About Cotswold-Yoga

'Viniyoga' in Cirencester and on Zoom

 

 

'If you can breathe, you can do yoga'.  

T.K.V. Desikachar

 

 

Hi, I’m Mark and I’m passionate that yoga should be inclusive and accessible to everybody, regardless of an individuals age, size, weight, level of fitness, flexibility etc.  I truly believe that as long as you can breathe, you can practice yoga.  

 

 

Over the many years that I have been practicing yoga, it has been an invaluable tool in helping me to remain calm and grounded in the busy, demanding, hectic world in which we live. 

 

Wanting to explore yoga in more depth, I commenced my 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training in 2014, with the Sadhana Mala Yoga School and have been teaching yoga since 2015.  I have since completed a further advaced 500 hour training with Sadhana Mala and have recently completed a ‘Chair Yoga’ course.  I am registered with the Association for Yoga Studies (AYS) and am fully insured. 

 

 

As a yoga teacher I absolutely love that anyone really can practice yoga and I really enjoy helping people discover the multiple benefits of this ancient tradition.  There really is so much more to it than just touching your toes - actually it really doesn’t matter if you can’t! 

 

What to expect in a yoga class

The style of Hatha Yoga I teach is known as ‘Viniyoga’, a style of yoga following the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar. The  Sanskrit term 'Viniyogah', means special application with the aim that the yoga is adapted to suit each individual.  As we are all unique and coming from different starting points our yoga practice subsequently needs to reflect this individuality.  In my teaching, I consequently strive to offer alternatives or modifications to postures so each person can achieve their own potential and have an experience that is unique as they are.  

 

Classes typically start by drawing attention to the here and now and encouraging the student to let go of their days’ activities.  Through focusing the mind on the breath and undertaking a series of physical yoga postures (asanas) during the class, this prepares the body for relaxation and focused breathing towards the end, aiming to leave the student feeling calm, refreshed and relaxed. 

 

Despite being one of the more gentle forms of yoga, at times, the classes can equally be physically challenging!  Therefore, during the class if something doesn’t feel right please stop and let me know. It is really important to listen to your body and work within your own limits.  The aim is to work to your 'edge' not go over it!   Therefore please do not strain or perform any exercise that you feel is not appropriate or could be painful for you.  Please rest and take extra breaths when you need to.  For your own safety, please always let me know of any new health conditions or injuries before the class starts.

 

During the class it’s best to wear comfortable clothing which will not restrict your movements.  The only things you really need to practice yoga is a yoga mat and perhaps a blanket to keep warm during relaxation.  

 

As with most exercises, it is advisable not to eat a meal for at least 2 hours before practising yoga.

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