Why Yoga?

Everyone knows the yoga can help increase flexibility but are you aware of its other benefits?

• Builds muscle AND Bone strength - Strong muscles do more then look good, they help to protect against conditions like arthritis and backpain. Improving balance and preventing falls as you age. Weight-bearing exercises bones and helps to ward off issues such as osteoporosis, poses such as downward and upward facing dog strengthen arm bones which can be vulnerable to such fractures.

• Improves your posture - Your head is heavy!! When balanced directly over a straight spine, it takes less work for your neck and back muscles to support it. Move it a tad forwards and you strain the muscles, causing an increase in fatigue, back, neck and other discomforts.

• Prevents cartilage and joint wear and tear - every time you practice yoga, you take your joints through their full range of motion, getting into areas that aren't normally used. Joint cartilage is like a sponge, it gets fresh nutrients when the fluid is squeezed out so the new good supply can be soaked up.

• Yoga is an investment in your back health - If you have a nicely balanced practice you will keep your spinal disks supple, include backbends, forward bends and twists (being mindful if pregnant or postpartum).

• Regulates your adrenal glands - Yoga helps to reduce the stress hormone (cortisol). Normally, the adrenal glands secrete cortisol in response to an extreme crisis, which temporarily boosts immune function. If your cortisol levels stay high even after the crisis, they can compromise the immune system. Temporary boosts of cortisol help with long-term memory, but chronically high levels undermine memory and may lead to permanent changes in the brain. Additionally, excessive cortisol has been linked with major depression, osteoporosis (it extracts calcium and other minerals from bones and interferes with the laying down of new bone) and high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. In such a busy go-go world, reducing stress and finding a bit of peace can go a long way!

• Makes you happier - Whilst yoga wont solve everything a study has shown that a consistent yoga practice can improve depression and led to significant increase in serotonin levels and a decrease in levels of monoamine cortisol and oxidase (a enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters).

• Aid peace of mind - by slowing mental loops of frustration, regret, fear and anger that can cause stress. Did you know stress is implicated in many health conditions such as MS, eczema, high blood pressure and heart attacks. Learning to quiet your mind may actually help you live longer and healthier.

• Increases self esteem and inner strength - chronic low self-esteem is common. If you have a positive approach and practice yoga with a intention of self examination and reflection you can access a different side of yourself (rather then just a exercise class). You may experience feelings of gratitude, empathy, forgiveness as well as a sense that you are part of something bigger and more profound.

• Improved relationships - practising yoga regularly helps to develop compassion and friendliness, with greater understanding of yogic philosophy's that focus on avoiding harm to others, telling the truth and only taking what you need and honouring yourself, may lead to happier and healthier relationships.

Personally Yoga has given me the skills to be more resilient to life stressors on top of added health and physical benefits. Yoga has help me grow in confidence and been a constant friend that always welcomes me back with open arms.

Why Mum and Baby and Toddler Yoga?

Both promote parent/carer bonding whilst teaching key life skills to the littles ones including the gift of how to relax.

Mum/Carer benefits -

• Builds confidence in handling your baby

• Teach you to understand your baby’s non-verbal cues

• Encourages your body to heal after a difficult or traumatic birth

• Learn breathing techniques

• Learn deeper relaxation techniques

• Encourages the nurturing instinct through the stimulation of oxytocin

• Helps you to gain strength and alignment after pregnancy and giving birth

• Encourages exercise together whilst having fun

Toddler Yoga -

🧒 Develops body, mind, awareness and coordination 🧒 Increases confidence and self-esteem 🧒 Develops a feeling of being loved, respected and secure

🧒 Teaches routine and structure

Helps with discipline and reduces impulsivity.

Improves children’s emotional regulation.

Baby Yoga -

• Promotes longer and deeper sleep by regulating the breathing and increases the levels of oxygen in the bloodstream.

• Helps balance, coordination and motor skills

• Aids respiration and digestion

• Strengthens baby’s body and develops reflexes

• Improves learning and social development

• Aids bonding, trust and social interaction

• Stimulates the brain and nervous system

• Develops physical confidence and spatial awareness

• Improves muscle development and muscle tone

• Reduces the frustration of babies in the transition from one developmental stage to another

• Maintains flexibility in the spine and joints

• Improves the general functioning of the immune system

• Regulates and strengthens the digestive system which may reduce the discomfort of colic, wind and constipation

• Improves blood flow

• Helps with detoxification and circulation around the lymph system

• Helps the development of postural reflexes