Yoga
WHAT IS YOGA?
Yoga is an art steeped in Indian philosophy that has been practised for over 5000 years. It uses a combination of breathing techniques, exercise and meditation to help improve health and happiness.
Yoga is one of the most popular therapies for people with neurological conditions. It helps to provide core stability. It is a unity of mind and body and is as much about your breathing and your outlook on life as it is about postures. Done properly, yoga calms the mind and energises the body, as well as helping to counteract stress, fatigue and depression.
HOW COULD YOGA BENEFIT ME?
Improves your blood circulation
Yoga gets your blood flowing! Relaxation helps circulation, movement brings more oxygen to your cells (which function better as a result), twisting brings fresh oxygenated blood to organs and inversions reversed blood flow from the lower body to the brain and heart. Additionally, yoga increases hemoglobin levels in red blood cells, helping prevent blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.
Supports your immune system
Yoga movements aid in draining lymph, allowing the system to better fight infection, destroy diseased cells, and rid toxic waste in the body. Furthermore, meditation appears to have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the immune system.
Helps to regulate your nervous system
Yoga helps to strengthen the connection of muscles to nerves which results in decreased activity of the ‘fight or flight’ system and increased activation of the ‘rest and digest’ (parasympathetic Nervous system). Another way that yoga soothes the nervous system is through pranayama or breathing techniques. Throughout a yoga class, you will hear breathing cues from the instructor as they encourage coordinated movement of breath and body. Research has shown that simply becoming aware that you are breathing will increase activity of the Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Increases Flexibility and builds Strength
Yoga takes joints through their full range of motion, which helps joint cartilage receive fresh nutrients, prevents wear and tear, and protects underlying bones. Many postures in yoga require weight bearing, which also strengthens your joints and spine. This also helps prevent degenerative arthritis and mitigates disability.
HOW TO ACCESS YOGA?
Our online classes take place every week.
Mat Yoga – Wednesdays at 2.15pm
Seated Yoga – Fridays at 9am
To book your place and receive the login details, please contact the Centre reception on 01296 696133 or email appointments@chilternsneurocentre.org
Frequently Asked Questions
We have two classes that are suitable for complete beginners.
The mat classes will introduce you to all the foundational yoga postures, and will be the best choice if you have a general level of fitness and are able to move up and down from the floor without aides.
We also offer a gentle seated yoga class which are a good option for those who are looking to move in a slower, more gentle way. All exercises will be performed seated from your chair.
As long as you wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement there are no rules! Some people wear loose-fitting joggers, some people wear exercise leggings.
We recommend that you arrive five minutes before the class begins. This will give you time to ask any questions to the instructor and to set up your mat and get settled before we begin.
We understand that things can crop up. If you are a little late (up to five to ten minutes), the instructor will allow you to join in. Your mic will be turned off to silent.
Join as quietly as you can as the class will have begun.
- First, ensure that you have downloaded Zoom.
- Then, log into with your details.
- A ‘Join a Meeting’ button will appear.
- Enter the login details provided by the Centre.
- You can join from any device, please make sure your device has access to a camera as this should be switched on for the class.