EMPOWER YOGA

Find out what millions of practitioners around the world have already discovered – consistent yoga practice will optimise the health of your body and your mind, helping you get more out of life!

WHAT IS YOGA?

At its core, yoga can be described as a discipline that combines flowing movement through various postures (Asana) with mindful breath control (Pranayama), and meditation or relaxation; all with the goal of improving the healthy function of body and mind, and improving self-awareness.

IS YOGA SUITABLE FOR ME?

We’ve all seen pictures like this one, and it is these high level yoga poses that many of us tend to associate with the word “yoga.” Unfortunately, as a result we often decide that there’s no way it would be suitable for us, and therefore miss out on the wide-ranging and possibly life-changing benefits associated with the practice of Yoga.

The truth is that yoga practice, when appropriately modified and targeted, can often provide the most benefit for those who are concerned it would be too difficult for them.

Yoga is universal and accessible for people of all ages. Many of those who try it become long term adherents, simply because the practice makes them feel better – in body and mind, on and off the mat.

BENEFITS OF YOGA

Ongoing research has already demonstrated the benefits of yoga practice in assisting to:

  • Improve strength and flexibility
  • Improve postural control
  • Relieve Stress
  • Assist in the treatment of anxiety and depression
  • Manage Chronic Pain (particularly low back pain)

SESSION TIMES

TBA – Sessions currently on hold

Unfortunately, Empower’s inaugural yoga instructor Angie has decided to spread her wings, and will be moving on to continue her teaching journey elsewhere. All of the Empower team would like to thank Angie for her energy and efforts, and wish her all the best for the future!

Empower holds firm to its belief that the principles and techniques of yoga have a strong evidence base for optimising physical and mental health, and have decided we will now look to commence some group sessions integrating yoga, Pilates, and up to date exercise science principles to offer a unique experience to our Empower family.

Stay tuned for more details, with sessions run by qualified physiotherapists planned to commence in November!

WHAT DO I BRING?

When you attend Empower Yoga sessions, all equipment (blocks, mats, blankets) will be supplied, though you are welcome to bring your own if you would prefer. To get the most out of your yoga session though, it’s always a good idea to bring the following:

Comfortable Yoga Attire: While any clothing that allows you to move freely is fine, most people find that form fitting supportive tops help to make sure your clothing stays put when you move between postures. Especially when first learning the poses, the last thing you want to be doing is continually dealing with wardrobe malfunctions.

Water Bottle: With any exercise, hydration is very important. Having water on hand is a must.

Towel: Sweaty bodies and hands can make movement between postures quite difficult, so having a towel available is essential.

An Open Mind: One of the integral components of effective yoga practice is to allow the mind to relax, and to focus on the postures you are adopting whilst controlling your breathing. Without allowing things to come slowly, many people start being critical of themselves as soon as they find they’re not quite as flexible as they feel they should be, or find themselves missing posture changes.

Whether you look like an expert or beginner, whether you keep up with every posture change or not is irrelevant. If you manage to work with what you can do, and are mindful of your breath and the postures you are adopting for 60 minutes, you will be obtaining the most important benefits associated with yoga practice.

So what are you waiting for! Give us a call, and come and find out what all the fuss is about!

People don’t practice yoga just to get good at yoga… they practice to become the best versions of themselves they can possibly be. And if a little strength and flexibility comes along with it – well, then that’s a bonus. (Andrea Rice)