Beach yoga and more.....

Who knew that our lives would change so much due to the pandemic - outdoors is definitely the way forward for all types of exercise - but what about the experience of outdoor yoga?

I decided to trial an outdoor yoga class at Gullane beach in April of this year - mainly to see how much interest there was - I was extremely surprised that on a cold and windy morning, 10 of us took to the shore to practice together, and to be honest, I haven’t looked back. My main reservation was everyone feeling cold, and the potential to become injured due to cold muscles. I ensured that students got properly warmed up before moving into beginning asana practice, and always advise caution when the weather is less co operative.

The most obvious discovery was the desire for people to connect in one place - something that we have all had less of since the start of the pandemic), and the yoga attracted a good number of individuals from the sea swimming community. They are a hardy lot, and after practice took to the sea. The first few classes I declined joining in, but eventually succumbed and found that it is the prefect Sunday morning combination!

Yoga itself is often described as a moving meditation, but the swimming afterwards provides a huge sense of grounding and presence mainly due to the fact that you need to focus on breathing slowly to overcome the cold water shock!

Our wee community has grown, with stalwarts that attend nearly every session, to those who come occasionally. Its an inclusive and welcoming space with options given for all levels - swim after is most definitely optional, but if you are curious, bring your bathers just in case!!

My classes are a combination of vinyasa flow (moving with the breath), breath practices, meditation and sometimes Qi Gong - there’s always something different, which provides the opportunity to deepen your practice!

Wednesday class offers some Yin yoga in amongst the more yang postures.

Yin yoga is based on Chinese Meridian Theory, and works more with the fascia (connective tissue) which is less flexible than muscle. Holds are longer in order to help release tension in specific areas - a must for everyone to complement our hectic lifestyle - this is not relaxation or restorative yoga - there is still an element of working with discomfort (not to be confused with pain), but the benefits are huge. Qi - life force energy - can often become stuck or stagnant, and yin postures help to release anything that is unable to flow easily through the body.

Intersted or would like to know more?

Come and try a class or get in touch (see contact details on main page tab!)