of ‘chi‘ or energy in the organs. To be healthy, we need healthy organs as well as healthy muscles

 
A regular practise will increase circulation, improve flexibility, reduce stress & anxiety, improve joint mobility & release fascia. Yin yoga also offers wonderful emotional and mental health benefits. Suitable for all levels of practitioner

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

A Vinyasa yoga practice connects individual poses or “asanas” with deep breaths or “pranayama” in a series of flowing sequences of movement. Designed to progressively open the body, each sequence in a Vinyasa yoga class builds upon the previous, evolving into deeper poses as the practice unfolds. The entire practice culminates with a deep sense of mindfulness, self-connection and ease

Typical components of a Vinyasa yoga class may include a range of standing, seated and supine poses, twists, balancing postures, forward folds, inversions, back bends and targeted core strengthening. Some classes might offer guided meditation or breath work, and all classes end in a relaxation “Savasana”


Although Vinyasa can be a faster and more physically challenging practice, it can also be soft and gentle. Moving with the breath can also mean slowing down your transitions with deep inhales and slow exhalations

Vinyasa Flow classes do not have a set sequence, no two classes are ever the same, and often the sequences are creative and playful. Vinyasa yoga can be practiced at any level, tempo or temperature based on individual preferences. 
 
A regular practise will improve flexibility, strength, stability & balance & also give you a sense of calm and clarity. Suitable for all levels of practitioner
practising yoga
practising yoga

What is Bikram yoga?

Bikram yoga or Hot yoga as it is more commonly known as these days, is a set sequence of 26 poses and 2 breathing excercises performed in a heated room, approx 38 – 40 degrees and 40 – 50 % humidity.
 
The heat and humidity helps to warm the muscles for safer stretching, helps burn body fat and aids the process of sweating and detoxification. The series of postures combines abilities of concentration, patience, determination and self control and finishes with a relaxation ‘savasana’. Traditionally a Bikram class is 90 minutes but many studios offer a shorter 60 minute practise
A regular practise will improve flexibility, help with weight loss, help tone muscles and build strength as well as improve clarity, confidence and vitality. Suitable for all levels of practitioner
 
When starting out talk to your yoga teacher about any injuries or health issues you have so they can advise you which style is more suitable and also offer any modification that you may need

Retreat dates for this year:

Nurture & Renew
4 – 11 October 2024

Relax & Unwind
17 – 24 August 2024

Relax & Restore
25 – 29 May 2024

Don’t take our word for it, here is a review from a previous retreat guest: 

“Just returned from a fabulous four nights at The Palms. The owners and staff were super friendly and so welcoming – nothing was too much trouble. The room was beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean, and the bed was marvelously comfy. The pool, grounds and exercise areas were true havens of tranquility – well laid out and full of little touches that made it feel extra special. For me, however, the real highlight was the food. I am a keen home cook, with healthy meals made from fresh, seasonal ingredients being my absolute favourite. The food at The Palms was the best I’ve ever tasted!” 

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