Some tips about starting yoga:
Please note if you haven't been to Samadhi before, you need to arrive between 10-15min before class so that you can fill out a registration form and get settled.


Classes that are good for beginners...

Beginners Course Learn the fundamentals step by step, suitable for brand new beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on the basics! This is an 8 week course with handouts each week. Thursdays 7.30pm (courses run in 8 week cycles, please contact us for start dates) $120

Beginners drop in class These classes are for brand new beginners, those who are coming back to yoga after a long time away and those who are already doing the Beginners course and want practice more than once a week.

 

Yoga and Yoga 1These classes are mixed level hatha based flowing vinjasa. This means that your movements are linked with your breath as each pose flows onto the next. For beginners it is strongly recommended that you attend a beginners course before you attend Yoga or Yoga 1.  Yoga 2 is not suitable for beginners as it incorporates more dynamic postures and sequences.

Restorative Yoga A gentle practice that will leave you feeling uplifted and relaxed.  A great way to balance your yoga practice. In restorative yoga you will hold poses for longer, relaxing into a pose in order to release parts of the body that hold emotional and physical tension. Good for those recovering from injury or just wishing for a gentle practice on that day. 

Yin Yoga and Meditation
Relaxed and nourishing long held poses, with a focus on meditative awareness.

 
   
 
Helpful to know when you start your yoga asana (physical) practice

1.  Wear comfortable clothingWear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement of the body. Particularly no tight waist bands! You may want to have something warmer to put on for relaxation at the end of the class. Ideally it is helpful to practice on a ‘sticky’ mat we provide these at Samadhi but if you are going to practice at home consider investing in a mat as this will greatly aid your practice. Mats are available from the studio.

2.  Try not to eat a heavy meal 1 - 2 hours before the class, a full abdomen may make you uncomfortable and sleepy.

3.  Try not to compare yourself to anyone else. We are all different and some people can do some postures with ease whilst struggling with others. Yoga is not a competition. Likewise the teacher may come and adjust you during the class, this does not mean you were doing something ‘wrong’ it is just a guide towards helping you gain more from the posture. You know your own body best so never blindly follow instructions. Work with what feels best for you.

4.  Do try your best though, self-effort is a yogic discipline, this also includes consciously relaxing.
5.  Concentrate on your breathingConcentrate on your breathing. The breath makes the difference between yoga and other less ‘holistic’ forms of exercise. Your breath will enable you to relax and following it helps to keep your mind focused.

6.  Don’t push or force yourself into stretches. Remember to move into child’s pose and rest if you become dizzy or too tired.

7.  Yoga provides fantastic support and treats many injuries, areas of pain and discomfort, high or low blood pressure and is excellent in pregnancy and during the post-natal period. However if you do have any special needs always let the teacher know so she can give you amendments to postures where appropriate.

8.  For women when you are menstruating avoid holding inverted (upside down) postures such as shoulder stand for any long amount of time. Instead practice the ‘legs up the wall’ posture. Also during this time of the month always work gently and reduce the stronger more challenging postures.
9.  Enjoy the benefits of a yoga classYou may experience light-headedness, cramping or other physical complaints after a dynamic class. Newly stretched muscles release toxins, which can cause some of these symptoms. It’s a good sign some positive change is happening in the body and soon passes. Drink lots of water and try to have a hot bath or shower.
You will find instant benefits in attending just one yoga class. So, if in the beginning it is difficult to practice regularly don't worry, build slowly on your practice so it becomes sustainable. There's no point burning out and having to stop altogether. When you are ready to start with a little more regularity try to attend a class once a week. For long term benefits and real changes to the energetic and physical form of the body ideally practice every day or at least three times a week. Little and often is a useful framework in the beginning and an hour of practice at home may seem daunting, so ten minutes is fine. Set yourself very manageable goals and remember yoga is a support and delight not a chore. You'll be surprised how time goes as you begin to practice more and more. Start to ask questions of your body and see how you respond to different postures, timings and approaches to practicing. Practicing yoga is not just a physical work out, you are working with your body’s energy and gradually the practice will draw you in.

We hope your discovery of yoga is uplifting and joyful and we wish you many blessings along the way.