Pranayama
Pranayama (प्राणायाम) is a combination of two sanksrit words, Prana (essential life force) and Ayama* (expansion or extension). So the practice of Pranayama is expanding or extending the essential life force found within the breath, put simply, breathing techniques.
Every class includes around 15 minutes of pranayama practice. Each term focuses on one technique, repeating and developing on the practice week by week. Allowing a greater depth of understanding and experience of the practice.
Some of the benefits of practicing pranayama include improving respiratory function and increasing lung capacity. Certain practices can help towards reducing stress and anxiety, promote mental clarity, and enhance focus. Regular practice can also support emotional balance, energy levels, and can contribute to a greater sense of calm general well-being.
*Yama (apposed to Ayama) means reigning in, or control. So another way we can look at prana-yama is breath control.