Recent Articles in Beginner

Duration: 19 minutes

Emphasis:  Stretch out your back and shoulders with this slow sequence of Thread the Needle, Downward Facing Dog, Cat, Child's Pose, Eye of the Needle and some rocking and rolling for a good back massage too.

Props needed:  A blanket for Savasana and to put under your back for the spinal rolling if required.

Mat direction: Short side of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 19 minutes

Emphasis:  Had a long day? Feeling tired or hot and bothered but still want to do some yoga? We'll be lying down for the whole of this class but still getting a good stretch.

Props needed:  None required except a blanket for Savasana if required.

Mat direction: Long side of the mat facing the screen so you can turn your head to see more easily.

Duration: 24 minutes

Emphasis:  Move the spine in all different directions to increase mobility with this sequence of twists, cat and cow pose and child's pose.

Props needed:  A blanket for under your knees when kneeling if required.

Mat direction: Short side of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 26 minutes

Emphasis:  It feels good to stretch and open up the front of the body, especially if you've been working at a desk or sitting in a car all day. In this slow class we'll do some gentle backbends to open the chest, create more room to breathe and more room for the internal organs too. You'll strengthen the back of your body too while you're doing it.

Props needed:  Blocks, bricks and a blanket or, if you don't have these, use 3 folded blankets and a couple of thick hardback books instead.

Mat direction: Long side of the mat facing the screen will give you the best view when you're lying down.

Duration: 21 minutes

Emphasis:  This practice will stretch the front of your body in some simple backbends - Sphynx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana), Half Frog Pose (aka Quad Stretch) (Ardha Bhekasana) and Camel Pose (Ustrasana), and twist the torso in some kneeling twists.

Props needed: None - except a blanket under your knees if required.

Mat direction: Short side of mat facing the screen.

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to calm and soothe you. In this practice you will inhale through the left nostril and exhale through the right. Breathing in through the left nostril links to the right hemisphere of the brain, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A breathing practice to stimulate and energise you - inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left. Breathing in through the right nostril links to the left hemisphere of the brain, bringing a sense of being brighter and more alert. Please note: holding the breath is contra-indicated for those with blood pressure issues. Please do not retain the breath at the end of each inhale and exhale but allow the breathing to flow in a smooth rhythm without interruption. Please note also that in the video I am not mirroring you, so listen to the instructions rather than copying the arm movement I am doing - I hope that makes sense!

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 5 minutes

Emphasis:  A relaxing meditation to bring about feelings of calm and wellbeing.

Props needed: A blanket, cushion or chair so you can sit comfortably.

Mat direction: N/A

Duration: 27 minutes

Emphasis:  Some supine poses to stretch the front, back, inner and outer legs. A good practice to do after you've been exercising or if you're looking for more flexibility in your legs and hips.

Props needed: 2 blocks or a book, a strap and a blanket.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen so you can turn your head to see the poses.

Duration: 24 minutes

Emphasis:  Childs Pose, Cat & Cow Pose, Downward Facing Dog, Thread the Needle Pose, Malasana and a Standing Leg Stretch will all stretch the back of the body - finishing with Sphynx as a counter-pose and a face-down relaxation in Crocodile Pose.

Props needed: 2 blocks or 2 books (one thick and one thinner) and a blanket to kneel on if required.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 32 minutes

Emphasis:  A sequence of seated poses including Janu Sirsasana and Gomukhasana that will stretch the back of the legs, inner and outer thighs, and across the buttocks as you forward fold, and up into the muscles of the back as you twist.

Props needed: One blanket to sit on if required, plus another to roll up for a Savasana variation.

Mat direction: Short edge facing the screen.

Duration: 20 minutes

Emphasis:  Strengthen your core muscles in this floor-based sequence.

Props needed: None required

Mat direction: Long edge facing the screen.