About the class:

This system of yoga focuses initially on preparatory work. This includes: core strength; lower spine stability; leg strength; the release of held patterns of tension, especially in the hips and the abdominal and pelvic region.

The practice promotes: better circulation of blood, fluids/lymph and hormones. It also strengthens and regulates respiration which in turn encourages a calmer mind and nervous system.

The shadow yoga practice is powerful and grounding. Each class will leave you feeling more balanced within yourself and more at peace within your environment.

Naturally these classes also involve yogic postures (āsana). Traditionally, āsana were used in a therapeutic capacity, they were not for building muscular strength and flexibility in the way they’re used these days, rather these shapes are like patterns of energy that work with the organ systems of the body. But before we focus our attention on this in class, there’s that preparatory work I mentioned — In shadow yoga that means practising what we refer to simply as ‘the preludes’, and this is where our classes begin.

‘Shadow yoga’ is, in a nutshell, a school of yoga that focuses on preparatory exercises and the cultivation of strength and internal energy.

Taught By:

Tim Cummins

Suitable for:

• Open to everyone and of all levels, even beginners with an average level of fitness. Come with an open mind and a willingness to approach the practice of yoga differently.
• Tim’s level of experience is well suited to intermediate practitioners who feel they have plateaued and are looking for a way forward.

Benefits of the Class:

• Build strength and stamina
• Develop greater control of your breathing
• Alleviate stress
• Cultivate a more peaceful mind and calmer disposition
• Build internal power

What to wear/bring:

• Wear any clothing that is comfortable to move in e.g. yoga wear (obviously) sweat pants, sport shorts, T-shirt etc…
• Bring a medium size towel that can be rolled up and used as a prop.
• Water.

Testimonials:

“Tim guided my introduction into Shadow yoga and I feel so grateful to him and to this incredible lineage of wisdom embodied in this practice. He was a very considerate and able teacher. Each lesson was a wonderful journey, never repetitive, always enlightening and challenging. The lessons were intelligently strung together in a way that gave clarity and cohesion and enabled the body and mind to assimilate the teaching. He worked to give us all a real feel for the practice, in his beautiful descriptions, sequences and postures. I thoroughly recommend both the Shadow Yoga practice and Tim as a guide, to anyone serious about the Yoga path”.
~ Nicole Freris 

“Tim’s classes are really enjoyable. He’s knowledgeable, imaginative and patient and has a gift for describing subtle aspects of movement and breath. His classes are always interesting and you leave feeling grounded and energised”.
~ Rosie Gleeson

“I have studied Shadow Yoga with Tim for nearly 10 years. I have learnt more with him than with any other teacher. The practice continues to open up on different levels which keeps the practice fresh. Tim is an excellent teacher who brings great knowledge and humour to his role”.
~ Comar Wilson

“Yoga classes can be repetitive, following the same pattern of poses from week to week and no more exciting or stimulating than a routine exercise class.  Yoga with Tim is a journey, with a real sense of forward movement and discovery. His classes are never routine and rarely the same from one to the next. He’s a terrific teacher, full of interesting and helpful details and Shadow Yoga and the elements of Qi Gong he introduces are a real pleasure to learn and practice”.
~ Mark Redhead

Cost:

• £12 p/class payable on day
• £40 pay monthly in advance (£10 p/class)