The Classes
I have been teaching regular Yoga classes in Ibiza for many years, one of the most beautiful Balearic islands in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The Yoga lessons are located in different parts of the island, all year round, at different times of the day and I teach students of all levels and ages. The classes are taught in English or Spanish, but I also speak Portuguese, Italian and German, which allows me to give special attention to those students who need specific translation in one of these languages for their better understanding of the classes. The number of students per class are also limited, allowing each practitioner to receive more personal assistance and attention.
If you are interested in joining one of my regular yoga groups in Ibiza, please do not hesitate to contact me. The first lesson is given as a free trial. I also offer private yoga lessons if you want to work with me on a one-on-one, in the comfort of your own home, where each session is specifically tailored to your individual needs.
Below is some information about the type of yoga I specialise in and the structure of the Yoga classes
SIVANANDA HATHA YOGA
Sivananda Yoga is a classical and holistic approach to Hatha Yoga that stretches and tones the whole body.
This style of yoga has not been modified or watered down. The teachings have survived intact and are practiced as originally presented in India by Swami Sivananda in 1936.
Sivananda Yoga is a complete healing system designed to help the body maintain a natural healthy state.
Sivananda training involves frequent relaxation and emphasizes full, yogic breathing.
A typical Sivananda Yoga class involves 12 basic postures that seek to increase strength, flexibility, proper breathing, and ease in meditation. The 12-posture sequence is also called the Rishikesh series as it originates in that region in the foothills of the Himalayas. It also includes two breathing exercises and a deep final relaxation.
Characteristics of Sivananda yoga also include the following:
” Mantra/prayers at the beginning and end of yoga classes
” Longer holding of postures
” Pranayamas at the beginning or end of class
” An overall awareness and focus on breathing and the pranic dimensions of the practice
STRUCTURE OF THE CLASSES
A session typically starts with every practitioner resting in Savasana. This is then followed by Kapalabhati and Anuloma Viloma, and then rounds of Surya Namaskara before the standard program of the 12 basic asanas is practiced. A session averages 90 minutes and the traditional program may be adapted by me to allow some variation.
The Sivananda practice establishes physiological balance in the body and secures mental poise through its scientifically-designed series of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (yogic breathing techniques).
Each asana is practiced in the same order at each class with a relaxation pose performed after every posture. I add variations and postures as the skill level of the student increases. I also closely monitor the students progress and frequently assist them with postures. Students feel relaxed, rested, and rejuvenated at the end of each class. The Sivananda training system aims to maintain the vitality of the body, slow the decaying process, and reduce the chance of disease by simply and naturally cultivating the body.
The practice of Sivananda Yoga is intended to tone and strengthen all of the muscle groups of the body.
The objective of the class is to instruct students in the correct practice of yoga asanas, enabling the student to deepen their daily practice.
An ounce of practice is worth tons of theory. – Swami Sivananda
My yoga classes are specially focused in the practises of asanas, pranayama and relaxaion.
Through asana , pranayama, and proper relaxation the yoga practitioner begins to experience moments of
great inner peace. This is where I find that the magic of yoga begins to shine. From a place of inner peace
we can begin to hear our own spiritual voice, our own guide within, bringing to light the dreams and
desires that will truly be inspiring and lead us to a harmonious life. From the simplicity of a consistent
yoga practice we can dive as deeply into the beauty of the soul as we so desire.
Below few words about the meaning and benefits of asanas, pranayama and relaxation.
ASANAS
The asanas are certain poses held to directly affect specific areas of the body, and allow energy to openly
flow around the body. Asanas were developed as positions to be held during extended periods of
meditation which is why they allow the mind to concentrate and tone the body at the same time.
When a person first begins practicing yoga, the numerous positions may seem overwhelming to learn. As
they attend more yoga classes, the asanas will become more like a second nature. Most of the poses
positively affect the back and stomach by strengthening the core of the body. Asanas vary a great deal by
performing them, balancing, twisting, standing, sitting, and so on. Soon, the capacity of the workout
increases, and physical and mental changes will be evident.
Aside from increased flexibility, a stable mind, and a stronger physique, asana also reaches the body on a
deeper level, affecting internal organs and the harmony of the body. The list of the benefits from the
practise of asanas is long, but a few examples are:
” A balanced nervous system
” Strengthened immune system
” A reduction of life stresses
” Improved breathing
” Stronger muscles
PRANAYAMA
All benefits of pranayama cannot be written down, there are lot of subtle changes like mental peace and
clarity of thought that occur in our mind.
Reduced Breathing Rate. With yoga breathing you can train yourself to breathe more slowly and more
deeply. You can reduce your breathing rate from about fifteen breaths a minute to 5-6 breaths a minute,
which amounts to reducing the breathing rate by one third. Reduced breathing rate leads to:
” Slowing down the heart rate as more oxygen can be pumped even with less number of breaths. Follow
the ration of 1:2 for inhalation:exhalation.
” Reduced wear and tear of internal organs.
” Lowering of blood pressure, relaxation of body tensions and quieter nerves.
Pranayama Practice Increases Life. As per yoga philosophy, longevity depends on your breathing rate.
Lowering of breathing rate is likely to increase your life. For example, a tortoise takes four to five breaths
in a minute and it lives up to 200 years or more.
Blood Circulation Improves. As a result of breathing, the freshly oxygenated blood (during inhalation)
travels from lungs to the heart. The heart pumps it via arteries and blood vessels to every part of the
body, where in turn it seeps into every tissue and cell. This improves the blood circulation and more
oxygen/ prana or cosmic energy reaches all parts of your body.
Pranayama For Healthy Heart. Our heart is the most industrious organ of our body. The heart beats
100,000 times a day. It is pumping blood day in and day out non-stop all your life. The health of your
heart determines your life expectancy and quality of life in old age. More oxygen in the blood means more
oxygen to muscles of the heart.
Benefits Of Pranayama For Functioning Of Body Organs
” Better functioning of autonomic system improves the working of lungs, heart, diaphragm, abdomen,
intestines, kidneys and pancreas.
” Digestive system improves and diseases pertaining to digestive organs are cured.
” General irritability due to lethargy/fatigue vanishes.
” By pranayama practice all body organs get more oxygen, toxins are removed from body, therefore onset
of various diseases is prevented. Pranayama strengthens the immune system.
Better Mental Health
” Pranayama practice provides freedom from negative and harmful mental conditions like anger,
depression, lasciviousness, greed for money, arrogance etc.
” With pranayama fluctuations of mind are controlled and it prepares the mind for meditation. With
practice of pranayama, you will start experiencing lightness of body, feeling of inner peace, better sleep,
better memory and better concentration whereby improving the spiritual powers/ skills.
RELAXATION
Relaxation is the sensation of calmness in the body and mind.
This technique reduces the stress response of the autonomic nervous system. As part of this response,
the nervous system becomes activated in a “fight or flight” mode in which the heart rate increases, the
palms sweat, breathing becomes more rapid, the blood vessels contract and dilate faster, and so on. This,
in general, increases the pain signals and pain becomes more intense.
Relaxation techniques can be learned and used in everyday stressful situations to reduce tension and
increase control.
Relaxation will help you to:
” Think clearly with improved concentration.
” Improve the body function by lowering the heart rate, blood pressure, breaths per minute and muscle
tension.
” Enjoy restful sleep