Yoga for all at Revitalise in Hove

Savina Radeva finds you don’t have to be a ‘yogi’ pro to enjoy yoga at Revitalise

My first experience with yoga was an ashtanga class at Revitalise in Hove. I have to admit, I hadn’t even heard the word ‘ashtanga’ before, but as it happens to most of the freshers in yoga land, it all becomes clear after the first class…

I thought the yoga class would be tough, making every single muscle in my body really sore. This wasn’t a complete lie, but it was so much better than I expected. It’s great to realise I’m not that rigid person who just dreams about twisting my body into complex, flexible positions.

As with most of first time experiences in life, you have either great expectations or no expectations at all. I went to Revitalise thinking I would be placed in the middle of a crowd of experienced yoga practitioners, and would be ashamed for the rest of my life after this. As this was also my first visit to Revitalise, I thought it would be one of those places with huge workout rooms that I find really intimidating and not really comfortable for any physical activity. I was pleasantly surprised that the centre was extremely welcoming – not too big, not too small, with soft lighting and the fresh scent of natural products wafting from the shop.

I was the first to arrive for the class, so I had time to relax and speak to the teacher, Elaine. When I told her it was my first ever yoga class, she told me I was very brave! This scared me a little as I imagined a picture of twisted tortures to follow, but it went all well, without any injuries. As I found, the class was indeed suitable for all levels, just as it is presented, if you keep in mind that beginners can’t stand on their heads! The class size was small, with just five women. One other girl was an absolute beginner like me, and the other three were more experienced and confident. It is much more comfortable to start in small classes, as you feel more relaxed. What’s good about yoga is that everyone in the class were positive, smiling people and the best part – you can never do anything wrong. Yes, there are positions and sequences you have to follow, but if you miss something or you are slower that the others, it is not a mistake as long as you are pushing yourself and feel your best during and after the class. After all, I see increased wellbeing as the main point of yoga.

What’s special about ashtanga yoga?

Often reffered to as the modern day form of classical Indian yoga, ashtanga yoga is popularised by K. Pattabhi Jois, and the name of this yoga in Sanskrit means ‘eight-limbed’. Ashtanga yoga refers to the alignment of movement and breath, a method which turns static asanas into a dynamic flow. Asanas are held for a number of breaths. The length of one inhale or one exhale dictates the length of time spent transitioning between asanas. The focus is on the breath and the journey between the asanas. Find out more and experience Astanga yoga, or any other yoga class, for yourself at Revitalise.

Revitalise, 86 Church Road, Hove, 01273 738389,
hove@revitalise-u.com,
and 123A Western Road, Brighton, 01273 710855,
brighton@revitalise-u.com,
www.revitalise-u.com