Zenith provides a range of YOGA CLASSES, individual Therapeutic Yoga consultations and international Yoga Teacher Training Courses

Our teaching places an emphasis on the use of props to help participants achieve the correct alignment during their practice. Our yoga teachers monitor and correct participants during classes and give instructions and explanations of the asanas (poses) from an anatomical point of view to help participants understand their own bodies to a deeper level.  In your first class please let our teachers know your experience level and any issues you may have so they can ensure a safe practice for you.

Following are descriptions of the four yoga styles practiced at Zenith to help you select the right one for you.  Have a look and see which best suits your needs and experience.

HATHA

Hatha yoga is the foundation for all yoga styles and tends to be at a slightly slower pace, great for beginners or those wanting a more meditative or even restorative practice.

Our Hatha classes concentrate on the learning of traditional asana (postures), breathing (pranayama) and meditation. Emphasis is placed on listening to your body through longer-held poses, core strength, flexibility, balance and concentration.

Regular practice of Hatha yoga enhances strength, flexibility, balance and some light to moderate aerobic conditioning.  It is a good place to start.

IYENGAR

This practice is all about balancing flexibility and strength through proper body alignment. 

An Iyengar class is characterized by the use of props (including blankets, blocks, bolsters and belts) to assist with body alignment, while focusing attention to the finer elements of each pose. The props enable beginning students, older participants, or those with physical limitations to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain.

The poses are generally held longer, but the support of props and attention to alignment helps people of all ages, flexibilities, and abilities find the alignment that is right for their bodies and also makes this a great practice for those overcoming injury.

Iyengar:

• builds strength and tones muscles
• increases flexibility
• improves posture
• boosts energy levels
• decreases stress and anxiety
• can reduce chronic pain
• can lower blood pressure
• improves breathing

RESTORATIVE

Restorative yoga encourages physical, mental, and emotional relaxation and is suitable for beginners and practitioners of all levels.

It is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness, and deep breathing.  With the use of props like blocks, bolsters and blankets for support, the postures are held almost effortlessly. It is a practice of deep relaxation, which emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga.

Restorative poses:

• recharge energy reserves
• heal the effects of stress
• bring nervous systems into a more balanced state
• are gentle on the body
• can be part of an overall treatment plan for chronic health conditions

VINYASA

Vinyasa yoga moves at a faster pace and requires greater breathing control. 

It is a continuous flow from one pose to the next, each posture or asana being connected through the breath.  The creative sequencing found in a Vinyasa class is often built around Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) and provides an intense workout. Classes build heat, endurance, flexibility and strength. 

The faster pace of Vinyasa yoga make it much more challenging and is ideal for a lower-intensity cardiovascular workout.  Vinyasa flow is likened to a dynamic dance as each movement is linked to the breath.

Benefits

• strengthens muscles as the emphasis is on the transitions between poses, although most asanas are also held at least once for 30 to 120 seconds
• good cardio workout
• increases mobility by moving the joints through their full range of motion, and develops strength in those positions
• enhances core stability, as the core must be engaged for almost every single posture