Classes

OPTIMUM YOU YOGA

A full-spectrum approach to embody the true essence of yoga (Tantra + Hatha + Ayurveda). An accessible, all-levels style of yoga that emphasises on working with the Earth’s elements and Prana (life force energy/breath) to energise and heal while moving through creative sequences. Learn to balance power and softness in your practice as you move from dynamic postures to slower controlled stretches. Expect inspiring music, pranayama (breathwork), strength building asanas (postures) and deep meditations. Come ready to move, breathe and feel amazing!

BEGINNERS’ WARM HATHA

The class uses the same 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, working every muscle, joint, tendon and ligament in the body, as well as every system: cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular skeletal, lymphatic, digestive, immune, central nervous, in particular the endocrine system meaning that it is very hormonally balancing.

It can help with peri-menopausal symptoms, balancing metabolism, regulating blood sugar levels and elevating mood.  The class is practised at a warm temperature of around 25 degrees which allows for deeper, safer stretching and an acceleration of the postures’ therapeutic benefits.

This is a dialogue led class (rather than demonstration led), allowing you to learn the postures on a more profound level as you process and execute the instructions.

Technically a beginners’ class, but also suitable for the more experienced yoga practitioner as each posture has an entry level with further depth being achieved gradually over time with regular practice.

BEGINNERS’ YOGA

New to yoga or feel like you’d just like to master the basics in more detail? Then this is the class for you, every Tuesday 5.15pm.

This class will demystify some of the key postures (and Sanskrit terms) while taking things at a slower, more considered pace. You will learn how to use modifications to increase freedom and mobility while concentrating on the breath. Great to really understand the foundational postures of yoga, to avoid injury and ensure correct positioning and alignment for your own body – as one size certainly doesn’t fit all!

EMBODIED FLOW

A yoga practice of your heart, transmitted by the principles of Hatha yoga and Ujjayi breath. This class is a celebration of the sacred polarities present in all of us. Inspired by the heart of yoga and rhythmic embodied breath principles.

This class has been thoughtfully designed by Genna, together we will flow through intuitive breath cycles, create sound through rhythmic movement, and fully embrace the joy of being ourselves. We explore both linear and non-linear movements, guided by breath, to establish balance, at a pace that’s right for you.

This class is open to all and may particularly resonate with those interested in exploring subtle energies or deepening their yoga practice to cultivate a strong, empowered sense of self.  Offering complimentary practice to other classes and a counterbalance to the complexities of everyday life by connecting to the Hridaya—the heart, the centre of intelligence and life.

HATHA

A classic foundational yoga class focused on the fundamental principles of yoga. Taking you through posture to posture at a steady pace, proper breathing and attention to alignment of the poses. At these mid-tempo classes, you will ignite the body and mind as well as cultivate body awareness. This is an excellent class for all levels, great either to start your yoga journey or refine your regular yoga practice. All levels and new practitioners are encouraged to take this class.

VINYASA

Vinyasa an accessible, all-levels style of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in body and mind. From the Sanskrit ‘to place in a special way’, Vinyasa aligns a sequence of poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow. At these up-tempo classes expect music and ‘hands on’ adjustments to ensure you get maximum benefit from your practice. In these often more demanding classes you may build up a sweat, and through a coordination of breath and movement you might come to enter a serene state of meditative flow and connectedness. You’ll flow, smile and walk away feeling lighter and energized.

YIN

A deep meditation practice holding postures for 5-10 minutes, working into the connective tissues (yin) as opposed to muscle tissues (yang). Yin yoga complements an active lifestyle, lengthens contracted muscles, and is based on Chinese meridian theory. It is a floor-based practice that releases fascia, targets the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine whilst attuning to the senses and subtle body. Benefits include increase in energy, increased flexibility, deep relaxation and feeling more stable (from calming the overactive nervous system or an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity). Our Yin classes are practiced in the warmth. Suitable for all levels.

ASHTANGA

Ashtanga Yoga derives from the teaching of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Challenging in its nature, the Ashtanga classes at Optimum You Yoga are based on the Primary Series – a dynamic and energetic, structured sequence of postures practiced with focused breathing techniques.  Expect a series of sun salutations, a series of standing poses done on each side and finished with a set of inversions and seated poses. Designed to specifically align the body and strengthen the nervous system, while cultivating a feeling of inner peace and leading to a natural state of meditation. Suitable for all levels.

RESTORATIVE YOGA

Restoration is essential in any physical practice. In Restorative yoga, the ‘rest and digest’ part of the nervous system is activated and the body and mind are given permission to relax and recover. Largely based on the teachings of B.K.S Iyengar, this yoga is used to ground and centre by gentle movements, passive stretching and postures. This class will help you to become more flexible, calm a restless mind and reduce pain when practiced regularly. Typically, we hold a posture around 5 minutes using blocks, bolsters blankets and straps to ensure a comforted and supported body. You will feel a subtle yet clear opening in the area being stretched.

SOULFUL FLOW

A modified version of Vinyasa Flow with the element of time, it allows the practitioner to; evaluate and modify the body, mind and breath; and feel into a pose while practicing. While transiting from one pose to another, the form gives you time to engage with the senses and body mentally, thus limiting the chances of injury. There are sequences in this class where you will move from one asana (posture) to another with the breath and there will be slower sections of the class where you will hold the asanas for longer. Soulful Flow classes are an embodiment practice to help you feel the space between poses while still retaining the gentle rhythm of a flow yoga class. Suitable for complete beginners and all levels.

CHAIR & FLEXIBILITY YOGA

Amazing benefits are gained for stress relief and cardiovascular care when using a chair to support the body in various positions such as balance poses and mild inversions. Breathing techniques are provided in depth. This practice is especially helpful for students who have a challenging time moving quickly from the floor to standing, for yoga beginners and particularly beneficial for those recovering from injuries. The body has incredible regenerative powers and even after a short time of practising gentle postures, we can sleep better, feel rejuvenated and energised. For all levels of learning.

PREGNANCY YOGA

We offer mothers-to-be a uniquely nourishing, quiet, place to focus inward and bond with your growing baby, while strengthening the body and utilising the breath to prepare for birth. Research shows significant benefits of participating in prenatal yoga including: increased comfort, decrease in premature births and improved overall health for both mum and baby. With a range of holistic yoga techniques (not just the postures) that enhances a woman’s emotional, psychic and physical experience of pregnancy as a preparation for motherhood, these classes offer you time to be comfortable with the changes in your body and bond with other expectant mothers. Suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have prior yoga experience.  Mothers-to-be can participate from as early as 14 weeks or as late in pregnancy as desired, depending on comfort level. Jenny also offers private prenatal sessions to couples for both mother and partner.

POSTNATAL YOGA – MAMA FLOW

Mama Flow is a beautiful blend of Yoga, massage, breath work and connection.  This class was created for Mamas looking for a more active postnatal Yoga journey, and an opportunity to completely involve their little person.  Your baby carrier will be used in this class.

We will begin seated for heart openers, gentle strength work and baby massage, and move on to use baby carriers to take your little one along for the ride!  After class there will be an opportunity for a cup of tea (made for you!) and a share with other like minded mamas. Expect a lot of (likely rather noisy) fun, a beautiful community, and absolutely no judgement!

Understanding the deep emotional journey towards birth, motherhood and the period of postnatal recovery, this healing class will guide new mums to reconnect to their body and mind as well as safely strengthen the abdominal wall, core and lower back and release tension in the upper body.

Please ensure that you are comfortable taking on, and off, your baby carrier, as this will be done during class.  This class is suitable for Mamas post 6 week postnatal doctor check-up, and babies who are comfortable and safe in carriers or slings.  Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Yogis all welcome.

PILATES

Our Pilates class is suitable for all abilities as we teach from the ground upwards and offer modifications where needed too. Pilates uses the body & the mind and requires a good level of concentration, which allows us to switch off from the outside world during our practice. Breath work forms part of the focus of our class, enabling us to enhance the effectiveness of each exercise, diffuse tension, and support relaxation. With regular practice you will become more in tune with your body, have better alignment, control, and flow of movement.  Posture will improve and muscles will become stronger and leaner, along with better joint mobility & flexibility.

POWER YOGA

Refresh and revitalise with Power Flow.  A challenging, but accessible, class that will develop your strength, deepen your flexibility and unite your body and mind.  We will work on building a strong core and a stable foundation, establishing the skills to allow you to deepen your asanas over time.  Different variations will be offered so you can work at your own pace.  The flow will close with soothing breathing exercises and a gentle meditation, allowing you to drift into a blissful, deep savasana.  This class will be accompanied by energising essential oils.

HOT HIIT PILATES

This is a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class, carried out in a moderate heat using Pilates principles so that despite being highly intense, it is low impact on your joints.

Practised regularly, you can expect to see visible results in a short space of time as it firms your abs, tightens your butt and carves out your waistline.

Done with a motivating soundtrack, expect to work hard, burn calories and increase your cardiovascular fitness.

HOT YOGA WITH HARRY

Please note that these classes are held at WTA, Compass Point Business Park, LE16 9HW (opposite side of the roundabout to the Leisure Centre).

This style of hatha yoga was devised by Bishnu Ghosh in Kolkata in the early part of the 20th century. The series has gone under various names over the years such as Ghosh yoga, Calcutta yoga, Bikram yoga, Original Hot Yoga, and Hot 26&2.

Whilst there are some variations in how it is taught, the same 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises remain constant, working every system in the body: cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular skeletal, lymphatic, endocrine, central nervous as well as every muscle, tendon and ligament. It is a very rounded and functional approach to health and wellbeing, not just physically but also mentally.

The class is practised at a temperature of around 28-30 degrees Celsius in order to mimic the climate of Kolkata and remain true to the genuine roots of this powerfully therapeutic style of yoga.

This is a dialogue led class (rather than demonstration led), allowing you to learn the postures on a more profound level as you process and execute the instructions. Harry teaches with humour and compassion, ensuring you to get optimal therapeutic benefit from your yoga.

This class is suitable for complete beginners and experienced yogis alike; each posture having an entry level with further depth being achieved gradually over time with regular practice.

SLOW FLOW

A strong but gentle practice that encourages you to slow down and go a little deeper inward.

We shift the focus away from the outer shape and in towards the internal experience of subtle body, mind and breath.

Expect a blend of movement and stillness, and find a balance of effort and ease.

YOGA NIDRA

Also known as The Sleep of Awakening Yoga nidra, or yogic sleep as it is commonly known, is an immensely powerful meditation technique, and one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain.

The practice is accessible to everyone and performed as you rest comfortably in savasana (dead-body pose), this systematic meditation takes you through the pancha maya kosha (five layers of self), leaving you with a sense of wholeness.

No longer do you have to dread spending time sitting on the floor ‘trying’ to meditate, Yoga Nidra is the direct route to deeper stillness and the state of Yoga. This practice can help to reduce stress, still the body & mind and combat ever increasing fatigue from our modern-day lifestyles.

Anyone can do Yoga Nidra and it offers a space to explore what you need in the moment, as well as an opportunity to work on releasing long-held emotions.