Core Yoga

What is Core Yoga?

In teaching Core Yoga it is based on 5 core concepts:

1. Breath is the gateway between mind/body.

2. Energy follows awareness.

3. Exercise is only as beneficial as the posture in which you do it.

4. Balance of opposites – Ha/Tha Left/Right.

5. Move in a field of Loving-kindness (metta) meditation.

The foundations are from the history of Yoga – “8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga’ and the history of Pilates “6 principles”.

The 8 Limbs are:

1.  Yamas: ethical disciplines;

2.  Niyamas: personal observances;

3.  Asana: exercise to strength and still the physical;

4.  Pranayama: breath control;

5. Pratyahara: sense withdrawal or “right use”;

6.  Dharana: concentration of mind;

7.  Dhyana: Meditation;

8.  Samadhi: absorption state in present moment.

The 6 principles are:  Focus; Control, Centring, Fluidness, Precision and Breath.

Core Yoga is a unique blend of Breath and Awaken; Flex and Extend; Power and Prana; Rotate and Release; finishing with Stretch and Relax.  For all students the technique is always most important.  Modifications can be made for new students to decrease intensity to focus on technique.

This photo is from membership with AFN

Who would like to try core yoga?

Pre-requisite: completion of health form or Wavier/Par-Q or doctor’s written clearance if any contraindication to practice, prior to attending a class.

Not suitable: Prenatal; Pre-existing musculoskeletal injuries or issues; Recent acute injury; or unregulated high blood pressure.