"Our exhalation is the whole universe's exhalation.
Our inhalation is the whole universe's inhalation.
In this way, in every moment, we accomplish the great unlimited work."
Kodo Sawaki
Pilates
Invented at the beginning of the 20th century by Joseph H. Pilates, Pilates is a series of physical exercises that combines stretching and strengthening of the muscles.
For its creator, one of his technique’s main results is gaining the mastery of your mind aver the complete control of your body.
In order to achieve this aim, the technique was created based on a number of tenets: concentration, control, centering, flow, precision and breathing.
Following the principles of concentration and control of breathing, the exercises are aimed at “centering” the body, which is to say strengthening the abdominal centre, which stabilises the body as a whole. A series of floor exercises enables the muscles to be worked in a uniform manner whilst emphasising mobility of the spine and flexibility of the muscles and joints.
Pilates corrects the body's alignment and encourages good posture. It is an efficient means of healing certain physical ailments and creating a graceful and lengthened body.
Pilates teaches us patience and perseverance, coordination, balance in all fields of life and to listen to your body.
Hatha Yoga
Often being called the Yoga of postures, Hatha Yoga is the foundation of many other types of Yoga.
This form of Yoga strives to balance opposing parts of the physical body: the front and back, right and left, top and bottom.
While following a precise practice of the postures, those are maintained longer, consequently requiring control of the breath and concentration.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic and flowing approach of the asanas.
Flow classes string poses together seamlessly and creatively, becoming like a dance where each movement is synchronized to a breath.
Movement and breath are deeply connected, creating a movement meditation, where each step induces the next one, as the permanent movement between Yin and Yang.
Jivamukti Yoga
Vinyasa-based physical style, Jivamukti Yoga is a vigorous yoga combining physical, ethical, and spiritual practice.
This core philosophy of Jivamukti is expressed through Five Tenets:
Shastra (scripture), Bhakti (devotion), Ahimsā (nonviolence, non-harming), Nāda (music), and Dhyana (meditation).
Prenatal Pilates
Prenatal Pilates is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of the expectant mother. Doing Pilates can safely boost your physical and mental health. Because Pilates focuses on increasing stability, in addition to strengthening the entire body, it can help relieve joint pain—and prevent it from even occurring in the first place. Thanks to the focus on better posture, alignment and body awareness, Pilates is known for helping to relieve back and hip pain and sciatica while helping to alleviate symptoms of pubic synthesis, a common pregnancy condition.
The deep breathing, as well as the mind-body connection, emphasized in Pilates sessions and classes helps to prepare mothers for labor and childbirth, and helps to better cope with the emotional ups and downs many women experience during pregnancy.
Pilates will support you through the three trimesters of pregnancy and support your body through all the changes it undergoes.
Postnatal Pilates
Self-care is of the utmost importance now. Postnatal Pilates can help prevent common postpartum issues, such as lower-back and shoulder tension. The deep breathing emphasized leads to more energy, mental clarity and patience.
Pilates can help to accelerate the recovery process, making you feel calmer and more connected in the process. The right exercises can also help heal diastasis recti, which is an excessive separation of the abdominals common in postpartum women, and gradually tone back the pelvic floor muscles.
Postnatal Pilates will help the new mother safely recover figure and muscle tone, and strength from within, while reconnecting with one's own body, recharging the batteries and enjoying the practice with the baby in a safe environment with other mothers who share the same path and moment in life.
A few tips to enjoy your experience at Happynes't...
Clothes
We recommend light clothing, whatever you feel comfortable with (shorts, leggings and tank top).
Material
We provide all the material necessary, yoga mat and accessories (without additional fee). If you prefer, you can of course take your own yoga mat.
Class experience
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Come to class on a semi-empty stomach and try not to eat any heavy meals 2-3 hours before class. However, make sure you are well nourished as you will need energy for your class.
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Be well hydrated and drink plenty of water before class.
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Wash your feet and hands before entering the yoga room.
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Talk to your teacher before class about any injuries or special conditions you have that might affect your practice. This way teachers will know what modifications to give you to make your practice more accessible.
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Stay in the room during the all class. You may lie down or rest at any time, but commit to staying in the room for the entire class.
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Relax about the language, and your skill in English. This is a Pilates&Yoga studio, not a language school. The teachers will always make sure to give clear and comprehensible explanations.
Level of Classes
Most of our classes are suitable for newcomers. If you are unsure about which class to do, don't hesitate to ask our staff.
Etiquette
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Arrive at least10 minutes prior to class start time (First comers are advised to arrive 20 minutes before the class starts).
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Mobile phone in off mode
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Respect the calm that prevails in the studio
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Avoid chatting during the classes.
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Leave shoes, clothes and large items in the changing room.
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Don't bring personal belongings into the studio.
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Come to class on a semi-empty stomach (no food 2 hours prior to class).
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Wash your feet and hands prior to class.
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Refrain from wearing any fragrances.
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Don't step on the Yoga mat of other participants.
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Store the material on the designated storage in an orderly fashion
...And above all, enjoy!
Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates classes are designed for all stages of your pregnancy.
Through and after your pregnancy, the body goes through a series of changes, which can lead to a decreased sense of balance and endurance—and fatigue, lots of fatigue. Pilates is there to support you at every stage, at your own pace.
Pregnancy
With the use of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyana), Yoga acts to bring about a sound, healthy body, and also a clear, peaceful mind.
After a warm up, the postural exercises supple the spine and promote circulation in all organs, glands, and muscular tissues. The Asanas stretch and align the body, and increase balance, flexibility and strength. The breathing throughout the exercises frees up and regenerates body and mind; and the relaxation within the postures enables one to fight fatigue, anxiety and the sense of being overwhelmed.
As important as the physical movements in Yoga is the mental component. Far from a competitive spirit, Yoga is first of all a means to self-awareness, self-improvement, and an attitude of attention and non-criticism.
Yoga
Meridians Stretching
A product of eastern culture and medicine, Meridians Stretching is a Japanese practice that combines stretching and self-massage. It falls within the same field as acupuncture or shiatsu with the difference that one applies it to oneself.
In Europe, we would actually use Japanese names to call that technique: Makko-Ho (真っ向法) or Dō-In (導引)...
Meridians Stretching is a revitalisation and harmonisation technique that stimulates breathing, circulation and digestion. It balances and recharges the circulation of the natural flow of energy and strengthens the vital centre of your being, known as Tanden.
The movements in the class combine stretching and opening of the joints, massage and stretching of muscles and nerves, blows, impacts and vibrations on the bones and joints, stimulation of the circulation of energy and massage along the meridians. The exercises also focus on breathing in order to calm the mind, free up tension and spread energy freely throughout the meridians.
A true ancestral art, Meridians Stretching leads to relaxation, wellbeing and harmony. It stimulates vitality and improves health. Its action is preventive and curative.