AN OVERVIEW OF YUMMY YOGA CLASSES
Contrary to public opinion, you do not need to be flexible or skinny to join a yoga class! You just need to be open-minded and ready to give your body the nurture and care that it deserves. Yoga IS for EVERYONE!
Our Yummy Yoga classes include gentle asana (poses), pranayama (breathing practice) and meditation (relaxation). The style of yoga is mostly Hatha, with variations in style depending on the fortnightly theme.
Following the Main Principal of Yoga - "Ahimsa" - (gentleness and kindness to ourselves and others): The philosophy of all Yummy Yoga classes is "No pain, more gain!". The emphasis of each class is solely on stretching, strengthening, releasing and relaxing, all of which our bodies and minds enormously benefit from. Yoga is all about aging gracefully and feeling strong and comfortable in your body. It’s very important that you listen to your own body and ONLY do what feels good for you. Please remember that we all have very different bodies and varied natural flexibility. How boring would it be if we all looked the same? So please don’t even consider comparing yourself with others in a yoga class. The only measure you should use is how much YOU feel the stretch and how much better you feel in your body over time.
Location:
Most of the classes are held at the Theosophical Society Hall in Orewa, and some are held in Gulf Harbour. For the addresses and maps to these yoga studios, please see above under "Studios".
Content:
Classes are either 75 mins or 60 mins long. They usually consist of about 5 minutes of active relaxation at the beginning (aimed at helping us transition from our day and become "present' to our mind/body connection). This is followed by about 60 minutes of gentle asana (poses) practice and then the class typically ends with about 10 minutes of breathing exercises and meditation. Ideally, you will leave the class feeling stretched, strengthened and thoroughly relaxed!
The content of the General Yummy Yoga Classes are the same, based on a transitional fortnightly theme. For example, the focus of classes over a two week period might be "Balance", while the next fortnight may focus on "Strength". The poses chosen for those classes will reflect the theme and there will sometimes be some theory/yoga tips also connected to this theme.
Different Levels in a General Class:
Because these classes are aimed at the General Public, anyone can come. However, there will be different levels in the class so it’s important that you make the right choices for your body. If you have been doing yoga or another class like this for a while, you may feel that you would like some more advanced options that may be offered. But it is important that those with injuries or those who are new to yoga, continue to respect their bodies and stay with the lower options to keep themselves safe.
Equipment:
We will be using a variety of equipment during the class. While we have some spare mats for people to use for their first class or two, it is important that you then start using your own mats for hygiene purposes (as well as the fact the at this may entice you to start doing a home practice too!). We will also be using blocks, straps, bands, eye pillows, blankets, rollers, pillows and in time, bolsters. If you would like to bring any of these for yourself, please feel free to do so.
Arriving on time:
To get the most out of your class, we would like to strongly encourage you to arrive 10 minutes early in order to get yourself set up with your mat and equipment and find a good space for yourself. Ideally if you could be relaxing and unwinding on your mat before the class begins, you will maximize your results!
General reminders and Etiquette in a yoga class:
1. Wear layers and leave off any clunky jewelry that may get in the way for you.
2. Light snack only before a class- no heavy meals or big drinks for 2 hours before a practice.
3. Shoes and bags left in the outside area to free up the space in the room.
4. Mobile phones switched off. If you need to keep it on silent in the room for emergency purposes, please let your teacher know.
5. Please do not wear any strong perfumes.
6. Please be respectful with the props and put them away tidily after class.
7. Please be gentle and respectful with yourself and those around you.
Our Yummy Yoga classes include gentle asana (poses), pranayama (breathing practice) and meditation (relaxation). The style of yoga is mostly Hatha, with variations in style depending on the fortnightly theme.
Following the Main Principal of Yoga - "Ahimsa" - (gentleness and kindness to ourselves and others): The philosophy of all Yummy Yoga classes is "No pain, more gain!". The emphasis of each class is solely on stretching, strengthening, releasing and relaxing, all of which our bodies and minds enormously benefit from. Yoga is all about aging gracefully and feeling strong and comfortable in your body. It’s very important that you listen to your own body and ONLY do what feels good for you. Please remember that we all have very different bodies and varied natural flexibility. How boring would it be if we all looked the same? So please don’t even consider comparing yourself with others in a yoga class. The only measure you should use is how much YOU feel the stretch and how much better you feel in your body over time.
Location:
Most of the classes are held at the Theosophical Society Hall in Orewa, and some are held in Gulf Harbour. For the addresses and maps to these yoga studios, please see above under "Studios".
Content:
Classes are either 75 mins or 60 mins long. They usually consist of about 5 minutes of active relaxation at the beginning (aimed at helping us transition from our day and become "present' to our mind/body connection). This is followed by about 60 minutes of gentle asana (poses) practice and then the class typically ends with about 10 minutes of breathing exercises and meditation. Ideally, you will leave the class feeling stretched, strengthened and thoroughly relaxed!
The content of the General Yummy Yoga Classes are the same, based on a transitional fortnightly theme. For example, the focus of classes over a two week period might be "Balance", while the next fortnight may focus on "Strength". The poses chosen for those classes will reflect the theme and there will sometimes be some theory/yoga tips also connected to this theme.
Different Levels in a General Class:
Because these classes are aimed at the General Public, anyone can come. However, there will be different levels in the class so it’s important that you make the right choices for your body. If you have been doing yoga or another class like this for a while, you may feel that you would like some more advanced options that may be offered. But it is important that those with injuries or those who are new to yoga, continue to respect their bodies and stay with the lower options to keep themselves safe.
Equipment:
We will be using a variety of equipment during the class. While we have some spare mats for people to use for their first class or two, it is important that you then start using your own mats for hygiene purposes (as well as the fact the at this may entice you to start doing a home practice too!). We will also be using blocks, straps, bands, eye pillows, blankets, rollers, pillows and in time, bolsters. If you would like to bring any of these for yourself, please feel free to do so.
Arriving on time:
To get the most out of your class, we would like to strongly encourage you to arrive 10 minutes early in order to get yourself set up with your mat and equipment and find a good space for yourself. Ideally if you could be relaxing and unwinding on your mat before the class begins, you will maximize your results!
General reminders and Etiquette in a yoga class:
1. Wear layers and leave off any clunky jewelry that may get in the way for you.
2. Light snack only before a class- no heavy meals or big drinks for 2 hours before a practice.
3. Shoes and bags left in the outside area to free up the space in the room.
4. Mobile phones switched off. If you need to keep it on silent in the room for emergency purposes, please let your teacher know.
5. Please do not wear any strong perfumes.
6. Please be respectful with the props and put them away tidily after class.
7. Please be gentle and respectful with yourself and those around you.
To find out the difference between each of the classes, please see here for a wee video explaining them (about 5 minutes long) Or read below
CLASS OPTIONS
GENERAL YUMMY YOGA
A wonderful mix of yummy yoga poses, bountiful breath exercises and delicious meditation to finish. Suitable for all levels.
GENTLE YUMMY YOGA
Great for those who want a gentle stretch- older people, those with injuries, new yogis and those who just want to take it a bit easier than in a General Class.
YOGALATES:
Yogalates is a combination of yoga and pilates. It is a class aimed at strengthening and toning the body by skilfully blending a range of yoga and pilates poses seamlessly together. The class also includes a breathing practice and meditation, making it holistic version of Pilates. It is a wonderful option for those who are transitioning from Pilates to Yoga or those who would like to incorporate a bit of both.
YIN/YANG YOGA
A bit of this and a bit of that! Some dynamic YANG similar to the general class, and some delicious longer holding floor-based YIN poses- fabulous for a deep stretch.
RESTORATIVE FLOW YOGA
A wonderful way to completely relax your nervous system while doing gentle yoga stretches, some longer held restorative poses and an extended meditation!
This is our gentlest class!
ALL FLOOR BASED (We don't stand up until we're leaving!)
BEACH YOGA:
A scrumptious mix of yoga poses (similar to a General Class), bountiful breath exercises and delicious meditation to finish. Suitable for all levels. held on Saturday mornings at Orewa Beach during summer months.
GENERAL YUMMY YOGA
A wonderful mix of yummy yoga poses, bountiful breath exercises and delicious meditation to finish. Suitable for all levels.
GENTLE YUMMY YOGA
Great for those who want a gentle stretch- older people, those with injuries, new yogis and those who just want to take it a bit easier than in a General Class.
YOGALATES:
Yogalates is a combination of yoga and pilates. It is a class aimed at strengthening and toning the body by skilfully blending a range of yoga and pilates poses seamlessly together. The class also includes a breathing practice and meditation, making it holistic version of Pilates. It is a wonderful option for those who are transitioning from Pilates to Yoga or those who would like to incorporate a bit of both.
YIN/YANG YOGA
A bit of this and a bit of that! Some dynamic YANG similar to the general class, and some delicious longer holding floor-based YIN poses- fabulous for a deep stretch.
RESTORATIVE FLOW YOGA
A wonderful way to completely relax your nervous system while doing gentle yoga stretches, some longer held restorative poses and an extended meditation!
This is our gentlest class!
ALL FLOOR BASED (We don't stand up until we're leaving!)
BEACH YOGA:
A scrumptious mix of yoga poses (similar to a General Class), bountiful breath exercises and delicious meditation to finish. Suitable for all levels. held on Saturday mornings at Orewa Beach during summer months.