1. Qualified and rigorously trained teachers committed to excellence in teaching

2. A safe and systematic progression of yoga postures to develop each student’s ability and skill, both within each class and from class to class

3. Sequencing that develops strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration, and body alignment

4. Anatomical and physiological approach

5. Demonstration and teaching of specific points to develop understanding and intelligent action

6. Individual correction and adjustment of students, when necessary

7. Integration of the yoga philosophy with the practice of asanas

8. Incorporation and relevance of practice into daily life

9. Ways to use yoga to ease various ailments and stress

10. Use of props, such as blankets, blocks, and straps, to facilitate learning and adjust yoga postures to individual needs

The adopted method in Yogasana Studio develops strength, endurance, and optimal body alignment, in addition to better flexibility and relaxation. It also develops self-awareness, intelligent evaluation, and profound inward reflection.

Standing poses are emphasized at the beginning to build strength and ease of movement, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination, and balance.

Postures for deep relaxation are introduced from the beginning. Gradually, sitting and reclining postures, forward bends, inversions, backbends, twists, arm balance, and flowing sequences are introduced.

With regular guided practice, the effects are a general feeling of physical health and psychological and mental well-being. This is not to say that ill-health will not arise, it may. If it does it is likely that yoga will help one to face it with an open heart and therefore better manage it. The focus of yoga on postural alignment can alleviate postural/structural problems. It can also release emotional tensions. As yoga is demanding in effort and in attention to detail within the posture, which increases concentration and focus helping to relieve the mind and body of stress. It can help to develop a deeper knowledge of oneself, which can contribute to greater self-confidence.

We provide all the props necessary to practice including mats. You are encouraged to bring your own yoga mat in view of personal hygiene. For the convenience of students, our studio keeps sufficient stocks of good quality yoga mats, blocks and straps for sale.

Be punctual. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time, to allow time to relax and settle down, still your mind and thoughts, to prepare for the class.

Wear shorts or footless tights and clothes that allow you to move easily and that enable the teacher to observe you well. Yoga is always practiced bare foot. Please do not use perfume or wear heavy jewelries.

Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. We suggest waiting a few hours after a heavy meal and at least one hour after a light snack before taking a class.

Turn off all electronic devices, including mobile phones and MP3. In the event that you are waiting for an emergency call, please put your cell phone in a vibrate mode.

Do advise your teacher if you have a health concern. Our teachers are trained to modify and suggest alternative strategies (or postures) to enable you to practice safely and intelligently.

Yoga is for anyone irrespective of age, gender, health, religion and circumstances in life. Yoga is not competitive. You will not be judged against other people. Do not be put off from trying a yoga class because you feel that you are too old, too stiff, too fat, too thin, too tired, etc. Yoga has something to offer everyone. 

If you have not done yoga before, you should come to Introduction series or Beginner. A good way to experience Yoga is to come to one of our introduction classes, which are offered frequently. Students who have practice any other schools of yoga are also welcome to join our basic classes for a time to share the basic principles and apply them to the fundamental postures.

Before you begin any type of exercise program, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor, especially if you have a health problem. Also, be sure to mention any orthopedic problems or special needs you may have to your yoga teacher before the class begins.

Fortunately, yoga can be as vigorous or as gentle as you want it to be, so just about everyone can do it. A good teacher will be able to provide modified poses for students who are just beginning, advanced, or who have special need.

Before taking a class, take the time to observe the type of classes that interests you and check whether the instructor is registered properly trained, i.e. registered with the Yoga Alliance, a certification that requires at least 200 hours of training in yoga techniques and teaching.

Before you head to your first yoga workout, you should dress comfortably. Snug-fitting shorts or tights and a T-shirt or tank top are best. Yoga is practiced barefoot, so you don't have to worry about special shoes.

If you're doing your yoga workout on a carpeted floor, you probably don't need any equipment, but many people who practice yoga or take yoga classes like to use a sticky mat. This type of mat provides cushioning and frictions while you are doing your poses. Good quality mats can be purchased from Yogasana Studio at reasonable prices.

The Practice

Yoga is initially learnt through the in-depth study of asanas (posture) and pranayama (breath control). Yoga has been systematised by great Gurus with over hundreds of classical yoga Asanas and different types of Pranayamas; from the simple to the incredibly challenging. These have been structured and categorised so as to allow a beginner to progress surely and safely from basic postures to the most advanced as they gain flexibility, strength and sensitivity in mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is for anyone irrespective of age, gender, health, religion and circumstances in life. Yoga is not competitive because we are all different. My Guru use to reiterate; “ Listen to your body”. You will not be judged against other people. A distinctive feature of our method is the use of props, to enable a student to develop strength, flexibility and control in a posture in order to achieve their full potential. In this way a student works to his or her capacity within a general mixed class. The teacher is trained to select the correct prop and to supervise the individual student.

In Yogasana Studio, we strongly believe that it is easier to prevent than to manage injury. Therefore, in our classes we emphasize on proper body alignment based on human anatomy. As all bodies are different and people have different strengths and weaknesses, props are used to help the body to get into the correct positions. Props are objects like wooden/foam blocks, chairs, blankets and belts that help one adjust or support oneself in the different postures so that one can work in a range of motions that is safe and effective.

Pranayama is started once a firm foundation in asana has been established as physically the student requires the alignment, flexibility, lung capacity and training necessary to sit and breathe correctly while practicing. Pranayama gives numerous physical benefits including toning the circulatory, digestive, nervous and respiratory systems, activating the internal organs and creating a feeling of energy and calmness. Equally important, it also brings the mind and senses under control and makes the individual fit for the experience of meditation.

One may, from the above, gain the impression that yoga is therefore just gymnastics or acrobatics and deep breathing or only Asana and Pranayama. This is a misconception.

Asanas and Pranayama are merely tools/vehicles with which to master all 8 aspects of Sage Patanjali's Astanga yoga. Mastery of the body is the gateway to mastery of the mind. Consider the following: 

“The whole human being from the outermost skin to the innermost being (or soul) is interconnected. For example, if the body is ill, the mind also becomes depressed, lethargic and bad tempered; if the mind is stressed, the body becomes tensed. The intensity and depth to which yoga is practiced on the physical level does affect and change the mind and spirit.”

In performing yoga asanas, the whole body and mind must learn to become involved. One has to spread one's awareness to the smallest parts of the body simultaneously so that the mind becomes alert, attentive and sharp. One learns to breathe smoothly deeply and evenly so that one's energy (prana) can flow without obstruction and one learns to make the mind quiet, passive and receptive thus promoting a meditative state of mind. This makes the body fit for Pranayama.

Through asanas one also learns an awareness and application of Yama and Niyama in which superficially, Yamas are social ethics and Niyama personal disciplines, both can be applied equally to any situation such as society or the physical body. 

Physical Benefits

Yoga is also a good exercise for the body. Many of the poses associated with yoga require great physical flexibility. Even basic poses require you to stretch your muscles, which increase your overall range of motion. This increased flexibility makes you less vulnerable to injury.

Learning new poses also helps you improve your kinesthetic awareness, which is your ability to know where your body is in space without looking at it. Balance improves as you learn and master more complex poses.

There are many different types of yoga routines. Some are more vigorous than others. Yoga that involves significant intensity (such as Ashtanga Yoga and Power Yoga) may also boost muscular endurance and stamina.

An added benefit is that, although the therapeutic aspects of asanas and pranayama have been known for centuries, unrelenting scientific approach with emphasis on correct anatomical alignment and physiological aspects/methods of working have refined the therapeutic aspects of Yoga. Thus the practice of yoga will often result in eliminating aches and pains, improve posture etc. because traditionally, Yoga has also been used to treat many ailments under the supervision of a trained and experienced teacher. 

A recent Boston University study found that an hour of yoga boosts the levels of gamma-aminobutyric, a neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety and depression. Researchers concluded that combining yoga with other treatments (such as medication and psychotherapy) it helps promote emotional stability. In addition to the physical benefits, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress.

Finally, yoga's ability to promote relaxation can help lower the blood pressure. High blood pressure damages the heart, brain, kidneys and other parts of the body. 

As a result, practicing yoga may help you sleep better. You may also develop more effective coping skills and a more optimistic outlook and improve mental clarity.

Taking Precautions  

While yoga offers many benefits to body and mind, it also poses potential risks for some populations.  

People with a history of back or joint problems are urged to consult a physician before undertaking yoga. Pregnant women generally should refrain from performing twisting poses that place pressure on the uterus.  

Certain health conditions also may limit the extent of your yoga practice. Consult a physician before performing yoga if you have high blood pressure, osteoporosis or a history of blood clots.

It is important that you inform your instructor of any medical conditions that could impact your ability to practice yoga.  

In recent years, yoga seems like a hot new trend. Actually it began over 3,000 years ago in India. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme.

Yoga focuses on harmony between mind and body. Yoga derives its philosophy from Indian metaphysical beliefs. The ultimate aim of this philosophy is to strike a balance between mind and body and attain self-enlightenment. To achieve this, yoga uses movement, breath, posture, relaxation and meditation in order to establish a healthy, lively and balanced approach to life. In modern context, Yoga can play an important role in maintaining a fine balance between work and healthy mind.

Although yoga includes exercise, it is also a lifestyle for which exercise is just one component. Disciplining your mind and body as well as connecting with your spirituality are the main goals of the yoga lifestyle.

The physical component of the yoga lifestyle is called hatha yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on asanas, or poses. A person who practices yoga goes through a series of specific poses while controlling his or her breathing. Some types of yoga also involve meditation and chanting.

There are many different types of hatha yoga, including:

1. Ashtanga yoga: Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous, fast-paced yoga that helps to build flexibility, strength, concentration, and stamina. When doing Ashtanga yoga, a person moves quickly through a set of predetermined poses while remaining focused on deep breathing.

2. Power yoga: Similar to Ashtanga yoga, this is also a very active form of yoga that improves flexibility and stamina by completing poses. 

3. Bikram yoga: Bikram yoga is also known as "Hot Yoga." It is practiced in rooms that may be heated to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius).

4. Gentle yoga: Gentle yoga focuses on slow stretches, flexibility, and deep breathing.

5. Kundalini yoga: Kundalini yoga uses poses, deep breathing and other breathing techniques, chanting, and meditation.

6. Iyengar yoga: This type of yoga focuses on precise poses and alignment. Participants use benches, ropes, mats, blocks, and chairs.

At Yogasana, we use props such as blankets, belts, blocks, bolsters, chairs/benches, and other objects to help students experience the various yoga poses more profoundly. These props enables students to experience the benefits of the postures regardless of their physical conditions, age or length of yoga practice. Props are introduced from the beginning to aid students with specific physical limitations and gradually in regular classes to enhance personal understanding of a posture and its effects and to develop skills and bolster confidence and create optimal body alignment in yoga practice. Props also help all practitioners (including the advanced) gain sensitivity to the use of effort and receive the deep benefits of postures held over significant time periods.

Furthermore props allow students to practice asanas (yoga postures) and pranayamas (breathing patterns) with greater effectiveness, ease, and stability. 

People of different faith can practice yoga. Religion is personal. Teachers will not promote any particular religious viewpoint but however, since yoga originates from India, the Hindu tradition prevails and some references may be made to the source of ideas or names of postures in order to clarify background detail.

Yoga is also a good exercise for the body. Many of the poses associated with yoga require great physical flexibility. Even basic poses require you to stretch your muscles, which increase your overall range of motion. This increased flexibility makes you less vulnerable to injury.

Learning new poses also helps you improve your kinesthetic awareness, which is your ability to know where your body is in space without looking at it. Balance improves as you learn and master more complex poses.

There are many different types of yoga routines. Some are more vigorous than others. Yoga that involves significant intensity (such as Ashtanga yoga and Power yoga) may also boost muscular endurance and stamina.

An added benefit is that, although the therapeutic aspects of asanas and pranayama have been known for centuries, unrelenting scientific approach with emphasis on correct anatomical alignment and physiological aspects/methods of working have refined the therapeutic aspects of Yoga. Thus the practice of yoga will often result in eliminating aches and pains, improve posture , etc., because traditionally, Yoga has also been used to treat many ailments under the supervision of a trained and experienced teacher. 

A recent Boston University study found that an hour of yoga boosts the levels of gamma-amino-butyric, a neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety and depression. Researchers concluded that combining yoga with other treatments (such as medication and psychotherapy) may promote emotional stability. In addition to the physical benefits, many people who practice yoga say that it reduces anxiety and stress.

Finally, yoga's ability to promote relaxation can help lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure damages the heart, brain, kidneys and other parts of the body. 

As a result, practicing yoga may help you sleep better. You may also develop more effective coping skills and a more optimistic outlook and improves mental clarity.