Description of the retreat

Originally Ashtanga yoga was taught without being formulaic and rigid and was accessible to all students. This is the traditional way that Adam teaches. You will learn how the general principles of this style are actually what’s important, and that often they need to be suited to an individual so as that they actually work. 

This week will be an honest and non-dogmatic overview of the Ashtanga method in a truly supportive and safe space for a week.

You can expect:

• A friendly and inclusive group with a range of ages and abilities.

• To make new discoveries in your practice.

• Delicious and nutritious meals.

• To make new friends and engage with a support group.

• To have lots of laughs.

• Time to explore this stunning region of Puglia.

• To return with renewed enthusiasm and energy for your practice.

Weekly Schedule

Weekly Schedule (subject to change)

Meals

10.30 am: Brunch

7.00 pm: Dinner

Yoga

6.30 am: Morning Class

9.00 am: Workshops (4 days)

6.00 pm: Meditation, breathwork, chat

6.30-8.30, Sunday to Thursday: Ashtanga Assisted Self-Practice

A self-practice class with verbal instruction and light physical assistance rather than the typical ‘Mysore’ adjustments. Adam offers directions for you to experience asanas in a comfortable and stable way in your body. He does not believe in forcing people into postures and focuses on safe and non-intrusive assistance. The class follows the traditional Ashtanga yoga sequences and series, however it’s OK if you need practice sheets, props or to modify asanas to suit your own needs.

7.00-9.00, Friday: Led Primary with Instructions

This unique led class features both the vinyasa count as well as fundamental cues for each

posture. Everyone will be made to feel welcome and safe in participating in this class, with options given regarding variations so everyone can do their version of the whole of the Primary series. There is no perfect or ‘traditional’ way we must do the postures.

9.00-10.30: Asana Workshop (Sun, Mon, Tues, Thurs)

Monday: Mobility v Flexibility

Yoga is about mobility, not flexibility. Flexibility is what happens when you stretch using your ligaments and tendons (that should keep the joints stable, instead). Mobility is a more skillful way of moving, or ‘mapping’ the muscles to work most effectively in unison.

Tuesday: Arm Balances

Building up from the basics with some technique essentials, we will then have a go at some of the more advanced arm-balances in a way that everyone can enjoy and experience the exhilaration of taking our weight into our own hands – quite literally!

Wednesday: Common Injuries, How to Prevent and Manage Them

We will discuss common injuries of the knees, lower back, and shoulders along with others,

to find out why they happen, how to protect ourselves against them, and/or, how to rehab ourselves if they’ve already occurred by working with our practice (rather than stopping altogether).

Thursday: Backbends to Front Stretches

There is a way to approach backbends which immediately makes them less scary. Namely, to consider that you are not bending your back, rather lengthening through the whole of the front of your body. A lot may change when considering them from a different angle and with a few extra tips.