IN VILLA WELLNESS

In a Hatha yoga class the postures (asanas) practiced will vary according to the needs and ability of the student. Whether that be on a general level such as to improve flexibility, or for relaxation and de-stressing, or for more specific needs such as for example yoga for surfing, golfing or diving. As well as to improve flexibility, a Hatha class will develop strength, stamina and concentration. This in turn brings peace and calmness to the mind on a more subtle level. A Hatha class is suitable for all levels of ability, as an introduction to the fundamentals of yoga or to deepen one’s knowledge of asana for those already experienced. Hatha yoga derives from the scriptures of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and is the basis of the following, more specific yoga styles.

Ashtanga yoga, as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore India, is a system of yoga which uses the rhythm of the breath to move through a sequence of postures, integrating strength, flexibility, stamina and focus into a complete mind and body practice. In this class you will be taught the Primary or 1st Series of postures which are designed to purify and align the body. This combination of breath and movement is called ‘Vinyasa’, and linking the asanas (yoga poses) together like pearls on a string, guides the practitioner through the sequence, starting with Sun Salutations to warm the body, then standing, balancing and seated poses, finishing with inversions and relaxation. Our trainers offer a modified Ashtanga version.

In Vinyasa Flow, Hatha yoga postures are connected through breath, movement and music adding to a more dynamic class. Vinyasa Flow is a type of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body. From the Sanskrit “to place in a special way,” Vinyasa aligns a deliberate sequence of poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow. The continuous movement (flow) of Vinyasa reflects the impermanence of all forms and the necessity of accepting change to achieve balance and completeness.

Yin yoga is a slower-paced, more meditative version of yoga. In Yin yoga, the poses are held for a long period of time – typically three to five minutes or longer – to target the connective tissues (such as the ligaments) rather than focusing on the muscles. As a result, the asanas (yoga poses) are more passive holds, with little muscular engagement. The poses are held with the muscles fully relaxed allowing time and gravity to deepen the stretch and target the fascia.

‘Kundalini’ is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘coiled snake’, and refers to the latent energy found at the base of the spine, coiled up and tense in your body. Through regular, guided practice of Kundalini yoga, students prepare their bodies and allow their kundalini energy to rise from their spine up to their heads. As the energy uncoils from the spine, it aligns the chakras in the body. Though Kundalini does involve moving through asanas much like Hatha or Vinyasa yoga, it is more a mindful and spiritual form of practice rather than a physical one.

Kundalini yoga and sound healing is a technology of consciousness. It is a medium that helps to facilitate the unification of infinite forces, through asanas (yoga poses), breaths, concentration, mantras and affirmations, and helps to awaken the pure potential energy that sleeps within us. In this practice, Kundalini yoga is complimented with sound healing therapy which uses music (Tibetan bowls, rain sticks, wind chimes) as the main medium to provide calm, deep relaxation and an increase in energy vitality. The sound resonance helps to clear blocked energy and to provide emotional and mental balance.

• Please inform the instructor of any illness or injury, menstruation or pregnancy before commencing.
• Please wear loose or comfortably fitting clothing.
• Do not practice on a full stomach.
• Please allow four hours after a heavy meal, two hours after a light meal.
• To avoid injury do not force the body beyond its capacity.

Qigong is a Chinese form of self-healing whose purported aim is to ‘stimulate ’and ‘balance ’the flow of qi (chi = ‘vital energy’) through the body’s meridians (’energy pathways’). Qigong practice is recorded in hieroglyphics 7,000 years ago, and in Chinese books 3,000 years ago. It involves contemplation, visualization (imagery), assumption of postures, and styled breathing and body movements. ‘Gong ’is a Mandarin word that pertains to skill. Its Cantonese equivalent is ‘kung, ’as in ‘kung fu. ’The word ‘qigong’ literally means ‘breathing exercise,‘ ’to work the vital force,‘ ’practicing with the breath, ’and ‘working with the energy of life. ’Interpretations of the word include ‘energy skill ’and ‘energy mastering exercise. ’Our ancestors practiced Qigong to keep themselves in harmony with the universe, in good physical health and in a state of peacefulness. In these simpler times people lived closer to the earth.

QIGONG GUIDELINES
The entire practice requires you to be able to move smoothly and freely without any obstructions. Practice in a clean, well-ventilated place. Practice at a time and in a place where you will not be disturbed. Avoid eating meals thirty to sixty minutes before practice. At the same time, do not practice when hungry. Your body should be comfortable and relaxed. Please wear loose-fitting, light and comfortable clothing ideally made from a cotton fabric. It is better to remove dangling earrings, necklaces and arm bracelets since they create distractions for you and others during the Qigong session. You can choose to either practice barefoot or in flat-soled shoes.

Muay Thai is a striking art that originated from Thailand and is widely considered to be the most effective striking martial art in the world. It is known as the ‘Art of Eight Limbs’, this refers to the body parts used whilst training in Muay Thai, the hands, elbows, knees and shins. Muay Thai began as a close combat fighting skill for use on the battlefield. In more modern times, it is great for self-defense due to its nature of teaching practitioners how to effectively use the body as both a defensive and offensive weapon.

Boxing class is a heart pumping, fist punching, ab tightening, adrenaline rushing, metabolism boosting, fat burning, fun and disciplined workout that can have you burning 800+ calories. Each class is carefully tailored to your ability and level of fitness. We begin with 10 minutes of warm up stretching with slow moving jabs, hooks, crosses and upper cuts designed to inform beginners of the basic moves. Next is the ideal stress-busting workout (30-40 min) of blocking, punching and ducking combinations based on HIIT principles, followed with deep, soothing stretching that leaves you feeling refreshed, strong and energized.

MUAY THAI AND BOXING GUIDELINES
Please wear comfortable, loose fitting and light weight sports attire. Clothing that does not restrict your leg movement is ideal. Sports footwear is mandatory for boxing classes. Muay Thai is usually practiced barefoot however this is optional. Do not practice on a full stomach. To avoid injury do not force the body beyond its capacity. Please inform the instructor of any illness or injury before the class commences.