Yoga For Climbers
The aim of yoga is to teach steady, effortless and balanced movement.
Both Yoga and climbing require balance and flexibility, as well as core strength and muscle tension control. Many movements in yoga are similar to those on the rock. For example, balancing, keeping your weight over your feet and moving in a slow controlled fashion. Many climbers experience tight hips, hamstrings and shoulders. Keeping these areas stretched and strong can help injury prevention, muscle balance and optimal performance.
Yoga improves body awareness and links movement with the breath. For example, in strenuous positions the breath is used to find strength and balance. Breath control while climbing can prevent muscular fatigue and symptoms of anxiety.
A good yoga session will give you a complete body stretch leaving you with free flowing joints and mental focus. What better way to prepare yourself for the rock!
Course Outline
Over 10 weeks these classes will introduce basic yoga postures (Asanas) and breathing exercises (Pranayama). Emphasis will be placed on how these exercises can help your climbing.
- Suraya Namaskar: The salute to the sun .A dynamic series of postures - The yoga warm up.
- Spinal alignment forward and back bends – introducing ahimsa
- Bhandas and core strength.
- Hip opening poses
- Shoulder opening
- Spinal Twists
- Working with the breath.
- Balancing
- Inversion
- Dynamic and Static practice
Dates & Prices
Monday 5th October – Monday 7th December 6:30 - 8.00pm
£55 for 10 classes Or £6 per session
Numbers are limited so please book ahead to reserve a place
Please arrive 15mins early to complete the registration form
Please bring your own mat or let us know if you need to borrow a mat.
Please download this questionnaire if you are interested in taking part.Your Instructor
Carolyn has been climbing and practicing Yoga for over 20 years. She has recently received Yoga Teacher Training with the British Wheel of Yoga (www.BWY.org.uk) . Carolyn's classes balance the dynamic style of Astanga with the precise alignment of Iyenga yoga to develop the strength, control and flexibility needed for climbing.
Carolyn has been climbing and practicing Yoga for over 20 years. She has recently received Yoga Teacher Training with the British Wheel of Yoga (www.BWY.org.uk) . Carolyn's classes balance the dynamic style of Astanga with the precise alignment of Iyenga yoga to develop the strength, control and flexibility needed for climbing.
FAQ
What is Yoga
Yoga is NOT a religion. Yoga is a generic word and means union. It is often interpreted as the union of mind, body and soul. There are four forms of yoga and Hatha yoga is the yoga of physical action and is practised in most Western Yoga classes. . Hatha yoga includes Asana (postures), Pranayama (breathing) and Dharana (concentration). For more info see www.bwy.org.uk
What happens in a Yoga class
When you enter the class you will take off your shoes and stand or sit on your mat. The class will start with limbering exercises followed by postures, breathing exercises and finally relaxation.
Is the teacher qualified
BWY teachers, undergo a 500 hour training course and have met or exceeded the National Occupational Standard to teach yoga. The BWY is the Sport's England registered governing body for Yoga in the UK
Who is the yoga class for.
Yoga is a non-competitive activity which can be practised by all ages and abilities. This class primarily caters for physically active adults to help build strength and flexibility.
What shall I wear
Normal sports clothing (eg indoor climbing or gym clothes) is ideal for yoga. Your clothes should allow freedom of movement. You may get quite hot but will also need an additional layer to keep warm during relaxation. You will practice barefoot.
What shall I bring
Please bring your own yoga mat (available in most sports shops or online through BWY). If you dont have a mat please let us know and you can borrow one. A small blanket, a cushion or yoga block and a strap are also useful but not essential.
How can yoga help my climbing
Yoga, like pilates, can improve core strength from which much of the body's power is derived (great for overhangs). Yoga combines strength with flexibility (short muscles can't pull so much) this will improve your range of motion (step higher and bridge wider) and will give some protection against injury. Finally and uniquely to yoga breathing exercises can improve balance and concentration. The aim of yoga is steady, effortless and balanced movement.
I have an injury – can I come to yoga class
Please inform the teacher of any injuries or illness. All the poses can be individually modified to meet your needs. There should never be pain or strain in Yoga practice. Please ask your doctor or physio if you are unsure.
