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The Atha Yoga Approach
Group Classes
Individual Teaching

The Atha Yoga Approach

This approach to yoga is inspired by the teachings of TKV Desikachar, and is sometimes called "Viniyoga".

Viniyoga is the special application of a body of techniques and tools to suit the individual and their circumstance.

Group Classes

In a class situation a Viniyoga approach means that students are treated as individuals rather than just a group, classes involve a good deal of individual coaching and the teaching does not assume that "one size fits all".

Classes have a maximum of only 10-14 enrolled students. Most classes will include asana (posture work) to promote strength, flexibility and bodily health, and pranayama (breath work) which has a profound influence the mind, plus a range of practical relaxation techniques.

Students will be encouraged to explore their physical boundaries but the main emphasis of this teaching is the ability to be in the present moment. For the greater part of our lives we allow the mind to "time travel" moving backward into memory and forward into the future, in these classes we will explore how it feels and what it means to be a little more present in our daily lives.

Individual Teaching

One of the distinctive features of this tradition is the emphasis on individual teaching. This means that a teacher works with you to design a practice that meets your particular needs, and that is suitable for your lifestyle.

Through the practice of Yoga it is possible to learn how to relieve suffering and improve healing for a wide range of common ailments and disorders.

Individual lessons can be considered for a variety of reasons. Yoga can help you to learn how to:

  • Cope with excessive stress and anxiety
  • Improve breathing
  • Improve sleep
  • Reduce back and joint pain by increasing strength and tone of supporting muscles while gently mobilizing the joint.
  • Strengthen and use the core muscles
  • Help menstrual problems and the menopause
  • To cultivate a sense of emotional and spiritual wellbeing
  • Care for a range of chronic disorders including asthma, arthritis, hypertension, circulatory and digestive problems
  • Support other sporting activities
  • Enhance energy and productivity
  • Develop a personal meditation practice
  • Reduce dependency on alcohol, social and medical drugs and overeating

 

"Realise deeply that the present moment is all you ever have."
Eckhart Tolle