Yogi offers classes in exchange for donations to the Highveld Horse Care Unit

Some people in the horse riding community have taken up online yoga classes with Yogi Shelby, a company offering free classes but asking for donations that go to the Highveld Horse Care Unit (HHCU).

These online vinyasa yoga classes cater to people of all levels, and donations of any size are encouraged. “I am a 200-hour qualified yoga teacher registered with the Yoga Alliance,” said Shelby Kleynhans, owner of Yogi Shelby.”

My style of teaching is one that is focused on a full-body energising flow so that by the time you leave your mat, you feel relaxed and revitalised and with a feeling of having released tension and created space in the whole body.”

Her free classes are held every Friday from 4pm to 5pm on Zoom. The meeting ID is 915 355 7987 and password is 3hnajN.

“I open my classes with short meditations, breath and body awareness and intention setting. I spend a good amount of time warming up and cooling down before and after the main flow of the class, ending off with a nourishing and peaceful shavasana (the final moments of the class, lying down in mediation).”

Kleynhans added that she gives clear instructions in the pose and uses slow, guided transitions to each one so the pace of the class is not too fast. “Each week focuses on a different area of the body or certain categories of poses, such as backbends and heart openers, balancing and standing poses, hip openers, core and arm strength as well as some classes that will be very slow-paced and restorative.”

The instructor believes yoga is especially beneficial during the lockdown as it improves physical, mental and emotional health. One’s lung health can also improve through breathing exercises.

“It is scientifically proven to increase your immunity, boost your mood and improve your strength, flexibility and mobility ? not to mention how much it teaches you about your physical and emotional self in a way that you may not have ever experienced before.”

Kleynhans described yoga as a form of mindfulness, being here in the present and not dwelling on the past nor worrying about the future. “Yoga can be intimidating due to the way yoga is portrayed in mainstream media. However, you do not need to be fit, flexible, young or very healthy to do yoga. It truly is for everybody.”

She encouraged those interested to follow her on Instagram @yogi_shelby for more information on her freeyoga classes.