Originally Iyengar based – A deeper understanding that evolved from an intensive study and practice of the advanced asanas led both Mike and Sharon Byron-McKay to shape the teaching style to reflect a stronger bias towards personalization; and thus maximising the many great health and fitness benefits of hatha yoga.
In 2003 the three books of the Interactive Yoga Series were published to more fully display the wisdom and logic behind the Interactive technique and 'body-responsive' personalized practice. The strength of the Interactive Yoga technique can be seen by understanding the 'Foundation Principles' which stem from one basic undeniable physiological fact (1):
The Foundation Principles
- Sameness is an illusion. No two bodies are exactly the same. There will always be differences in muscular structural balance and sensational awareness.
- The 'Response rate' is an unknown variable (response rate is time taken to reach maximum extension).
- Learn to be methodical not mechanical (learn to work with bio-feedback and sensitivity and not chronological time).
*From the Book ‘A Vision of Truth’ (the 1st book in the Interactive Yoga Series) by Mike and Sharon Byron-McKay
Interactive Yoga – The most effective and powerful form of learning and progressing through the asanas (postures). Once the foundation is laid in the beginners classes, students are invited to join our General class. In this class the Yoga student is given a more personalised practice than that taught at a beginners level. This allows for more time and attention to be given towards gaining progress within the individual’s most challenging areas.Within the class time personal tuition is given and the Yoga student benefits from body-responsive practice, area specific information, a direct progress orientated approach and a well-equipped supportive environment.
Three Levels of Practice - The New Zealand School of Yoga is designed and structured to function with three levels of practice:
Level One- Beginners and Introductory General Class: No experience is required and time is taken for Yoga students to develop an approach or understanding of the basics in structural alignment and the dynamics of practice. To progress to the next level the consistency of practice required is twice a week.
Level Two- Intermediate: Requires a minimum of one class per week with Level One and one class a week practicing with the Interactive technique. Time is taken within the Interactive class to recognize and structure the practice sequence in such a way as to offer more time and attention in developing the Yoga students more challenging areas. Yoga students at this level must have all three books of the Interactive Yoga Series.
Level Three - The Full Interactive Practice: This is the highest level of practice and it requires a minimum attendance of two classes per week. Yoga students must have an understanding of head and shoulder balance. Personalized and individual practice skills are taught. This level of practice exposes the Yoga student to the full benefits of Yoga and is the most effective pathway to the advanced postures. Again it is important that all yoga students for Level two and three have all three books in the Interactive yoga Series.
*Inter-level transfers - Moving from one level to the next is entirely at the discretion of the teacher. It is the teacher that approves the transfer. If you would like to know more about your progress level then please feel free to discuss this with your teacher.
Pranayama (Breath control) – The breath is the ‘bridge’ between the body and the mind. Whoever has the control of the breath has the ability to calm and focus the mind. It is a vital part of your life-force and it plays a central role within the asana in both maximum extension and total relaxation. The breath cannot be forced but it can be shaped, directed and controlled by the intelligence. Pranayama is taught to all N.Z. Yoga students from the first class.
Meditation (and Positive affirmation) - A simple time-honoured method of calming and focusing the mind whilst lifting or heightening ones internal and external perspective, self-confidence and awareness. A short but powerful meditation and positive affirmation is taught at the start of every class along with Pranayama.
Savasana (Relaxation) is taught at the end of each N.Z. Yoga class. It is the deepest and most effective form of relaxation known today. Tremendous psycho-physical benefits are gained by the regular practice of releasing and aligning the body with the floor.
Specialist Yoga and Pregnancy Program - go to yoga and pregnancy or yoga therapy on side menu
Equipment most equipment is provided, but you will need to bring your own mat or hire one. We have fabulous non-PVC non-slip rubber mats available for hire (non-PVC means they contain no heavy metals) at $2.00 per class
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