It was once said that one of the greatest benefits of yoga is “the inspiring and uplifting insights that our yoga instructors share with us”.

One look at Ramone Bisset and you know that you want some of whatever it is she’s having. Glowing with health and one of the warmest smiles you’ll ever see, she’s a picture of peaceful vitality. You wouldn’t know from her calm exterior, that’s she’s one seriously busy lady – not only teaching locally, but organising a whole range of Yoga ‘Days Out’ and retreats (more on those later).

But first, the roadtest. Ramone’s been with Yoga Central Canberra since it opened almost exactly one year ago. “We’re a local studio that’s started by Amanda Morley who’s been teaching yoga in Canberra for a number of years” she explains, “it’s a cooperative space so there’s a whole range of yoga teachers that work here and teach their own different styles, so it’s a warm, welcoming and inclusive community”.

The studio has an extensive timetable which offers classes including Hatha, Anusara, and Yin. I had the pleasure of trying out Ramone’s Vinyasa class.

The first thing I notice about the class (aside from the serene candle light and beautiful bronze statues of Hindu gods) is the variety of participants. There are some obvious Vinyasa veterans: those who sit at the front of the class, immediately settling into an advanced pose. And then there’s students who, like me are clearly beginners or less experienced. I always think this is a great sign: it’s obvious that people are enjoying the class and coming every week, but newcomers are also welcomed.

Ramone explains that today we’ll be focusing on the more childish side of ourselves, adding some play and exploration to the practice. In one pose we’re in a lunging position, supported by foam bricks and we jump, swinging our opposite leg forward to switch position. It’s challenging and gets more than a few students laughing. In another pose we’re encouraged to reach forward, pushing ourselves physically while exploring how far we can reach forward. These playful elements add fun to the class and bring a different kind of focus to your standard yoga sequence.

What I really liked about Ramone’s style of teaching is that she not only demonstrates the poses at the front of the class, but she also walks around the room adjusting students as she goes. It’s a more interactive style where she’s not afraid to touch and guide you which relieves that uneasy feeling of “am I doing this right?” I also really liked that Ramone uses the Sanskrit names for yoga poses rather than just the westernised versions. It makes the class feel a bit more authentic and also shows that she clearly knows what she’s talking about.

There were poses in the class that were more advanced, and Ramone advises to only do what you feel comfortable doing. For me, this struck the perfect balance between safety and challenge – you know that you can stop when it feels uncomfortable but you can also see what the more advanced option is, meaning you can set a personal benchmark for future classes.

There’s also a bit of meditation in the class which I really enjoyed. Ramone tells us to sit with our palms facing up, open to receiving a positive energy flow while we chant Ohm. She says me that one of the things that sets Yoga Central Canberra apart is the focus on the spiritual elements of yoga – “yoga from a spiritual perspective or more about meditation rather than asana which is the physical practice”. I loved this element of the class – you’re not just going through the motions but you feel as though your exterior movements are complementing the inner development.

I leave the class feeling restored, relaxed and balanced – only some of the benefits of starting a yoga practice according to Ramone, who says yoga gives people “an opportunity to get to know themselves a bit better, a little bit of personal space on the mat where they don’t have to worry about anything except looking after themselves and having a bit of fun”.

Flexibility is a benefit but definitely not the end goal, Ramone assures me that its “more flexibility of mind than flexibility of body”.

If you’ve never tried yoga before, and you’re looking to try it out and see what works for you then this is the perfect place to start. There’s such a wide variety of classes and workshops, there’s truly something for everyone.

“Don’t be intimidated by coming to a new place, we’re a relatively new studio and we welcome beginners all the time” Ramone says, “keep an eye out for beginner specific courses and workshops, where beginners will have a great opportunity to get a really in depth, personal education on the first steps towards setting up a yoga practice”.

OTHER YOGA ADVENTURES TO TRY

Like the sound of this? Ramone has a whole bunch of fun events and programs coming up in 2014 that are all about feeling good and being your best. Here are just a few:

Commit to Sit 21 day meditation, yoga and goal setting course, kicks off Thursday 6 February at Yoga Central Canberra

Yoga Big Day Out with Amanda Morley, Pete Eland and Muriel Mace, Sunday 23 March at the Canberra Arboretum

Yoga Big Weekend Away with Pete Eland and Muriel Mace, Thursday April 24 to Sunday April 27, Nowra

Blissful Bali Yoga Retreat Sunday 25 to Saturday 31 May (currently $1397AUD at the early-bird price until 28 February – a $200 saving of the full retreat price).

Namaste Nepal Yoga Retreat Sunday 5 to Saturday 18 October.

YOUR READER OFFER

Yoga Central Canberra would love to offer Her Canberra readers a $10 credit at the studio, which they can spend on the class or pass of their choice. All you need to do is come into the studio before Friday 14 February 2014 and use the promotional code HERCANBERRA.