Yoga and pranayama: beginners 1 and 2

Explore and develop your natural breath to increase your energy levels, reduce stress and improve health. Practise breath awareness with easy yoga postures and learn basic meditation techniques. Suitable for complete beginners and those with some experience.

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Key course information

Dates
10/01/12 - 20/03/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
11 weeks

Time
15:00 - 16:00

Fees
Full fee: £80
Senior fee: £48
Concession: £40

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
FFC44

Availability
This date is full

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

Using movement and breathing techniques from Hatha Yoga, we will learn that the way we breathe can have a profound effect on our sense of vitality and well being. We will explore breath release exercises, Pranayama breath control and you will be introduced to breath awareness meditation.

What topics will we cover?

- Yoga exercises to promote greater awareness of the breath
- Theory and practice of Pranayama
- Breath release and relaxation techniques
- Natural breathing and breathing in everyday life
- Correct Pranayama 'breath control'.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Appreciate the importance of the recognition of correct/natural breathing.
- Perform certain relaxation and breath release exercises safely and independently
- Perform certain yoga exercises safely and independently
- Demonstrate an understanding of good breathing habits.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Suitable for anyone in basic good health. Beginners and students with experience welcome.

You will need to be able to read and write short sentences, follow verbal instructions, observe and copy physical movements and use spatial awareness within a group.

PLEASE SEE THE PRE-EXERCISE CHECK LIST BELOW:

To assist us in providing a safe and healthy environment for you to exercise in please take a moment to consider the list below. If you have suffered from any of the conditions listed, please check with a medical practitioner whether it is suitable for you to undertake an exercise programme and bring a referral letter from your doctor to your tutor. If you have not checked, or if it is not suitable, please do not participate in an exercise or movement class.

- Do you ever have pains in your chest?
- Have you had any operations or injuries in the last year?
- Do you often feel faint or have spells of dizziness?
- Are you receiving medication for any condition?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Is there anything else we should know about your health?
- Do you have a bone or joint problem, such as Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Back or knee problems?

It is inadvisable for students suffering from certain ailments. It is inadvisable for students suffering from certain medical conditions to attend an ordinary Yoga class. This does not mean that they should not do Yoga, but they need individual attention or a special programme of asanas (postures). These conditions include:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Conditions associated with Heart Disease, Cancer or benign tumours
Epilepsy including Petit Mal
Diabetes
Meniere's Disease
Detached Retina
AIDS
MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)
Recent post-operative conditions
New students who are pregnant.
Advice can be sought from the Department Office for those who have concerns about the suitability of the class for them.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

This is a practical course. All exercises will be discussed and demonstrated by the tutor, and practised together, with ample opportunity for question and answers. Course notes will be provided.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please wear loose warm clothing. You may want to bring writing material. A reading list is available on request.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Yoga and Pranayama: Mixed Levels.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2622

health@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30

Non term-time Tuesday 17.30 - 18.30 Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Health and movement studies

Tel: 020 7492 2622

health@citylit.ac.uk

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