Seasonal Yoga Classes in North Herts,

run by Senior Yoga Teacher Rachel Williamson.

yoga teacher Rachel

What is Seasonal Yoga?

Seasonal Yoga is a “yang” style yoga practice which is designed to align you with the changing energies of nature and the seasons. The concept was created by Julie Hanson and Sue Woodd in 1995 as an antidote to the stress and anxiety of modern life. It combines Yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi with traditional Chinese ideas about harmonising the energy of nature which is both around us and within us, bringing balance. What is practised in the classes changes each season, with the energy of nature.

Seasonal Yang Yoga Classes - Online via Zoom and at local venues.

The classes are an hour and a half long and include some postures, sequences, breathing practice (pranayama) and relaxation. They usually involve some flowing movement. What postures we practice and the energy of the class will change with seasons, according to the 5 Element system from Chinese Medicine. A reasonable level of agility is required but these classes will not leave you gasping for breath or pouring with sweat.

Tuesday 6.30 - 8 pm Seasonal Yang class - Letchworth venue

 

Thursdays 6 - 7.30 pm Seasonal Yang class - online via Zoom

 

Saturdays 10 - 11.30 am Seasonal Yang class - Letchworth

 

Please contact Rachel for further details.

Seasonal Yang Yoga Classes - Gentle - Online via Zoom and at local venues.

These gentle classes are shorter and less challenging than the regular classes. They are aimed at older beginner,  the slightly less agile or anyone wanting a gentler practice. Classes include breath coordinated movement, postures, simple sequences and relaxation. Attendees will need to be able to get up and down from the floor reasonably easily, although an adapted practice in a chair may also be possible.

Wednesdays 10 - 11 am Letchworth venue + Online via Zoom

 

Thursday Mornings 10 - 11 am Hitchin venue

 

Please contact Rachel for further details.

Seasonal Yin Yoga Classes Online via Zoom

Yin Yoga classes are suitable for anyone with an interest in yoga. If you are a complete beginner, contact Rachel before joining the class. I recommend that anyone coming to Yin yoga classes also either regularly attends more 'Yang' style yoga classes or follows their own yoga practice at home to maintain balance. This would include most other styles of yoga including hatha, vinyasa and ashtanga

Yin yoga pose

 

Yin Yoga is a special kind of practice where mainly seated and lying down postures are held for several minutes (usually 2-5). Poses are held in a relaxed and steady way, increasing the flexibility of the joints, gently stretching and rehabilitating the connective tissues. Soft breathing and mindfulness will be encouraged. A typical class will include around 6-10 postures and a relaxation. Yin Yoga is a great complement to an existing more active (or yang) yoga practice...

Main Principles of Yin Yoga

 

Yin postures are held longer (2-10 minutes)

 

Yin yoga requires you to come non-aggressively to an appropriate edge

 

Yin postures are held with most muscles relaxed Yin poses are held with steadiness - joints become still and soft

 

Yin and Yang styles of yoga complement each other Yin – hidden, dark, cold, downward, earth, calm

 

Yang – exposed, light, hot, upward, heaven, excited Yin and yang descriptions are RELATIVE.

 

So Yin yoga is only yin in relation to other more rhythmic forms of yoga.

 

Yang exercise (more rhythmic) encourages the muscles to alternately contract and relax.

 

Yin exercise increases the flexibility of the joints and stretches the connective tissues.

Yin yoga classes run online via Zoom...

Yin Yoga Monthly - Last Friday of the month 6.30 - 7.45 pm

Please contact Rachel for further details.

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“I remember going to my first class with a little apprehension – as a male in his late 20s (and a kickboxer!), the thought of doing yoga with a bunch of middle-aged women to enhance my limited flexibility was certainly new territory for me. From the first moments in class, I felt instantly at ease; Rachel quietly guided me through a sequence of poses and I quickly became conscious of the movement in my body and how with a simple twisting movement, my spine seemed to just release. I went again the next week, and over time, as the movements became more familiar, I could focus on the breathing and the inner peace it provides. We all have such busy and hectic lifestyles, but I find yoga keeps me grounded and once a week I can dedicate time to looking inwards. I would highly recommend Rachel to anyone wanting to begin a yoga journey - the classes are friendly, relaxed and highly enjoyable.” JS. Letchworth