|
HOME |
ABOUT BB |
CONTACT |
ONLINE SHOP
|
||||
 |
 |
|||
|
BAREFOOTBLONDIE.COM
|
info@barefootblondie.com
|
|||
|
|
||||
|
|
Q&A with Luisa Mckay (thats her in
the top pictures!! Very bendy!!) She is an amazing yoga teacher who has
taught Georgie and she specialises in Vinyasa and Pregnancy yoga. She runs
classes and retreats in Portugal at her centre Lulushanti yoga. For more
information go to www.lulushanti.com.
What is Vinyasa Yoga? Vinyasa Yoga is a series of many different postures united together by combining elements of the sun salutation (surya namaskar) and the breath. Another term often used to describe vinyasa yoga is flow yoga, as the postures (or asanas) flow together like a dance. How is it different to other types of yoga ? Vinyasa yoga is unique with every teacher, and there is no set sequence to be followed. Vinyasa yoga focuses on elements deeper than the postures themselves, in addition to alignment. It offers freedom to the individual to experiment, explore and be aware of bodily changes and reactions, when postures are both held and flowing. Do you have to have done any other type of yoga before you start? It depends on the teacher
and their teaching level. Vinyasa yoga can have levels of intensity; slow
flow or advanced flow. Classes listed as ‘general’ classes tend to be
suitable for all, and no other type of yoga is needed. Generally, a
teacher will assess the different levels of experience, and adapt the flow
accordingly; offering more advanced postured for those wishing to
challenge themselves, and modifications for those who are fairly new to
yoga. What benefits would you say it imparts? Vinyasa yoga can certainly
challenge the mind, body and soul. From a physical perspective, it opens
up and releases muscular tension, it teaches the mind to focus and move
internally, and helps you to incorporate movement, and deal with tension
using the powerful breathe (Ujaii breathe). Are there any health risks? There should be no health risks in any types of yoga. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the teacher of any health concerns he or she might be experiencing, so that postures which are contraindications, are avoided. The yoga room is often warmed shortly before the class begins to avoid any injury, however if the student is sensitive to heat, or prone to fainting, I recommend he/she notify the teacher, keep water near by, and choose a position close to the door in case they need to leave the studio. How often can you do it? Yoga can be practiced 1-6 times a week. However, if a student is wishing to progress, I recommend at least 2 classes as a beginner, 3-4 classes as an intermediate student, and no more than 6 classes per week as an advanced daily practitioner. The body needs time to rest and to absorb the goodness of the practice. Some people throw themselves into 6 classes a week when they are not ready to do so, and that can not only shock the body, but can deplete the system’s supply of energy. Can you do it if you are pregnant? Only if the student is
familiar with the style of yoga, and has been practicing for a while,
there is no reason why she has to discontinue with the class. As the
teacher cannot focus on one person when teaching a group, the student
needs to be responsible for setting herself modifications and ‘listening’
to her body. The only disadvantage is, she will lack the valuable
interaction with other pregnant woman and the focus on breathe and
strength associated with labor (see pregnancy yoga). What do you wear? Anything comfortable. Wearing layers is suggested so that the student remains warm at the beginning and end of class, and stays cool during the faster/heated sequences. Some classes like to focus on hip openers, so restrictive clothing is not recommended and loose clothing during inversions is also not recommended. Yoga is practice barefoot, however, during relaxation, it is nice to have a pair of socks near by to avoid any rapid drop of body temperature Are there any age limits to this type of yoga practice? With all practices, yoga is open for all ages. In some countries, parental consent is required for ages under 16. General classes tend to be suitable for all, however, there are some more ‘intense’ vinyasa yoga classes offered in which the content or theme of the practice can be unsuitable for the younger ages. How did you get into vinyasa yoga? With a background in dance, I started practicing sivananda yoga and ashtanga yoga, and when I craved more challenge from sivananda, and enjoyed the dynamic, dance-like elements of ashtanga, I developed my own unique style incorporating different forms into my own sequence. It wasn’t until I attended many different classes in the United States, that I realized I had fallen in love with the unique vinyasa styles created by different unique teachers.... What type of people do it ( men/women??) Vinyasa yoga should be, and is open to all, (unless specified ‘men only’, woman only’ or ‘over 50’s etc...!) From the Barefoot blondie yoga range for adults, what would be the best products for vinyasa yoga? Comfortable, flexible, breathable clothing. Anything warm that can be easily taken off and put on at the beginning and end of class to avoid minimal distraction. Barefoot Blondie products recommended for Vinyasa Yoga
|
|
||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
