What is yoga?

The Sanskrit word yoga is translated as 'union' between mind, body and spirit.

In the West, the most widely taught form of yoga is Hatha Yoga with classes offering students exercises to stretch and flex the body, develop breath awareness, relaxation and sometimes meditation.

Some classes may be low impact while others can be very demanding. Click on the other topic areas on this page to see what you might find in a typical yoga class.

Relaxation and centering

In a typical class, 10-20 minutes is usually given to relaxation, at the beginning and/or the end. Most students lie in 'savasana' (lying on your back).

Various relaxation methods are taught ranging from physical relaxation and simple breathing exercises to visualisation (imagining a scene) and techniques such as 'autogenic suggestion'.

Limbering

Many British Wheel of Yoga classes begin with limbering moves and sequences to warm up the muscles and joints.

This prepares the body and mind for asana (posture) work. These exercises may be referred to as 'pawanmuktasana' (wind/energy-releasing postures).

Asana

Asanas (yoga postures) strengthen and tone the body and improve the flow of energy - regulating physical systems of the body and breath, and stilling the mind for meditation.

The asanas used in a class will vary from teacher to teacher and depend on the abilities of the students. The objective in asana work is not how far you can stretch or contort your body, but to combine stability (stira) with ease/relaxation (sukha).

BWY teachers are trained to modify asanas for individuals with medical conditions ranging from pregnancy to arthritis. There are also specialist teachers who hold pregnancy, MS, or ME classes.

Breath work

Simple breathing techniques are taught to develop awareness and relaxation of the breath. These are then developed into 'pranayama' exercises – controlling and moving prana through the breath. Prana means the 'vital' or 'life force energy'.

Not all exercises are suitable for those with respiratory or circulatory conditions, so be sure to advise your teacher if you have a condition before you start a class.

History and philosophy

Some BWY teachers try to include some history and philosophy in their yoga classes by introducing a weekly or term 'theme'. This will help you understand how the yoga you are doing fits within the original spiritual context and history.

Don't hold back in asking your tutor questions - in most yoga classes, discussion and feedback is actively encouraged.

Meditation

There are a huge variety of meditation techniques and styles. The ones you're most likely to come across will have the objective of stilling the mind by focussing your awareness on a single object – the movement of the breath, an image or candle, a sound or chant.

Not all teachers will include meditation within a class.

How to start and where to begin

The first thing to do is find a class with a teacher qualified to a nationally accredited standard.

Different classes will have a different emphasis – some being more physical, some focussing more on relaxation, breath work and meditation. It's worth speaking to a teacher about their approach before you sign up for a class.

Wear clothing that you find easy to move and stretch in. Most yoga is practised on non-slip mats – check with the teacher to find out if they will be provided. Be sure to tell your teacher if you have a medical condition before you start your class.

Find a local teacher