Welcome to The Yoga Den, West End.

Welcome. At The Yoga Den you'll find the students to be a very diverse bunch of people - all of whom practice yoga for their own reasons and I hope you'll allow me to assist you a little along the path you've chosen for yourself. I encourage a practice that is restorative to the body, mind and heart. I welcome you to push your boundaries when you feel strong, and to nurture yourself when energy is low. One of my goals is to help you develop a fulfilling home practice - to teach you how to safely practice many postures (asana) to suit your ever changing body and mind. I want to help you to get to know yourself - your limitations, your strengths, your mind.

The studio is fully equipped with mats, blankets, bolsters etc, but please feel free to bring your own mat if you so desire. If you are a new student there is no need to book in for a class, just come to class 10-15 minutes earlier to introduce yourself to the teacher.

Beginners classes are open to anyone, as is Morning Glory at 6am. If you're coming to a general class you'll need to be comfortable with foundational postures and have a regular yoga practice. If you are new to yoga please begin with the beginners class to introduce yourself to the practice with ease. Please read more about the different classes on the "read me" page.

The Yoga Den recognises that Yoga is truly for the mind and the heart

So no matter how strong or weak, flexible or inflexible you appear to be the basic practice is about learning to live healthily with an open heart and a clear mind.

The basic Asanas (postures) and breath practice will start to untie the knots of the mind and help you to live life with an open and clear perspective. Life is a challenge that we are equal to and all beings have the capacity to understand life as the opportunity to experience things 'as they are' and avoid getting caught in all the ups and downs life presents. No matter what is happening in ones life the key to peace lies within. Getting to know yourself on a deeper level and beginning to understand the wisdom behind all happenings means that you will become more attuned to your own inner nature and the connection with the greater nature of the universe.

Class Types

Beginners Class

Beginners classes are focused mainly on the foundational postures. Anyone can begin to learn these postures – we don’t tie ourselves in knots, but you’ll certainly find a challenge. Best to begin with these classes…easy does it.

General Class

General classes can, at times, be very challenging. There aren’t many places I won’t take you in my general class, we work deeper into the body and the mind – for this reason it is preferable that you have some recent yoga experience. General classes begin to cross over into advanced territory. Please keep in mind that an advanced practice isn’t necessarily being super bendy or strong – it’s knowing and respecting your yoga practice.

Morning Glory

Morning glory is a class suitable for all levels. The class is 6am to 7am, but you're welcome to come earlier and stay longer if you wish. We'll awaken to the day through pranayama (breathing) and asana (movement). Emphasis in this class will be on tuning into ourselves and practicing with gentleness or strength - which ever we are feeling suits us best. The morning is a great time to give to ourselves and sets us up for the rest of the day. I look forward to seeing your shiny eyes and bushy tails!!!

Surya Namaskar R.I.P :-(

Surya (sun) Namaskar (salutations/greetings). This thursday morning 6am class is all about waking up – working the breath and lifting the heart rate. This is a very fast flowing vinyasa with my own sun salute sequence. The sequence is foundational postures (okay for beginners) but strung together super fast (too quick for beginners) - I joke that this is a yogi's run on the spot. Beginners should probably chat to Dan before attending. The emphasis in this class is on strength, balance and aerobic fitness (something us yogis could use a little more of   ). It is an awesome class...

Private Class

If you’re interested in a private class talk to Dan.

Current Calendar: April 2 to June 30 2013

Please arrive at least 5 mins early - as classes start on time. Please plan ahead so as not to disrupt the class by arriving late. This is truly appreciated by all.

Be sure to check back regularly as classes & class times my change.

Download the Timetable for yourself

About Dan

Welcome, I am Dan Alder. I am owner and principal teacher of The Yoga Den: West End Yoga Studio. I have a boundless enthusiasm and passion for yoga and self exploration. In December of 2010, my teachers Kate Pell and Zara Matthews decided to move from Brisbane to a small country town in central NSW. From this came the opportunity for me to continue The Yoga Den – indeed a very humbling task.

My teachers, although having had great teachers themselves, teach from their own inner wisdom and experience. In kind, I have not subscribed to any one discipline of yoga. It is my belief that yoga is a personal journey, and that yoga should fit the people – not the other way around. I believe all yoga is good yoga, so with experimentation and with an open mind and heart, we will blossom into our own best teachers.

I teach beginners, general (intermediate) and advanced classes. I encourage my students to explore themselves physically and psychologically. My goal as a teacher is this; I hope to help you open up to the most amazing thing in the world – you.

Namaste.

Download Dan's Bio

The Yoga Den Teacher Training 2013
with Kate Pell, assisted by Dan Alder

Yoga Teacher Training will be commencing at The Yoga Den from February 2013. The course is 350 hours in length and on completion students qualify as a Yoga Australia approved Level I Yoga Instructor.

Kate Pell is a Level 3 Yoga Australia registered yoga teacher and has been facilitating Yoga Teacher Training courses since 2006. Kate's teachings and teacher trainings are very highly regarded in the yoga world. Dan Alder, a student of Kate's and principle teacher of The Yoga Den, will be assisting/co-teaching with Kate throughout the training.

Download the Teacher Training 2013 Schedule

Download the Teacher Training Application Form

Download the Teacher Training Brochure

Topics Include

	Philosophy of Patanjalis eight fold path
	Pranayama – slow and fast rhythms
	Developmental movement patterns
	Yoga Asanas – alignment, adjustment and sequencing
	Vipassana meditation – being present to each moment
	Yogis physiology of the Chakras, Koshas & Pranavayus
	Yoga Teaching skills – observation, adjustment & sequencing
	Functional Anatomy
	Home practices
	Meridians and body work
	The retreat will be held at Gunnebah Retreat Centre, near the northern NSW town of Murwillumbah. To find out more about the location and our hosts, go to Gunnebah Retreat dates are monday July 8 to saturday July 13