We offer a number of different styles of yoga here at Odyssey, and it might not surprise you to know there a big differences between them.

This is a list, with the instructors for each style.

Beginners Hatha Yoga

With Lianne

This is your fundamental Hatha Practice.  The series of movements in this class are taken from the very beginning instruction of Hatha Yoga.  The Series ‘Pawanmuktasana 1’ is the anti-rheumatic group of exercises, targeting each joint of the body in sequence.

The practice is simple, based in a seated posture. Great for posture and mobility and bone strength.

Yin Yoga

With Celeste, Freddie and Lianne

Yin Yoga is a practice of stillness.  You would typically hold each posture for 3-5 minutes, with intermitted rest.  The postures are working with the deep tissues in the body, helping with mobility and bone strength.

There is usually a target theme of the class which the practice will be centred around, such as hip opening.

Meditation

With Lianne

An important part of yoga practice, is meditation.  In this class you will have the option to meditate in a seated or reclined position.

The whole session is guided, with a practical meditation, giving you tools that can help you day to day in moments or stress, and helping you to remain mindful.

Hatha, Pranyama and Meditation

With Jane

Hatha is one of the oldest yoga practices. This practice is with the traditional yoga postures, and sequences, such as ‘Sun Salutation’ (Surya Namaskar).

Pranayama is breath work, this can help bring feelings of calm in the body and restore energetic balance.  Meditation is being in the moment, this is a still practice, seated or reclined. This class can aid with concentration and flexibility.

Anusara Yoga

With Jacqueline

This practice is inspired by Hatha Yoga.  It focuses on the movement into posture, anusara translates to ‘flowing with grace’.  There is a focus on postural alignment and body awareness

Vinyasa

With Roxi

Vinyasa is ‘flow’.  You will move in the this class from posture to posture, synchronising breath and movement. This class can aid with concentration, flexibility and balance.

Sunrise Flow Yoga

With Freddie

This class is a Vinyasa class.

Mandala Yoga

With Celeste

Based on the 4 basic elements – Fire, Water, Earth and Air – Mandala Vinyasa is a dynamic flow that connects each element with a specific area of the body. During the class you will explore circular movements with your body, moving around all four corners of the mat in 360 degrees. A regular practice or experience of Vinyasa yoga is recommended.

Freestyle Fitness Yoga

With Liz

This practice uses the postures of yoga put together in a sequence for fitness.  The movements will be to improve strength, flexibility and balance.
It is a power based yoga, and includes some advanced postures.

Hot Yoga

With Louisa

This is a hatha yoga class, practiced in heat of between 35 – 40 degrees.  The heat is to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body and mind to relax.  Also to help keep the body warm inside and out during your practice.

It is a slow practice of the ‘Sun Salutation’ (Surya Namaskar) sequence and fundamental asana practice. It is a slower paced class, but the heat will make the class feel more intense.  It is a great class to help with cardiovascular fitness and mobility.

We always suggest if you are unsure if a class is for you, to tune on the Odyssey App > at home > on demand and have a little watch.  This is a great way to see if you think you would enjoy the class.

Yoga isn’t a competitive practice; self-awareness (Self Study, or Svadhyaya) is one of the 8 limbs of Yoga and one of the things we observe in Yoga practice.  So come and give it a try.

If you have never been to a yoga asana class before and struggle with mobility it would be best to start attending the Beginners Hatha Yoga class.  Hatha, Pranyama and Meditation, Anusara Yoga and Yin Yoga are also suitable for beginners.

If you are experienced in asana practice, or would simply like to try a more challenging class, try Freestyle Fitness Yoga, Mandala Yoga or Vinyasa.

Whatever your level of experience, Meditation is suitable for all, and can benefit everyone.  There is a Zen Buddhist proverb highlighting the importance of Meditation

You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day. Unless you’re too busy, then you should sit for an hour

Namaste

Lianne