A FORMER Appleton student who travelled to Belarus to train as a Yoga teacher is now planning to share her experience to show the benefits of Yoga for mind and body.
More and more people in the western world are becoming interested in Yoga – and for good reason.
The National Health Service recognises Yoga as an activity that is beneficial not only for the body, but the mind. Dozens of scientific trials have been published on yoga, and suggest it is a safe and effective way to improve strength, flexibility and balance.
Former Bridgewater High School and Appleton College student Amy Skentelbery, first became interested in yoga while at university in Nottingham and after graduating travelled to Belarus to train as a yoga teacher and is starting classes in Warrington in the New Year.
She aims to teach holistic yoga, mainly in the style of Swami Sivananda, who was first and foremost a doctor before he became a yogi, meaning he had a great awareness of how the body works and what is good for it. Each asana (body posture) has a different benefit for the body and mind.
The exact origin of yoga is unknown, but its history dates back as far as 5,000 years. Although many people see yoga as just a physical activity, it is more than that. Yoga can give us direction, and help us grow spiritually – whatever that means to you.
Amy, aged 23, said: “There are many styles and systems of yoga. Karma yoga, for example, requires no movement. This practice is simply the act of doing good in the world without the expectation of anything in return.
‘’While training in Belarus, we practiced karma yoga by gardening and sowing seeds on a farm to feed others.’’
The classes will not just consist of exercises. They will involve calming the mind through meditation and relaxation, lung cleansing, sun salutations and complete asanas.
There will also be an optional philosophy class for half an hour after each session.
Amy said: ‘’This will be casual and a great time to get to know each other and share experiences.
“We will discuss topics such as proper relaxation, positive thinking/meditation, relaxation and diet. We will also discuss the eight limbs of yoga which consist of yama’s (principles and moral code) and nyamas (disciplines).”
Amy’s yoga classes will begin on Tuesday January 2 and will be held near Stockton Heath from 7.15pm to 8.30pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings, followed by an optional free yoga philosophy class from 8.30-9pm.
Please call 07496 992726 or email [email protected] to book a space as they are limited. The cost will be £8 per class.
These classes will be particularly suitable for beginners and regular attendance is recommended to build your yoga practice. Start the New Year with a new practice!
