Why do we say ‘soften’ in Strala yoga?

Softening in a Strala yoga class. 

The Power of Softening in Strala Yoga

If you come to any of our Strala yoga classes at the studio, you'll probably hear us say 'soften'. This is very different from most other yoga forms where they will tell you to straighten legs or arms and hold 'poses'.

In fact, if you have been practicing more traditional styles of yoga, perhaps this will feel a little alien to you at first. 'Soften the shoulders, soften the knees'… is what we encourage here. But why?

The Benefits of Softening

Well, first of all, if you soften, you're more moveable and if you're more moveable, you can breathe better. Makes sense right?

But don't just take my word for it. Try it for yourself. Try being super rigid in your body, tense your shoulders and squeeze your arms beside you. Clench your fingers and make fists, even squeeze your eyes closed, now try taking a deep breath.

A Quick Exercise in Softening

Now shake it out. Shake your hands and wrists, loosen your jaw, stick your tongue out and then soften. Soften your shoulders, your jaw, your hands, your arms, your neck and gently close your eyes…. from here take a big inhale and a long easy exhale 😮‍💨 …. and do that 2 more times, big inhale, long exhale, in…… and out…….

Different, right?

What Happens When We Soften?

What happened? Well, for one, you activated the relaxation response and by letting go of stress, you start healing.

Secondly, you've created the ideal platform to move from. In other words, when you're relaxed, so much more is achievable.

Thirdly, you feel better, more like you!

The Strala Approach

Softening helps people move more easily, no matter where they're starting from.

In Strala, we really focus on letting go of stress, healing, and finding a way to bring a bit of grace and ease into your everyday life.

Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been at it for years, there's something wonderful here for you. The beautiful thing is, you can always start right where you are.

Our Community

Our classes attract people from all walks of life, with all sorts of experience levels. I love that diversity; it creates such a rich environment for learning and growing together. No fancy words, no fuss - just you, showing up for yourself.

That's where the magic happens.

Maddy XO