Free Yoga Day in Hamilton
If you live anywhere near Hamilton, it’s worth planning a trip to the Celebrating Age Centre at 30 Victoria Street on March 13th.
That’s where a wide variety of yoga teachers and organisations are coming together to showcase everything yoga’s got to offer at the Open Yoga Forum.
And best of all, the entire day and all the yoga classes free.
Open Days take some organising, but at the preliminary meeting held last November, there was plenty of enthusiasm and interest from several yoga teachers and organisations in creating a day for the Waikato area.
It’s that spirit of co-operation that best exemplifies what yoga is all about. It doesn’t matter who’s teaching what, there’s an understanding that there is a teacher for every student, and a student for every teacher. Bringing together a variety of teachers and styles in one place helps people find the teacher and style which is right for them.
Styles of yoga represented on the day include: Astanga Yoga, Classical Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, SATYANANDA YOGA® and Superbrain Yoga®.
Each style and teacher will give a variety of taster classes throughout the day, one starting on the hour and another at half past every hour while in the hall there will be demonstrations and quick sample classes.
No matter who you are, or what your level of fitness is, there will be something there for you.
The free classes on offer include yoga for children, prenatal yoga, Cocoon yoga (55+), Chair yoga, Salute to the Sun, general yoga classes, beginners classes, teens classes, advanced classes, chanting, meditation and relaxation sessions.
It’s the perfect opportunity to try yoga for the first time, or try a different style or practice of yoga to what you normally do.
There will also be vegetarian food on offer over lunch time.
More than just yoga, the open day will also include practitioners of Ayurveda, Superbrain Yoga (Pranic Healing) and Do-In (Self Shiatsu).
For updates and timetables, please check Hamilton Yoga’s website.
Here’s a rundown on some of the teachers who’ll be at the Free Yoga Open Day:
Astanga Yoga
Katie Pervan teaches Astanga and Hatha yoga in Hamilton East.
Astanga Yoga is a precise sequence of moves performed with a unique breath, strength and focus. Each movement, executed in a body/breath coordination known as Vinyasa, takes the practitioner further and further into a reviving state as the body sweats out toxins. The practice once learned and remembered (as it is performed in a disciplined manner in the same pattern each and every time) is both refreshing and calming. It’s a wonderful opportunity to ‘meditate on the movement’ to surrender oneself to the rhythm and breath of the body. Contact Katie on 021 1207 131 or 07 856 5247
Classical Yoga
At North City Yoga, Kay teaches classical yoga poses. She will instruct you on how to move into the postures with proper alignment & help you to discover your point of balance. As you practise the poses you will develop poise and grace, painful muscles will relax and feel more comfortable. You will learn to breath correctly and how to relax body and mind. Classes are held Tuesdays & Saturdays.
Contact Kay on 07 849 1627 or Joan on 07 846 6419.
Hatha Yoga
Wendy teaches you how to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit, through a series of graduated postures, simple breathing exercises and guided relaxation. Classes are non-competitive, relaxed and suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced, and will leave you with a feeling of well-being. Classes are held Tuesday evening and Thursday morning. Phone Wendy on 07 843 5105 for details.
Iyengar Yoga
Corry Regnier’s Iyengar Yoga Centre of Waikato, established since 1996, has studios in Hamilton East and Raglan.
Iyengar Yoga is continually evolving as Mr B K S Iyengar, its founder, still ardently practices and guides his students around the world. Corry has benefited from his expertise with regular visits to the Iyengar Institute in India since 1995.
This dynamic style emphasises precise alignment in Yoga postures, a varied and inspiring range of sequences, and careful introduction of yogic breathing which opens the path to all other facets/limbs of Yoga. Its pioneering use of props, eg blocks, chairs, belts, wall ropes, allows less able students to feel the full benefits of postures. The results: supple toned body, clarity and serenity of mind, increased energy and zest for life! Contact Corry on 856 4932 to find a class to suit your level.
Iyengar Yoga is named after its founder B.K.S. Iyengar. Mr Iyengar continues to teach in Puna, India and is now in his ninetieth year.
This methodology emphasises alignment in the postures, use of props, e.g. blocks, chairs, straps, to support and to facilitate understanding of the Asanas (postures). Poses are often held so that correct understanding and benefits may be achieved. The practice opens and strengthens the body, clarifies the mind and increases vitality whilst calming the nervous system. As the student progresses Pranayama (Yoga breathing techniques) is introduced, bringing poise to the mind and stabilising the emotions.
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hamilton is a fully equipped dedicated facility, with 21 classes available per week. A broad range of classes are offered from Beginners courses through to Intensive Advanced classes, including Teacher Training. Therapy classes are also offered to provide a supportive environment for those that have illnesses/injuries and specialist needs.
Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hamilton, Cnr Norton and Seddon Road, phone 07 8467600 has four certified teachers Matthew Smart, Jackie Kesby, Beccie Vane and Michelle Brown.
SATYANANDA YOGA®
This style offers a range of practices starting with postures, breathing practices, relaxation and meditation techniques to chanting sessions, study groups, selfless service and fire ceremonies.
“SATYANANDA YOGA® is about awareness. Yoga can become an essential part of the daily routine to increase meaning in life and leave the practitioner feeling more fulfilled”, says Samadhimurti from Shraddha – Yogic Lifestyle Education Trust.
“In our teachings and practices we cover the four main categories of yoga: karma, gyana, bhakti and raja yoga, so that every type of personality can benefit and have support on their path of evolution. Mantra and kirtan (chanting) are for the emotional personality, selfless service for those with a restless mind, study groups and literature are suited for people who crave knowledge and raja yoga is for those who wish to learn to concentrate the mind and achieve self-realisation.”
Sannyasins Samadhimurti and Anandaradha (Radhe) will offer classes on the day and will be available for private consultations.
Radhe teaches primarily in the Bay of Plenty as Yoga-anandaradha and is willing to travel to do workshops. She has been teaching yoga for more than 25 years and is associated with Shraddha – Yogic Lifestyle Education Trust.
Samadhimurti teaches a range of yoga classes in Hamilton to stretch body and mind.
This five thousand year old holistic system of medicine that originated in India. It is now practised in several Western and South Asian countries. Ayurveda fundamentally believes in harmony and balance. Those of us who can achieve this harmony inside us and with our surroundings can realise their beautiful selves.
At the Ayurvedic Beauty Spa Dr. Rachna Kumar offers a wide range of skin care treatments based on Ayurvedic principles that use superior quality oils and skin products from lead Ayurvedic manufacturers in India.
Dr. Rachna Kumar completed her five year degree in Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from India and then did her internship. She has practised Ayurveda in New Zealand and the UK while raising a young family. She imports all her herbal preparations from India and is available for general Ayurvedic consultation, life style modification, dietary modification, meditation lessons and marma massage (only for women) by appointment. Her contact details are as follows: email r.kumar@clear.net.nz; phone 07 856 3946 and mobile 027 280 2472.
Shiatsu
This is a hands-on body therapy using acupressure to restore balance to mind, body and spirit. It uses the same meridian system as acupuncture but is a fully clothed therapy which takes place on a traditional style futon on the floor.
Shiatsu involves elements of oriental diagnosis, abdominal massage, pressure application to various parts of the body using fingers, thumbs, knees and elbows, gentle stretches and joint articulation – all well within your ‘comfort zone’. Do-In is a self shiatsu routine which anyone can learn and returns your body to a state of well-being, promoting wellness within our selves, by ourselves. Di will be available throughout the day to give short demonstrations of both Shiatsu and Do-In.
This simple and effective technique energises and recharges the brain. It is based on the principles of subtle energy and ear acupuncture. The lower energies are transformed into subtle energy, and used by the brain to enhance its proper functioning. This is why some people experience stress reduction by practising Superbrain Yoga. Children studied showed significant increase in academic & behavioural performance, greater class participation and improved social skills.
Superbrain Yoga is effective for all ages & takes only two minutes to perform. Arhatic yogi Rakesh Gupta will introduce this exercise of pranic healing as well as give short pranic healing sessions throughout the day.
About Kara-Leah Grant
