Forrest Yoga - East meets West

I attended a Forrest yoga class this evening which focussed on the chakras and pranayama breathing (which is termed 'buzzing' due to the humming noise made when breathing out).

This form of modern yoga is intensely physical and internally focussed with the aim of working through physical and emotional trauma, regaining physical health and what the founder, Ana Forrest terms your "authentic self".

A class begins with pranayama breathing, seated poses, abdominal core work, sun salutations and standing poses followed by inversions and backbends before shivasana (relaxation).

In practice, with the poses tailored to western ailments, such as neck, shoulder and back pain, many of the poses appear contorted. I am reminded of the jarring ballet poses in 'The Rite of Spring' by Igor Stravinsky, yet it provides an intensive, meditative workout and is a satisfying antidote to the strains of working at a computer.

Namaste,

Fleur xx