30 Jun yoga styles
Real Flow Yoga offers a broad and diverse unique dynamic flow style with strong focus on alignment, core stability and creative sequencing.
Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Dynamic, Jivamukti, PRANA FLOW, Tripsichore, SIVANANDA, Restorative, Yoga Nidra & Meditation, Restorative, Yin yoga, Pregnancy & Postnatal yoga, PILATES MAT 1 & Thai Yoga Massage, Lunar yoga, Restorative Yoga…
having highlighted how it is popular nowadays to categorise Yoga into a lots of different styles, it is important to remember, that there is only one Yoga which is an ever-evolving body of information, technique and practices that all work towards the goal of self-realisation.
the various ‘styles’ on offer simply reflect the various ways in which to attain to this goal. Different people may tend towards a different style but the ultimate destination is the same.
Real Flow Yoga takes a student focused approach to teaching, rather than a style approach. We do not believe in promoting one style of yoga over another. With the utmost of respect for tradition, it’s important to always acknowledge origin, lineage and the teacher from where the style comes from but we find it most realistic and effective to gauge what is appropriate for the situation and explore the practice in terms of tempo, pace and intensity. yoga is for everyone and should be made accessible for all.
“it is not that the person needs to accommodate him or herself to yoga, but rather yoga practice should be tailored to fit each person.” T.K.V. Desikachar
regardless of which Yogic ‘style’ or practice is followed, the intention is to generate wisdom for living daily life, to enhance awareness and to be present and mindful in thought and action amidst our life’s challenges. Yoga talks to the artist, the scientist and the philosopher within us all. Through consciously letting go of habitual holding patterns, you not only change your physiology but also your mental attitude for the better, you evoke your own radiate energy and transform ever-more into the best version of yourself.
here is a short summary of some of the styles that Real Flow Yoga explore. These ‘styles’ inform and influence the Real Flow teaching and practice.
hatha yoga
hatha can be considered the umbrella term for any yoga practice that emphasize physical postures and breathing techniques and so most yoga classes you come across within the yoga world are most likely a form of hatha yoga.
vinyasa flow
a dynamic high energy form of Hatha yoga. Postures are weaved together into creative and diverse sequences that keep you on you toes… (sometimes quite literally!) An invigorating and uplifting practice that brings together movement and breath and generates heat in the body, strengthen and tones.
yin yoga
a slow and meditative way of practising to counteract the ‘yang’ of a fast-paced life. Postures can sometimes be held for up to 5 minutes to help release deep-set negative tension patterns in the connective tissue in the joints. Yin practice can be totally restorative and replenishing.
power yoga
strengthening dynamic sequences that build heat in the body to help remove impurities and create a focused and calm state of mind.
ashtanga
pattabhi Jois’s powerful animated sequence that flows between asanas. Ujjayi breathing is the centrepiece of this class as it creates heat in the body. Ashtanga primary series can be challenging and dynamic. The practice cleanses and detoxifies the muscles and organs as well as improves circulation and digestion.
body alignment -Iyengar influenced
explores the principles of proper alignment and good posture to gain insight into the efficacy of postures and enhance your body intelligence. Breathing and mindfulness are taught. This course provides a firm foundation for beginners and allows intermediates to deepen awareness in their practice.
sivananda yoga
this very relaxing Hatha yoga class is taught in the Sivananda tradition. The class follows a sequence of 12 poses with a restorative rest in between each one posture. Each pose counteracts each other so that ever part of the body, both internal and external, is exercised equally in perfect balance. Working in a way similar to acupuncture, each asana (posture) puts pressure and stimulates different points of the body to free prana (energy) within the body.
jivamukti yoga
a contemporary style of yoga founded by two New York Yogis David Life and Sharon Gannon. Jivamukti yoga emphasises the importance of certain key principles such Nada (sound), Kriya (action including activism), Ahimsa (Non-harming), Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (including the study of scripture) and Dhyana (meditation). Asana practice comprises of challenging and creative dynamic flow sequences. In addition to philosophy there is a strong component of music and some chanting within the class.
prana flow
a system of vinyasa flow yoga devised by Californian Yoga Teacher Shiva Rea. Rooted within the path of Tantra, her vision of vinyasa flow is unique. Sequences include variations of the ashtanga primary series. There is less adherence to structure and form and more of an appreciation of the fluid and transient nature of form, which leads to the development of awareness of the subtle energetics of being. She refers to this as ’embodying the flow’ and a key theme of her system is the cultivation of fluid power. She offers exploration of pulsation and rhythm.
tripsichore yoga
an advanced form of vinyasa flow devised by Edward Clark. There is a keen emphasis on exploring yoga as an art form and understanding the nature of beauty as the conduit to transformation. With the development of advanced inversions and back bending there comes the respect for pursuit of excellence. Choreography is a defining feature and movement is beautifully linked in an elegant flowing way yet there is a strong emphasis on integrity of form, strength and composure. Ujjayi breath is taught in a unique and truly revolutionary way.
restorative yoga
slow and restful practices that focus on creating deep peace and restoration and calming the nervous system. Often bolsters, blankets and other props that facilitate the comfort and stability within the postures are used.
lunar yoga
yoga that honours the feminine energy principle (shakti) and emphasises the stimulation of feminine energy channel (ida nadi) and there is also a focus on attunement with the moon.
mat pilates 1
Pilates has been enormously influential in informing the alignment and anatomical aspects of how I teach yoga. In a pilates class, there is an emphasis on improving your posture and strengthening your postural muscles and including your core so you feel stronger, taller and more stable.