About | Hatha Yoga St Albans

About Hatha Yoga

Yoga originated in India many thousands of years ago. The yoga postures (asanas) exercise every part of the body, stretching and toning the muscles and joints, the spine and the entire skeletal system. They are excellent weight bearing exercises helping to increase bone density for both the upper and lower body while being low-impact. They also work on the internal organs, glands and nerves keeping all systems in radiant health. By releasing physical and mental tension, they also liberate vast resources of energy.

The yogic breathing exercises (pranayama) revitalise the body and help to control the mind, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed, while the practice of positive thinking and meditation gives increased clarity, mental power and concentration.

Yoga is a great way to achieve a strong, toned and supple body and learn how to become more deeply relaxed and able to deal with the stresses and strains of modern day life. With regular practice the body becomes stronger, more flexible and balanced and the mind calmer. Anyone can do yoga – even the most inflexible students are often amazed by their progress.

Below are just a few of the postures which work on different areas of the body all helping to achieve a strong, toned, supple body and in conjunction with correct breathing, result in a deep sense of peace and relaxation.

Testimonials

I've attended Julie's classes for 18 years. I ALWAYS feel so good by the end of a class as well as when I'm doing the class, including the challenging bits! Julie has a lovely teaching style and allows for all levels of student in the way she teaches. She is very encouraging and warm. Attending her regular classes has made a real difference to how I feel mentally, emotionally and physically. I think everyone should do yoga!

Jill

Since joining Julie’s class I have really felt the benefits, including feeling stronger, fitter, less stressed and generally sleeping better. Julie’s ability to motivate, nurture and cater for the different needs of the entire class has meant that I have been able to develop my yoga practice to meet my own requirements. Her warm and gentle approach is perfect to put the class at ease. I look forward to her class every week and always leave feeling fabulous.

Joanne

I have attended Julie's Yoga classes for many years and have always found them enjoyable if at times challenging. I do Yoga to help maintain flexibility and posture which is so important as age encroaches and also to help clear my head when there is a lot going on.The classes are a mixture of straightforward and more challenging movements but Julie always encourages us to find our own limits. Final relaxation is always welcomed.

Meredith

I first went to Julie's yoga class after having my second child 9 years ago. I was feeling fat, anxious and very low in confidence, nervous that I would feel silly if I couldn't do the moves. I needn't have worried, Julie's calming, reassuring manner put me at ease immediately. I did find the moves hard at first, but with constant encouragement and support from Julie I soon settled in and started to really enjoy the classes. The relaxation and breathing techniques were excellent and have helped me enormously. I would recommend her class to anyone, I just wish I could go along more often!

Helen

I have been enjoying yoga, taught by Julie, for many years now. Julie is an excellent teacher who clearly demonstrates precise technique as well as opportunities for progression with each exercise. She is always considerate of the needs of the class and takes time to learn about each individual, devising a programme that will benefit everyone. Julie has a great sense of humour, so that classes are never boring. She is able to motivate and inspire with her calm and caring nature. I would thoroughly recommend her class to anyone, both as a health benefit and for a positive lifestyle change.

Jo