What is yoga?
Nowadays Yoga is often thought of as mainly a fitness programme. For me, Yoga is about taking a moment out of my day to simply observe. Yoga uses movement, breath and contemplation to allow us to examine ourselves, with clarity, as we are in each moment. I love the analogy that our yoga practice is like a mirror, perfectly positioned to reflect our deepest selves. A physical asana practice releases the physical tension created by our modern lives to allow us to relax completely. This mindful way of moving is incredibly transformational but it's not the only thing that yoga has to offer. All my classes will include and element of pranayama (breath control), contemplative meditation, and deep relaxation and I often weave in an element of classical yoga philosophy. Here is a brief description of the main styles of yoga that I teach. If you are still unsure what will work for you, feel free to get in touch.
Vinyasa Flow
The word "Vinyasa" in Sanskrit comes from the word nyasa "to place" with the prefix vi "in a special way". In a flow or vinyasa practice we join yoga poses together in a sequence linked carefully with the breath. I am creative with my sequencing to focus on strength and functional movement. My vinyasa classes are often a little slower than other classes you might have tried.
Hot Yoga
Simply, yoga in a heated room. My hot classes will be no hotter than 35C so we are not taking the room above body temperature. Often taught in a slow vinyasa style, the focus will always be on breath and mindful movement. Hot yoga will not help the body detox (it does that beautifully all on its own) but it can help to focus the busy monkey mind and leave you feeling amazingly rejuvenated.
Yin and Restorative yoga
I often teach these two styles separately but they also complement each other beautifully; the perfect antidote to more dynamic yoga styles or any sports or fitness regime. These classes are made up of floor poses supported by lots of props and poses are held for 2-10 minutes. The emphasis is on releasing fascia (connective tissue) and calming the nervous system.
Perinatal and Bring a Baby Yoga
A fantastic way to support your body and your baby. Pregnancy yoga classes are suitable from 12 weeks pregnant, parent and baby classes from 6 weeks until crawling. For post-natal I recommend you wait until 10-12 weeks if you've had a c-section, stitches, or other intervention. Any parents or caregivers are welcome in the parent and baby classes whether you adopted your baby, used a surrogate, your partner carried your baby, or another caregiver or grandparent wants to come.
Yoga For All
Accessible yoga classes celebrate our diversity and are specifically designed to be open to everyone - if you've often felt uncomfortable in other yoga classes, you're LGBT+, you're living in a larger body or an older body, or you are a wheelchair user - this is the class for you. I always aim to use locations that are accessible, have parking and a lift, and will offer concession rates so these classes are financially accessible too.
Teen yoga and yoga in schools
Yoga is a fantastic tool to support teenagers' academic performance as well as their wellbeing. From the first session improvements can be seen in students' concentration and behaviour in class, stress and anxiety (particularly in high-pressure exam settings), self-esteem and body image, as well as physical and mental health. If you'd like to support your teenager with yoga or bring yoga classes into your school please get in touch below.
Corporate and Private yoga
These classes are perfectly tailored to suit your personal needs, whether that's as an individual or as a business. Classes can work around your schedule and your location. If you are recovering after an injury or if group classes don't suit you for any reason, then private classes are the perfect way to tailor the pratice to suit you. To find out more about private or corporate classes please get in touch below.
"I moved to the area about a year ago and have been searching for a class and teacher that resonates. Gabi's classes feel like they reach the depths of longer workshops, they are curated beautifully and intelligently." |
