Sun Power Yoga

Mere days after creating a YogaSlut quiz I had another 1-class stand. Oops. The reason? My partner and I were travelling up to see family for the weekend and after a yoga mad week I was reluctant to go for 4 days without a single session. Thus I booked a Sun Power yoga class above the Sweaty Betty (strictly minted yummy mummies only) store in Harrogate.

What did I think? The yoga was good... vinyasa yoga mixed with sivananda yoga. Two types I really like. There was a focus on hip opening (good) and some rather painfully long holds (not so good), and all in all I enjoyed it. But it left me a bit empty. Chats around returning for yoga sessions quickly turned awkward, and it was fraustrating trying a style of yoga but knowing it was a one off class and that I couldn't expand and/or go back.

Is this the last yoga 1-class stand? Maybe. I'll certainly think twice about booking a single class without the ability to return for more!

New Yoga Teachers/Studios

I've stumbled across some new yoga teachers and studios that I am excited about.

• Red Hot Yoga Guildford - Looks a bit posey, but excited about trying the AcroYoga class (although I think it is a bit more partnery than I realised when I booked it). Luckily the heat is switched off for this class!
• Poise Yoga - Natalie has some impressive creds, and is just down the road. I'll definintely be trying out her wednesday classes. Although if I'm a big fan I have the quandry of trying to squeeze another regular yoga class into my week. Oh dear.
• Carolyn Freeman - I've just stumbled across Carolyn who does classes at the Hart leisure centre. She does one on a Sunday morning and prices for classes at Hart are only £5.40. Bargain! Worries as before with the squeezing another class in to my week, but it is nice to find a Sunday class in the area.

Quiz: Are you a YogaSlut?

A quick quiz for a bit of fun. Enjoy!

1) How many yoga teachers have you had?
a) One or two, I like to stick to the same teachers
b) A few in my time
c) Too many to count

2) Do you have a favorite style?
a) Yes, I don't like/haven't tried other styles
b) I dabble a bit, but generally like similar styles
c) I couldn't decide, there are so many. It's like choosing a favorite flower.

3) What's the longest you've been with one teacher?
a) Since I can remember/have been doing yoga/10 years +
b) A year or few
c) Wow... the longest is 3 months, she was really good (but I got bored)

4) Would you consider Naked yoga?
a) No way, sounds faddy and downright wierd
b) Maybe, for a laugh, if there were a few friends going too
c) Oh I've already done that one/have it booked

5) How many 1-class yoga stands have you had?
a) None
b) A few, if I didn't get on with the teacher
c) Too many to count... I love to sample the waters a bit

6) Did you stop half way through this quiz to google new yoga teachers?
a) What?
b) No, I might now though, this naked yoga thing sounds curious...
c) Damn, busted


Verdict

Mostly As
Yoga Devoted. You are thoroughly committed to your yoga practice, style and teacher(s). Good for you! If  you are a bit worried you are one-track in your affections, perhaps consider signing up for a few workshops. Experiencing other styles of yoga and teachers can really develop your practice and open your mind.

Mostly Bs
Yoga Diverse. A wide and varied yoga background with commitment your favorite teachers and styles. Keep doing what you are doing!

Mostly Cs
YogaSlut. This probably will come as no surprise to you, you big yoga tart (I say this affectionately as a sometime YogaSlut myself). As an experiment pick your favourite teacher(s) and try sticking with them for a while. There's always workshops/retreats if you get itchy feet!

Headstands: From good guy to bad guy

Don't you just love yoga and it's way of squishing any hints of inflated ego?

Up until very recently it only took the mention of the word 'headstand' from the teachers lips to induce me to ping up into one of my favourite postures effortlessly (trying to wipe the smug smile off of my face) whilst the rest of the class struggled to walk up into half, or took strategic trips to the toilet.

I didn't feel to guilty about being smug; I felt at ease because my headstand was the result of all the hard work put in at the Sivananda Ashram in Kerala, where headstands are a staple of the twice daily practice. Turns out it was easy mostly because I was cheating. Oops.

One of my excellent teachers pointed out that I was too far forward on my head resulting in a bent neck, which problem was compounded by the fact I was putting all my weight through my head (rather than my arms) and scrunching my shoulders and back horribly.

Needless to say I'm now feeling slightly embarrassed and trying to do it the correct way. It's rather hard. And you'll be glad to know I'm struggling along with everyone else now!

Spotlight: Sam Rao

Approach: Hatha Yoga

What are the classes like?
Sam is a very experienced teacher (the only Senior YA teacher in the South East). Classic Hatha style. Sam covers a large range of postures and although he has some favourite mainstays, the classes are always varied and expertly taught with a good mixture of ages, sexes and abilities in attendance. Focus is on Asanas with occasional Pranayama. Although it's Hatha yoga (often mistakenly perceived as the easiest type) it is still challenging but with lots of support, adjustments and guidance. Classes vary in style and content from week to week and are mostly attended by long time regulars and aimed at intermediate level, with options for beginners and those out of practice. Sam runs an excellent yoga school and there are often yoga students in the class that will assist with adjustments.

Teaching style: Sam is experienced, expert and very friendly. Approach is often quite technical with discussion around the muscle and organs involved and benefiting from various postures
Price: £10 per class, £8 with block booking

Although Crowthorne is a 30 min drive from Fleet, I happily schlepp over there when I can to attend Sams classes as he truly teaches some of the best classes I have ever attended. Much recommended!

On getting back into the habit

I have a confession to make; ever since recovering from my cold I have found it impossible to wake up in the morning and do yoga. It's really very strange. My alarm goes off and I have, without fail, found myself turning it off and going back to sleep. Grrr.

I've continued with my classes and yoga retreats. Last weekend I had a lovely break with Jill Jones @ Yoga Days Hampshire and despite the renewed excitement I could not get out of bed. Oh dear.

My former taught stomach has turned a bit, well, wobbly. And my butt has become less firm. My zen feelings have also evaporated with the lack of meditation.

What is it that makes it so hard to restart the habit despite the benefits and me missing it?

Perhaps the first step is to start a daily evening practice; maybe then it will be easier to shift to the mornings!