Ready to give yoga a try?
Courses start: 9th May 2022
Beginners’ One: for absolute beginners | Beginners’ Two: for those with some yoga experience
Learn the fundamentals of yoga
Experience the indisputable benefits of practising yoga for your health, mental clarity, stress management and a general sense of wellbeing.
Understand the terminology, decode the jargon and cut through the metaphysical complexity to uncover the fundamental truths at the heart of yoga practice.
No matter what your level of fitness or flexibility yoga is a fun way to challenge yourself and improve your health.
This four-week course offers 2 streams of learning:
Both courses offer several classes a week for you to choose from. We recommend starting with at least 2 classes a week if possible.
If you have not yet completed a registration form please do so before you attend class.
Beginners’ One: The Fundamentals of Yoga Practice.
The Beginner’s One Course is the ideal way to start your exploration of yoga and the benefits of regular practice.
Learn how to harness the immense power of your breath In Beginners One you will:
-
- Discover how the breath tangibly affects the body, mind and spirit
- Explore what your body is capable of in a safe and supported environment
- Learn the fundamental shapes, forms and poses your body can create
- Understand how to move from one pose to the next safely and securely
- Develop a conscious awareness of body and mind in the moment
SUN SALUTATION
Over the 4 weeks of the Beginners One course you will also learn a common sequence of movements and poses used in yoga classes across the globe: the Sun Salutation.
Sun Salutations
-
- raise your heart rate and body temperature
- engages almost every major joint in your body
- strengthening and stretching your whole body in a safe, accessible and adaptable way.
CLASS TIMES
The Beginners’ One Course has 4 classes a week to choose from. Please check carefully when booking your classes to ensure you book into a Beginners’ One class.
Monday AM – 6:15 – 7:30
Wednesday PM – 7:00 – 8:15 Thursday PM – 12:00 – 1:15 Saturday PM – 2:30 – 3:45
Our expert teachers have different teaching styles and each one covers the course content from their own unique perspectives, giving you an opportunity to understand and experience a variety of different approaches to yoga.
There is a lot to take in, and starting something new can be daunting, but I have no doubt that once you start you will feel fantastic and see the benefits of this practice enhance your body and mind, as well as many other aspects of your life.
Here’s what Jen. C had to say about the Canberra Yoga Space Beginners’ Course:
As a 50-something woman working long hours in a “big” job, most of my waking hours were spent at a desk… On weekends I… [kept] my family functioning. Three years ago, I started one of your Beginners’ classes, mainly to improve my flexibility and movement as I continued to age.
I found the classes welcoming, with teachers who met me where I was – an unfit, overweight, stressed-out working mum who’d never done yoga. [The Beginners’ course] helped… my… flexibility and movement, but also helped me … to be calm and present, which helped me appreciate my… family and friends and … manage stress.
Beginners’ Two: Build your house of yoga knowledge:
Beginners Two builds on the foundation of Beginners One with a deeper exploration of practice and an introduction to the philosophy which underpins yoga. This course is also a suitable starting point for those who already have some experience with yoga and would like to refresh their understanding of practice in a supportive environment.
In the Beginners’ Two Course, practice is broken up to focus on different shapes, forms and poses.
Over 4 weeks you will develop a deeper understanding of:
-
- standing shapes
- backbends
- twists
- core/abdominal strengthening
- hip openers
- balances, and
- forward folds.
The course also goes deeper into breathing and relaxation techniques and starts to explore yogic philosophy, touching on the spiritual teachings that underpin the physical practice.
The Beginners’ Two Course has 3 classes a week to choose from:
Sunday (AM)- 8:15 – 9:30 Wednesday (AM) – 6:00 – 7:15
Thursday (PM) – 6:00 – 7:15
Beginners’ Two also includes a bonus Open Class Pass, which allows you to participate in one open class each week, giving you an opportunity to explore some of the many different styles of yoga CYS has to offer. Go to our Find-A-Class page to learn more and book your Open class today.
Here’s what Donna C. has to say about the Canberra Yoga Space Beginners’ Course:
Stepping into that space a few years ago I was a complete novice. The teachers that guided me through the Beginners’ Course were so welcoming and inclusive and gave me the confidence to step into the mainstream classes. These classes provide so much variety. There is really something for everyone. From gentle restorative classes to those that guide and support students in exploring more challenging poses. I also love the integration of yoga philosophy in the classes. Yoga took me by surprise and I couldn’t more grateful to the fabulous team at Canberra Yoga Space.
When should I arrive
- Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to class to allow the Instructor time for registration.
- There is a lot to be covered in each class, hence “starting on time” means being on your mat with all your equipment ready to start (not walking through the door at the appointed time). Kindly note, to support practitioners and the teacher, we have a closed-door policy, ie the teacher locks the door 5 minutes past the start time.
Mobile phones and personal belongings
- Kindly switch off your mobile phone or set it to silent before entering the space.
- Please leave your mobile and personal items inside the designated locker room located on the left when you enter the studio.
- No personal items, including shoes, are allowed on the practise floor – this is to allow you and your fellow participants unobstructed use of space when you move.
Hydration and digestion
- Hydrate yourself before and after class.
- It is recommended you DO NOT have a full meal directly prior to class.
What to bring
- Wear something light, comfortable and fitted (not baggy). Singlets, leggings and normal gym wear will suffice. What is important is for you to feel comfortable moving without clothing disrupting your practice.
- Yoga practise is done barefoot. Kindly leave your socks and shoes in the locker area.
- All mats and props are provided for at the studio. If you have sensitive knees (when kneeling, or on hands and knees), double up your mat. If you are particular about using your own yoga mat, bring your own mat.
Please note: We require that you wear appropriate clothing. You may be refused entry to any of our classes if you are not appropriately attired. For example, we do not allow transparent (see-through) leggings or pants, or bikinis.
Health information and history of injury
- If you have any history of injury, illness, or anything about your health we should know about, PLEASE INFORM YOUR INSTRUCTOR BEFORE CLASS.
- Kindly note that yoga practise is not a substitute for therapy or medication, hence if you have any pre-existing condition, including pregnancy, injury, history of illness, surgery, or any other symptoms which may affect your health or the safety of your practise, please consult your GP or health care provider prior to commencing practise.
- PRACTISE AT YOUR OWN PACE. You can come down to downward facing dog pose or active child’s pose (two alternative resting postures), at any time.
- Every asana (posture) also has a simpler variation. Speak to the instructor after class, if you needed an easier variation in class. It is important for us to know our classes support your needs.