Most of the time in a typical yoga class is spent in yoga postures, known as asanas. The asanas, developed over centuries, build strength and flexibility but also work on the internal organs and glands, helping to relieve tiredness and sluggish digestion.

For the duration of your yoga practice, you are encouraged to breathe deeply, focus on how you are feeling, accept it and relax into it. You practise switching off the thoughts running through your head while you undo the knots of tension built up during your life. Every class ends with a period of relaxation. This gives the increased energy flow a chance to spread throughout the body and allows the yogi to turn their awareness completely inwards.

You really just need a yoga mat. You can rent a mat at the centre for €1. We also sell good quality thick yoga mats for €25 and €30. It really is worth investing in a good quality yoga mat. Mats are now available in sports shops and other high street stores but generally these really aren't as good as those for sale in yoga centres. Cheaper mats tend to be slippy and won't stay flat on the floor. It's a once-off investment and you really will do your practice a favour if you invest in a decent one. Any props, such as blocks, belts and blankets are provided by the centre.

You should also bring some water to drink afterwards.

Wear comfortable clothes that are not too baggy. Layers are best. Yoga is done in bare feet. You might need cosy, warm clothes for the final relaxation as your body will cool down very quickly. Blankets are supplied in the centre.

Together with correct breathing, the postures work on many levels, helping to:

(i)   strengthen and stretch the muscles
(ii)  stimulate the glandular system
(iii) strengthen and detoxify the internal organs
(iv) balance blood pressure and relax the mind

It ís best not to eat for at least a couple of hours before a yoga class. If you really need something, keep it light.

No. And it ís not just for the young and the fit either. We offer a range of classes from very gentle to energetic so you will find the type you want. Traditionally in India only men practised yoga. Yoga is slowly growing in popularity in Ireland with men and many tend to enjoy the challenge of vinyasa and ashtanga classes, as these require good upper body strength. Men are welcome in all our classes, except prenatal, sorry! However we also offer a men-only class because we know that some guys might feel more comfortable trying out yoga in that environment.

If you are taking part in a course and you miss a class, you can just make it up by attending another class with the same teacher, space permitting. Please note, you must do this within the dates of your course. You will not be able to carry over missed classes to a later course.