I'd started practicing yoga to compliment my actor training, though recently it dawned on me that I might learn a lot more from a teacher rather than going through the same positions every day that I'd learned from a book. In the first session there were some familiar postures, and a lot of new ones too that included a sequence of postures, (like the sun-salutation variations), or ones that bordered on the contortionist where my arms were wrapped round each other and my legs too...
Claire's varies each session so you don't get stuck into standard routines; no two classes are the same. You can guarantee a solid amount of 'downward dogs' to stretch out the spine and hamstrings and lots of work on the core (if you are aiming for a six-pack you might get see results much quicker from incorporating yoga into your work out). There's is always a good ratio of each exercise in each class, including balance postures, and often a new posture will be introduced. The last ten minutes of each class is dedicated to relaxation, lying in 'coffin pose' to absorb all the benefits of the practice.
Claire Hatchell takes yoga classes most days at venues throughout the Birmingham area. Email claire_yoga@yahoo.co.uk for more or visit her website. read more