WHAT IS YOGA?

“Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence.” Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras 1:ii

Yoga is not just physical exercise – the Sanskrit word yoga means union or integration: of the body, breath, mind and spirit. The practice of asana (physical postures) together with pranayama (breathing techniques) and relaxation or meditation combines to create a sense of wellbeing, physical harmony, mental clarity and self-awareness.

It is believed that yoga originated in India approximately five thousand years ago. It is an ancient, eastern philosophy offering a holistic approach to body, mind and spirit that helps equip us to cope with the challenges of daily life, so we can enjoy all it has to offer. Although there are many different styles of yoga they all share the same core values.

Today yoga is practised by millions of people around the world, old and young alike, and its enduring popularity is a testimony to its timeless teachings, enabling us to change ourselves for the better.

“Yoga is to attain what was previously unattainable.” TKV Desikachar, The Heart of Yoga

WHY PRACTICE YOGA?

A regular yoga practice can bring benefits on many levels, including:

  • Increased flexibility, stronger muscles and bones.
  • Improved posture and balance.
  • Healthier joints.
  • Improved lung function with slower and deeper breathing.
  • A stronger immune system.
  • Increased concentration and focus.
  • Lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
  • Reduced anxiety and stress.

“Yoga is quite simply the most powerful system of overall health and well-being I have ever seen…as preventive medicine, yoga is as close to one-stop shopping as you can find.” Timothy McCall MD, Yoga as Medicine.

OUR YOGA CLASSES

“Yoga is a light which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.” BKS Iyengar

Yoga For All & Yoga Express

Hatha yoga classes offering exercises to stretch, flex and strengthen the body, develop breath awareness and finishing with complete relaxation, revitalising body and mind. Suitable for everyone, including beginners at all levels of fitness.

Hatha Yoga

A dynamic 90-minute class suitable for students wanting to work towards more challenging asanas and pranayama techniques. The combination of breath and movement increases strength and flexibility and re-energises body and mind.

Yoga Flow

A form of Hatha yoga that links poses together into a continuous flowing movement to stretch and strengthen the body. A more energetic practice for fit beginners and experienced students.

Iyengar Yoga

A very precise view of the yoga postures. It focuses on correct physical alignment, using props such as blocks and straps to help maintain this, and postures are frequently held for long periods. It is suitable for all levels of strength, experience and flexibility.

Yoga for Beginners

If you’ve never done any yoga before, joining a beginners’ group will give you the best start. We have six week courses where you can learn the basics of Vinyasa Flow or Hatha Yoga as well as our regular Thursday evening beginners class. Another option is to book a 1:1 session.

YOGA WORKSHOPS

Master-classes, half and full day workshops on Fridays and weekends often taken by guest teachers, including Michael Hutchinson and Gary Carter. These sessions, which explore some of the deeper aspects of yoga, are suitable for those with some experience of yoga, teachers and trainee teachers.

CHILDREN’S YOGA

Children can benefit from yoga in the same way as adults. It helps them keep their natural suppleness and flexibility, build strength and improve stamina and coordination. It can also aid youngsters who suffer from issues such as anxiety or poor sleep patterns. Yoga offers children a healthy way to look after themselves. It is non-competitive and can be practised by everyone.

Tamsin has more than 12 years experience of teaching children aged 4-8 and has worked in many schools throughout the Test Valley. Please get in touch if you are interested in bringing yoga into your school as a regular event or for a one-off occasion.

  • Annie Burchmore
    Since starting Tamsin’s hatha yoga classes a year ago, I have noticed a marked improvement in my balance, core strength and flexibility. Tamsin makes all ages and abilities feel relaxed and welcome and her enthusiasm, warmth and encouragement have created a positive and enjoyable environment in which to practice and learn. I always look forward to my classes and leave feeling calmer, stronger and happier. Thank you.
    Annie Burchmore
  • Sarah Towneley
    Coming to yoga with Tamsin is like going on a mini-holiday every week.
    Sarah Towneley
  • Name withheld
    Please could you let Anneli know how brilliant I think she is as a Pilates teacher. What she does with me is really helping reduce any pain and is increasing my strength and flexibility. Thank you.
    Name withheld
  • Christine Alexander-Smith
    Tamsin is a great tutor, who creates an environment for her students that fosters the spirit of giving everything a go in a safe way. I wholeheartedly recommend Studio Yoga to anyone wanting to increase their flexible and sense of general well-being. The classes are friendly and small and are made up of all ages, sizes and genders. Each session builds on the last; creating a sense of achievement for the student each week.
    Christine Alexander-Smith
  • Vicky Liddell
    After 6 years, I still look forward to my weekly yoga session. It sets me up for anything that the week can throw at me.
    Vicky Liddell
  • Steve Pollard
    I would highly recommend the Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course to anyone who suffers with back pain. It certainly has been the most beneficial form of treatment for me and has helped me recover from the most agonising painful back period I've ever had. That now seems to be a distant memory. I am genuinely thrilled I came to Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs.
    Steve Pollard
  • Dagan James
    I, like many many others have suffered years of lower back problems, not helped by being a livestock farmer.
    Last year I had a prolapsed disc. When it eventually eased I went on the yoga for lower backs course.
    It has been hugely beneficial, not only for building physical strength, but also because it gave me the framework for better and quicker recovery when flareups have reoccurred and the mental strength knowing there is a way forward when things go wrong. The course shows an effective and doable way to really reduce back problems. As long as you do your exercises!
    Dagan James
  • L.F.
    The Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course has really helped my shoulders and flexibility. I like creating space for me and the calm it gives - thank you.
    L.F.
  • Anna Thomas
    It is a necessary pleasure for me to kick-start my week at Studio Yoga. The Monday morning class sets me up for the week ahead.  Tamsin is a dedicated teacher.  Her classes are varied, her instructions clear and she always has an eye on her pupils individual physical requirements making adjustments that enhance their practice.  I highly recommend Studio Yoga.
    Anna Thomas
  • Emma Todd
    Thank you for a couple of very good years of yoga. I had no experience of yoga before coming to you and you've been a super teacher. I now incorporate yoga into many daily activities - from walking the dogs, working at my to desk, to emptying the washing machine...Your studio is a serene and friendly place, and I've appreciated your immense professionalism and commitment.
    Emma Todd
  • Liz Parsons
    Studio Yoga offers the unique opportunity to attend regular classes in a range of Yoga styles in a tranquil dedicated space. I am particularly pleased to be able to attend workshops led by a resident or visiting teachers offering a more in-depth exploration of Yoga.
    Liz Parsons
    MSTAT Teacher of the Alexander Technique