About the teacher
Aisha is a Yoga Teacher based in Birmingham, UK. Aisha completed a year of Yoga Teacher Training under the tutelege of Mumtaz at the School of Mumtaz Yoga in 2022 and has since been running both private and community classes across Birmingham. Aisha has a particular passion for breathwork and often incorporates different styles into her classes.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a holistic system of physical and mental practices that originated in ancient India. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which means to unite or join. The practice aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit, promoting overall well-being.
What is Gentle Yoga?
Gentle yoga is a therapeutic style of yoga that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. Unlike more active forms of yoga that involve dynamic movement and strength-building postures, gentle yoga is centered around supported and comfortable poses held for extended periods. The primary goal is to promote deep relaxation, release tension, and provide a sense of calm and balance to the body and mind.
Key features of Gentle yoga include:
Supported Poses: Gentle yoga poses are often supported by props such as blocks, and straps. The use of props allows the body to relax into the pose without exerting effort, enabling a deeper sense of release.
Long Holds: Poses are held for an extended duration, typically ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. This extended duration encourages the body to let go of tension gradually and promotes a meditative state.
Focus on Breath: Attention is given to breath awareness, and practitioners are encouraged to engage in slow, deep, and mindful breathing. This conscious breathing helps activate the body's relaxation response and fosters a sense of inner calm.
Minimal Movement: Unlike more dynamic forms of yoga, Gentle yoga involves minimal movement between poses. The emphasis is on stillness and surrender, allowing the body to surrender to the support of props.
Stress Reduction: Gentle yoga is particularly effective for stress reduction. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" system, promoting relaxation and reducing the impact of stress on the body.
Healing and Recovery: Gentle yoga is often recommended for individuals recovering from illness, injury, or those experiencing high levels of stress. It can be a gentle and nurturing practice that supports the body's natural healing processes.
Overall, gentle yoga is suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and ages, and it can be especially beneficial for those looking to counterbalance the fast-paced and stressful aspects of modern life. It is commonly used as a complementary practice alongside more active forms of yoga and exercise.
What is Flow Yoga?
Flow yoga, often referred to as Vinyasa Flow, is a dynamic and fluid style of yoga that links movement with breath. The word "Vinyasa" can be translated from Sanskrit as "to place in a special way," and in the context of yoga, it refers to the coordination of breath and movement.
Key features of flow yoga include:
Breath-Centered Movement: In flow yoga, each movement is synchronized with the breath. Poses seamlessly transition from one to another, creating a continuous and flowing sequence. The breath becomes a guide for the practice, helping to bring awareness to each movement.
Fluid Transitions: Flow yoga sequences are designed to be smooth and continuous, allowing practitioners to move from one pose to the next in a harmonious and flowing manner. This continuous flow helps build heat in the body, promoting flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Variety of Poses: Flow yoga incorporates a wide range of yoga poses, including standing, seated, balancing, and inverted poses. The sequence can vary from class to class and teacher to teacher, providing diversity and keeping the practice engaging.
Creativity and Expression: Flow yoga allows for creativity in sequencing, giving instructors the flexibility to design unique classes. Practitioners may experience different sequences and variations, adding an element of surprise and exploration to the practice.
Physical Benefits: The dynamic nature of flow yoga offers physical benefits such as improved flexibility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. The continuous movement also helps to create a sense of flow and connection between the mind and body.
Mindfulness: Flow yoga encourages mindfulness as practitioners focus on the present moment, paying attention to the breath and the sensations in the body. This meditative aspect can contribute to stress reduction and mental clarity.
Popular sub-styles of flow yoga include Power Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga. Each of these variations may emphasize specific elements, such as strength, endurance, or alignment, while still adhering to the fundamental principles of breath-connected movement.
Flow yoga is accessible to practitioners of various levels, but it may be more challenging for beginners due to the continuous movement. It's important for individuals to listen to their bodies, modify poses as needed, and progress at their own pace.
