Yoga for Balance and Stability

At the beginning of your yoga journey, it can be difficult to know where to start. The number of different styles and teachers that are available to you may feel overwhelming - this blog will keep things simple by focusing on which yoga styles will help bring you into balance and create stability in your everyday life.

Why balance and stability are important

Yoga can help you improve your balance and stability both mentally and physically - and both are equally important.

After practising yoga consistently, you will find you are able to connect with your entire body more easily, cultivating presence in your muscles and using this new awareness to stay balanced. But finding your balance does not just mean being able to stay perfectly still in a pose - it also happens off the mat. By practising balance on a physical level, you can create that same equanimity in your emotions and interactions with other people. Meditation, another key aspect of yoga, also creates that balance in your mind.

Stability is important to both body and mind - not only will you be able to feel control in each posture, but you will feel more grounded within yourself. By continuously creating a foundation on the mat, you are anchoring yourself within yourself, and within your daily life.

Find stability with Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is what most people think of when they think of yoga - it is the system of yoga we follow when we practice yoga asanas (postures) and pranayamas (breathing exercises). Developed in India thousands of years ago, classical hatha yoga was brought to the United States in the late 1800s and has developed into the modern physical practice that has become so popular today.

What makes Hatha Yoga unique?

Hatha Yoga is perfect for beginners - it is a gentle style of yoga that emphasizes slow movements and close attention to the breath. Typically, a Hatha class will pay closer attention to each posture, helping you learn the fullness of each pose and allowing you to find stability through static movement.

Benefits of Hatha Yoga

If you practice Hatha Yoga on a regular basis you will experience:

• Your Prana (life force) will flow more freely

• Reduced anxiety and stress

• Calmer, steadier breath

• Clarity of mind

• Improved circulation and flexibility

Explore Hatha & Pranayama

We also offer Hatha & Pranayama (breathwork) classes. These classes can be quiet and meditative but also physical and challenging at times, with a strong emphasis on breathing. Pranayama offers a set of simple breathing techniques which help to cleanse and stabilise the body and mind. With a regular Pranayama practice, more vital energy is made available for the body and mind.

Find balance with Yin Yang Yoga

A Yin Yang Yoga class integrates two styles of yoga into one class - placing a focus on both relaxation (Yin) and strengthening (Yang). It is a class in which you are both physically challenged and completely relaxed. Where the Yang part will focus on strengthening the muscles, the Yin part will focus on relaxing them completely. After stimulating both Yin and Yang energies, your energy flow will increase, giving you a balanced mind and body.

What is Yin Yoga?

In Yin Yoga, postures are held for 3-5 minutes. This allows your muscles to relax so that you can work deeply on the connective tissue in the body. Yin Yoga has a positive effect on the organs, immune system, connective tissue, muscles, and joints.

What is Yang Yoga?

'Yang Yoga' refers to more active styles of yoga, such as Vinyasa Yoga or Ashtanga. During this practice, you will dynamically transition from pose to pose in order to build physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. Typically, this is a faster-paced, more challenging class.

Why combine the two?

"The practice of yin/yang yoga helps us learn about stillness in movement and the flow in stillness.” - Sarah Powers

By combining both Yin and Yang, you will be able to focus on both strength and relaxation, bringing your body and mind into greater balance.

The benefits of Yin Yang Yoga

• Stimulates energy channels in the body

• Balances both mind and body

• Improves flexibility

• Works deeply on connective tissues

• Reduces anxiety and stress