Align and Flow Yoga Madeira
Yogaflow studio presents Align and Flow Yoga Madeira, an eclectic blend of Iyengar Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga, with a touch of Yin, a fusion of static alignment and dynamic vinyasa, with a relaxed restorative flavour. As a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, with years of Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga teaching experience, I boldly decided to combine my love for all these Yoga styles.
Align and Flow is a somatically oriented, anatomical approach to Yoga, based on principles from the Krishnamacharya lineage. It is an exploration of how functional anatomy and applied philosophy unite to inspire a direct experience of body, mind, and breath integration. The intention is to break-through beyond the rigidity of any particular system, while still retaining the core essence of traditional teachings.
This Yoga studio is right for you if you are looking for a non-dogmatic, unpretentious approach to traditional Yoga, that is relevant and applicable to every-day modern life.
At Yogaflow studio the Yoga classes are taught in a private setting, one-on-one and small groups, to ensure personal attention, alignment and adjustment. Private Yoga classes are designed to suit the level of each individual. Group Yoga classes are labelled at a specific level (foundation or intermediate) to better facilitate a collective practice.
Click on the black buttons below to see the Rates and Times. Scroll down for detailed information about the private and group Yoga classes offered. More ABOUT me here.
WHAT IS ALIGN YOGA?
Align Yoga is based on the principles of Iyengar Yoga. Like all Yoga styles that are based on Asana (physical postures) and Pranayama (breathing exercises), Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga. Ha means ‘sun’ and Tha means ‘moon’. In the practice of Hatha Yoga, we create differential pressures of High (heating / sun) and Low (cooling / moon) energy in the body to circulate the subtle essence called Prana (life-force) through every cell from high to low pressure.
What makes Iyengar Yoga unique is its focus on accurate physical alignment to encourage the intelligent flow of life-force in all parts of the body equally and to cultivate the sharp inner clarity that allows body, mind, and breath to unite with pure consciousness.
Iyengar Yoga is both, an aesthetic art, and an extensively researched science. Props are an integral part of Iyengar Yoga and used in various educational ways, to awaken greater alignment or to support the practice and make it more accessible, or to amplify the challenge and build endurance. Postures are adapted to suit the ability of each practitioner. The practice is guided with clear verbal cues and hands on adjustments to inspire integration.
Iyengar Yoga is attributed to BKS Iyengar, one of the most influential Yoga teachers in the evolution of Yoga in the west. This style of Yoga is grounded on the teachings of T Krishnamacharya, who is seen as the father of modern Yoga. By adapting the original Ashtanga Yoga system to suit a diversity of individuals, BKS Iyengar revolutionised dynamic Yoga. His own journey through immense adversity and illness inspired him to devote his entire life to Yoga and led him to introduce greater emphasis on the therapeutic application of Yoga to make it accessible to every type of body.
Iyengar Yoga is a compliment to other dynamic Yoga practices, as it offers a slower pace with postures held for longer periods of time. Holding postures for longer allows the practitioner space to sense how muscles, bones, fascia, skin, and organs move and how the mind responds. This intimate awareness greatly enhances the health benefits of Yoga.
WHAT IS FLOW YOGA?
Flow Yoga is based on the principles of Ashtanga Yoga. Originating from the same lineage as Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic form of Hatha Yoga, with great emphasis on the combination of movement with breath. The practice is grounded in the technology of Tristana, the use of breath, bandha and dristi as tools for movement meditation.
The breathing technique used in Ashtanga Yoga is Ujjayi, which means victorious. By gently closing the back of throat as one would when misting a mirror, an audible sound is made while inhaling and exhaling deeply. Ujjayi breath is very energising.
Bandha is an energy lock created by co-activating muscles around a joint. The three main bandhas are located along the spine in the region of the pelvic floor, lower abdomen and throat. These locks serve to protect the spine and also build greater reservoirs of subtle life-force.
Dristi is a looking point. In Ashtanga Yoga each posture has a specific point that one looks at while practicing. This technique is designed to withdraw the mind from external stimuli to become inwardly focused.
Ashtanga Yoga is physically demanding, but immensely transformative in its effect on the nervous system. Popularised by Sri K Pattabhi Jois, this system consists of several set sequences that are still taught all over the world in exactly the same way as originally designed. Most practitioners do not make it much further that the 1st (primary) series called Yoga Chikitsa, which means Yoga therapy, revered for its profound detoxifying benefits.
What clients Say
“Melanie is one of the most intuitive Yoga instructors (although instructor is not how I see her she has been my partner, my confidant and soulmate on my Yoga journey). She will extend you at times and when you are in need of restorative she will sense it. Her passion for yoga is contagious. She shares her incredible knowledge freely and provides enormous insight into the impact, the benefits and the deeper soul journey that many miss. She will make you a lifelong convert with a thirst to discover more.” – Lynette Finlay
More ABOUT me here.
Yoga Classes in Madeira
Welcome to my tailor-made private Yoga classes, and my co-creative group Yoga classes in Madeira, Portugal. See all the details below. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions. I am super excited to share Yoga with you!
Private Yoga
Private Yoga classes are taught as traditionally intended, one on one, with your goals at heart. Private Yoga classes are designed to suit the level of each individual. Each class is designed to suit your specific needs and the postures are adapted to your exact level of expertise. The focus is on personal attention and precise adjustment to align each posture for optimal benefit to your body-type. Suitable for busy professionals, complete beginners, anyone with mild health or emotional concerns, seasoned practitioners looking to enhance alignment skills, discerning individuals focused on clear goals, and holiday makers feeling to retreat. You can choose to enjoy your Yoga practice at Yogaflow studio in Funchal, or in the comfort of your home, hotel, or office anywhere in Madeira, or online via Zoom from any location in the world.
Yoga Studio
You are welcome to book your private Yoga class at Yogaflow studio in Funchal. The Yoga studio is fully equipped with Yoga mats and props.
Kindly note that pre-booking is required, no drop-ins.
See location, enquiry form, and booking details on the CONTACT page.
Yoga at Your Home or Hotel
If requested I can travel to you and offer private Yoga in the comfort of your home, hotel, or office anywhere in Madeira. Yoga mats and props are provided.
Private Online Yoga
Keep up your private Yoga practice from anywhere in the world. See ONLINE page for more about Yoga on Zoom.
Private Yoga Class Times
Book a convenient time that suits your personal schedule.
Private Yoga Rates
€55 – Online €65 – In Person
Travel costs apply.
YOGAFLOW GUIDELINES
Please read the YOGAFLOW GUIDELINES before attending a Yogaflow class. By showing up in a Yogaflow class you acknowledge that you agree with the Yogaflow disclaimer.
Group Yoga
Group Yoga classes are taught in an intimate setting, with up to 8 people per class. In small groups there is greater potential for individual attention and adjustment. To ensure the best collective practice experience, group Yoga classes are labelled at a specific level (foundation or intermediate). You can choose to enjoy your Yoga practice at Yogaflow studio in Funchal, or online via Zoom from any location in the world.
Yoga Studio
Join me for group Yoga classes at Yogaflow studio in Funchal. The Yoga studio is fully equipped with Yoga mats and props.
Kindly note that pre-booking is required, no drop-ins.
See location, enquiry form, and booking details on the CONTACT page.
Group Yoga Class Levels
Foundation Level – All welcome, no previous Yoga experience needed. Slow and steady, with time to adjust. Single postures, taught with variations to suit each individual. The class focus is on basic alignment cues, and the use of props to support alignment. Perfect for beginners, or students wanting to get back into Yoga practice after a break, or anyone whom feels to practice Yoga slowly.
Intermediate Level – At least two years Yoga experience, or regular practice of any style needed. Strong and creative, with options to modify. Sequences include static alignment and dynamic vinyasa, with a touch of yin. Alignment cues are offered within the framework of personal exploration and autonomy. Perfect for agile Yoga practitioners whom enjoy physical challenge and philosophical contemplation.
Group Online Yoga
Keep up your group Yoga practice from anywhere in the world. See ONLINE page for more about Yoga on Zoom.
Group Yoga Class Times
Monday at 18:00pm to 19:30pm – Foundation Level. All welcome, no previous Yoga experience needed. Wednesday at 18:00pm to 19:30pm – Intermediate Level. At least two years Yoga experience of any style needed. Friday at 10am to 11:30am – Intermediate Level. At least two years Yoga experience of any style needed.
Group Yoga Rates
In Person:
- €13 – Drop In
- €115 – Ten Class Pass
Online:
- €10 – Drop In
- €90 – Ten Class Pass
Yoga Workshop
