Welcome to Lemon Tree Yoga

Hello, welcome to Lemon Tree Yoga!

I am often asked what the appeal of yoga is. What can a person expect to gain through practising?

It is a straight forward question to ask a yoga teacher and people are genuinely curious. I, however, always hesitate. I simply don't know where to start. I could keep it short and place all the benefits under the banner of improving general health and well-being.

In all honesty though, everybody comes to yoga for different reasons and whatever they gain is completely personal to them. Yoga is all about working with and for yourself.

So, let me turn it around. If you are reading this then you already have an interest. So, what would you like to gain from yoga?

Do you want to improve your flexibility and increase your mobility? Do you want to strengthen your core? Do you want to improve your posture? Do you suffer from a "bad back?" Are you under pressure, stressed out, anxious, depressed? Do you suffer from a breathing disorder and want to learn how yoga can increase your lung strength and capacity? Do you struggle to sleep well? Do you need some time out each week to come to a place where you can truly relax?

That's a lot of questions, and yoga can truly help with all of the above. After all, it has been around for thousands of years, helping thousands of people all over the world.

So, now what do you think of when you consider joining a class?

Do you think everybody can effortlessly bend themselves in two, stand on one leg and balance on their heads? (all at the same time maybe?!) Well, think again.

Here, in nutshell is what you can expect from my classes and retreats.

Movement, stretching, breathing, relaxation (lots of the latter, I am a huge believer!) - oh, and a sense of humour...if you can't have a giggle in a yoga class then really, when can you?

My style of yoga is Hatha mixed with a sprinkle of Yin Yoga. In my experience, these two styles perfectly complement each other.

The class always, always starts with a small relaxation. If you have dashed to class from a stressful day, what better way to separate yourself from that day and take a few moments to release everything and tune into yourself.

We then move on to take some yogic breathing exercises, again, always, every week. The majority of us are shallow breathers. We breathe automatically without thinking, yet each breath keeps us healthy and more importantly alive. So it makes sense to breathe deeply and strengthen our lungs. Yogic breathing can be used to calm the nervous system, increase energy levels and detox the mind and body.

Next we can move, we can stretch, balance (yes, on one leg!) and strengthen with a variety of postures. By mixing the two styles of yoga together, sometimes we can flow from one postures to another and sometimes we can be still, settling the body into a posture to go deeper into the connective tissues, stretching and strengthening the joints and muscles.

Every two weeks we change this part of the class. This keeps it interesting and allows us to explore as many postures as possible.

Finally, it's time to relax - at least 15 minutes of guided relaxation to allow the body to rest and nourish itself from the physical practice. Here is where you learn to let the mind soften, gaining the ability to release all the annoying thoughts which overload the brain. This is precious time to completely let go, leaving you feeling peaceful and replenished. Snoring allowed as long as it's not too loud!

So who can join in? Well, anybody! Regardless of gender, size, physical condition, age and the ability to toes your toes! (If you are under 16 then please get in touch as some boring rules apply here)

So if you can relate to any of the above and want to try yoga out please feel free to contact me by phone or by clicking on the Contact Us link. I promise there are wonderful benefits to be gained if you are willing to take them.

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