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Alan's Yoga classes are taught in a calm and non-competitive manner, promoting a
positive connection with one's body, mind and spirit. Alan draws on traditional teaching styles to explain how to move into, hold, and release
Yoga postures so that students can safely and effectively receive benefits. Alan is adept at explaining the philosophy behind the postures, outlining the mental, emotional and spiritual connections
that students can experience if they wish to deepen their practise. Each week, Alan provides a well-balanced workout which includes a deep relaxation period at the end. His soothing
deep voice helps students come to complete rest and experience a sense of well-being.
Alan's Yoga teaching experience ranges from
teaching in a pre-school and high school, to his private classes with health professionals at the Southlake Regional Hospital. Participants there report improved fitness,
especially with respect to releasing tension from tight muscles and strengthing core body muscles, and they find the atmosphere relaxing and informative. The class limit of 25 is
just right for focusing on oneself with adequate space inbetween mats and bodies. Students appreciate that Alan gives time for students to modify and relax into the postures through breathing
and visualizing, and that he encourages students to work at their own rate, using modifications as needed. All participants fill out a PAR-Q form at their first class
to determine if there are any medical concerns that need a doctor's approval or advice before
joining the course. Information is kept confidential between the student and Alan.
A few housekeeping items: Students sometimes miss classes.
They
are welcome to drop in at another location during the
same term to do a make-up class. Not that it has ever happened, but
it is not reasonable to ask for a refund if a student
gets too busy to attend the classes,
nor to drop-in a future course one is not registered in. All locations include ample and well-lit parking lots, accessible washrooms,
and friendly, experienced caretaking staff. Rooms are spacious, neat and clean. A mat is necessary for
proper cushioning of the spine and bones. The mat should be greater than 5 mm thick. Alan sells proper Yoga mats if students need them. Class sizes are limited to prevent
crowding. Participants who are under 18 years old must have written consent from their parents; teenagers often attend with their mom or dad as an activity they can do and share together.
Those who have not been in the classes are welcome to try a class for $15 once.
Please keep reading for further explanation,
or scroll down to read our most commonly asked questions, with answers. If we have not answered your question here on the website, please consider calling the number on the website and
a message will be left for Alan or you can leave a voicemail if we are unable to take your call directly.
The class format follows a traditional Yoga "workout" that starts
with an introduction to the class - a theme or intention while
students are sitting quietly on their mat.
Students then stand for the "Sun Salutation Exercises" which are
done to warm up the muscles and lubricate the
joints. Students are lead through a series of postures and
movements designed sequentially to release tension, lengthen and
strengthen muscles, nourish glands and organs, and improve
co-ordination and balance. The most important postures in Yoga will
be repeated weekly, whereas other postures that suit the weekly
theme will be introduced accordingly. Breathing exercises are
incorporated to maximize the effects of relaxation and
revitalization as well as to calm the mind and engage the
parasympatetic nervous system. This shifts the body from
"reacting" to "receiving", preparing the student for a final
relaxation exercise which concludes the class.
Explanation of the postures and their benefits is included before
and during the movements, as is the use of music for motivation and
relaxation. At the beginning of the course students are instructed
to work at their own rates at all times, and during the course, it
will come naturally through the non-competitive language and
atmosphere. Modifications of the various postures are offered as
gentle options or for advancement. A Par-Q form is used on the
first night which will help you to determine if a doctor's advice is
required. Students who have medical concerns should talk to their
doctor first to establish personal guidelines and permission as Alan
is not a medical doctor. Alan does read the medical par-Q forms and
considers the whole class as well as individuals when designing and
implementing his workout plan, but, ultimately, students are
responsible for their own class experience as they choose what
to follow and how much to do. It is important to listen to ones
body, especially when beginning an exercise regime for the first
time.
If you are pregnant, it is not suggested
that you start a yoga couse for the first time even though Yoga
is an excellent form of exercise for everyone. We will refer
you to a Prenatal Yoga class if you have never done Yoga before. Otherwise,
if you are familiar with Yoga, have experience
in Yoga or are continuing Alan's classes but are
now pregnant, please note that on your ParQ form and speak to
Alan before the class to inform him of your health status and week. There are
some important modifications (e.g. not to lie on your back
as it can put pressure on the vena cava, blocking
blood from the heart) to utilize during the classes. Yoga is an excellent form of
exercise during pregnancy, especially for deep breathing, relief of tight muscles in
the legs and feet, and inner peace and
relaxation, which lowers blood pressure and the negative effects of stress.
Here is a sample of questions we are asked on the phone, followed by
some sample answers we hope will help you. Remember, you can always
phone us and speak with one of the staff or you can leave a message
for Alan directly.
Sincerely, Alan and Andrea Sargeant |
Where
does Yoga come from?
1
: What will I do in class?
Classes begin with quiet sitting or lying down to still
the mind. Alan will give a focus or intention for the class and then
students will begin the sun exercises, which are a series of movements designed to limber up the body. The moving figure on the left shows this
series of movements, however, in class they are done much more slowly!
S tudents
procede to learn and practise positions or postures, called Asanas, designed to improve flexibility, strength, co-ordination and balance. Students are guided into the posture
with proper alignment, and offerred time to hold or modify the
posture while
slowly relaxing into the posture to
lengthen and strengthing the muscles. Deep rehythmic breathing
through the nostrils during the postures helps to produce further
benefits to organs and glands by replenishing connective tissues
with fresh oxygenated blood. Some classes will include specific
breathing exercises, called Pranayama, that work on different aspects of
the breathing aparatus with varying effects ranging
from energizing, cleansing or calming the mind. At the end
of class, there is a period for deep relaxation which may include a
sitting meditation or a visualization exercise or a tension-release cycle
while lying down.
2 :
What do I need to do to prepare?
Participants need to bring a Yoga mat made from a dense rubber material
that is at least 5 mm thick. If you need a mat, Alan sells good
quality mats (Relaxus brand) for $28.00. These mats are environmentally
responsible, made of a non-toxic biodegradable material. The mats are
individually wrapped for your hygenic protection.
Participants should endeavour to wear clothing that
allows ample bending and stretching movements, and as well, that
are modest so that reaching up, over, forwards or backwards
does not overly expose the body. Shoes and socks are not worn
during the class unless there is a medical reason. Meals should be eaten at least
1 1/2 hours prior to the class; light snacks at least 1 hour prior
to the class.
3:
Do I need experience?
Classical and Gentle Yoga classes are recommended by doctors,
chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, psychotherapists and
organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society, because Yoga helps
people reduce stress, get fit and keep fit. No experience is necessary to
benefit from a Yoga class!!
Many people experience stress on a daily basis whether they are in peak
physical form or not. Physical stress manifests in the body
as muscle tension, joint restriction, irritability and fatigue. Emotional stress can additionally manifest
in the connective tissues, organs and glands. Yoga offers a
regime that revives and releases tight muscles and joints through gentle stretching
and deep breathing. Low-impact movements help to maintain or
improve range-of-motion and increase blood flow to limbs and organs. Weight-bearing
postures strengthen muscles, tendons, bones and build stamina.
Deep relaxation and visualization exercises promote wellness by disconnecting
the mind and emotions from stressfull situations and thoughts, and
by shutting off the autonomic nervous system, in favour of
the parasympathetic nervous system. Toxins, acids, and carbon dioxide, as
well as residual air trapped in the small aveoli sacs are released, cleansing
the blood and lungs, fortifying the glands and organs.
Classes are non-competitive so students
work at their capacity, with necessary variations. There is equal benefit
to all by performing postures at one's ability level. Many students remark
that attending the class provides them with a valuable opportunity to
focus on their own health and growth which in turn helps them with their
responsibilities on the job and at home. It is common for students to
attend classes or practice Yoga for many years.
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4: Can
I learn to meditate?
Meditation is an important practice in Yoga, and will be
taught in stages. First lessons will include readying the body for sitting
and focusing on body sensations such as the sound and feel
of the breath going in and out through the nasal cavity, air passageways
and belly. Later classes will incorporate students' active selection of a virtue (e.g. calmness,
kindness) to build and strengthen character reserves. Regular home practise is the
essential key to success with meditation. Alan has practised meditation on
a regular basis for many years and has also attended the 10 day silent
Vipisana meditation retreat program in Barrie, Ontario. Students
may discuss
meditation or their home practise of meditation with Alan if they wish.
5:
How do I sign up and pay?
Students can register at the first class or call ahead to register and pay
by cash or cheque at the first class. Most participants choose to use the Pay pal though. When using Paypal, the credit card
number is only displayed to Paypal and not to Alan. For
people new to Yoga who would like to try one class, payment can be made at the end of the first class ($15) or for the course if they would like to continue.
Late starters are welcome. There
will be a pro-rated fee for joining late, or, students can choose to
make-up the missed classes during the remainder of the course, at another
location if they wish. Students who attend classes regularly
receive the highest benefit so do endeavour to be regular and clear
time in your weekly schedule for your Yoga class. If you become sick, have
an accident or go away on a holiday, you may make up your missed
classes during the remainder of your term at another location, but
there will not be refunds for missing classes unless it is the
location that has cancelled the class and an alternative could not be
found.
Participants are asked to arrive 20 minutes early if registering for the
first class so that the class may begin on time. Participants who
arrive after the class has started should take a Par-Q form and fill it
out, and join in with the intention to speaking to Alan afterwards, as
long as the Par-Q questionnaire indicates it is safe to do so, but it is
in everyone's best interest to arrive early so as to not miss the sign-up
procedure.
6:
Why is Yoga so popular?
Yoga addresses human development at a physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual level.
Yoga can help you to discover the cause and effect of everyday stress and events. It can
assist you to address them more confidently while maintaining your health.
In this way, Yoga promotes well-being.
It is really up to each individual student how much they would like
to learn about Yoga exercises and philosophy.
In class, students derive benefits from Yoga by practising postures
and asking pertinent questions. Students
can study Yoga books and practice Yoga at home, at their own rate and
interest. Alan can recommend books to read if students are
interested.
7:
Where does Yoga come from?
Yoga originates in ancient India and is considered a Science and
Philosophy and not a Religion. The word Yoga means, "to unite".
There are essentially 4 main branches of Yoga,
each of which has developmental stages. Many people in the west
practise HATHA YOGA which is the combination of limbs 3 (physical
exercises called asanas) and 4 (breathing techniques called Pranayama).
Below is a visual outline of these "yogas" to help students understand the
origins!
The four MAIN branches of
Yoga:
1 BHAKTI YOGA -
devotion, including prayer and chanting
2 KARMA YOGA - selfless service, including
helping others
3 RAJA YOGA - mystical Yoga, as described
below
4 JNANA YOGA - study of scriptures, including
Vedas
RAJA YOGA
LIMBS:
1
Yama
2
Niyama
3
Asana
HATHA YOGA is the combination of limb 3 and
4
4 Pranayama
5
Pratyahara
6 Dharana
7
Samadi
Practicing all the branches was encouraged by Swami Sivananda who coined
the phrase Integral Yoga or The Yoga of Synthesis. His main disciple in
North America was Swami Satchidananda, who founded Integral Yoga at the
Satchidananda Ashram. Alan is trained through the Satchidananda Ashram at
an advanced level and maintains work through the ashram by transcribing
Swami Satchidanadas lectures onto a digital format for
the archives. More "current" forms of physical Yoga practise are
forms of Hatha Yoga and can involves cleansing techniques (e.g. Bikram yoga or Hot yoga)
or perfect alignment (e.g. Iyengar yoga) or holding postures for long periods
of time (e.g. Vinny yoga) and are styles that are named
after the yogi (practising teachers) that develops them. These alone
are not "branches" of yoga but styles of Hatha. We hope
that help with your understanding as a new or
developing Yoga student. Yoga is FOR
LIFE!