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About the class:

Each themed class will include aspects of the following:

• Pranayama ~ These exercises focus on the breath, usually performed seated
• Asanas ~ The physical practice involves holding various poses or moving through a series of postures sitting in a chair or standing and using the chair for support. We will always warm up the body before we begin and will end with a cool-down period
• Dharana ~ Meditation is seated and may be guided
• Pratyahara ~ Relaxation (savasana) occurs at the end of each class 

I always maintain that if I can “do” yoga then anyone can. I will lead the class but ultimately this is your practice and therefore you should only work to your own limitations, whatever they may be. I ensure that the classes are planned for mixed-ability participants so each class member can join in. I will need medical information (which is held in the strictest confidence) so that I can provide the correct guidance but ultimately you are your best teacher. Therefore, all participants must complete the online medical information form (yoga-medical-form). NB – if your medical situation changes whilst a member of the Yoga Group, you will need to update the form.

What to bring:

• Clothes ~ Yoga gear is not essential but your clothes should not restrict the body’s movement in any way
• Cushions, blankets, warm layers ~ Your body cools down quickly in savasana (relaxation at the end of the class) so comfort and warmth is key!

About me:

I started practising yoga some 20+ years ago as an antidote to stress. I really didn’t know anything about the practice except that I thought you had to be a “twisty bobcat” to do it. Not so! My first teacher Sally taught a very gentle hatha yoga that anyone could do and she introduced me to meditation and pranayama (breathwork). I found that yoga and taking lunch breaks away from my desk at work helped me cope with the stress of software development.

In 2018, I attended to the World Yoga Festival. What an eye-opener! I  was introduced to yoga philosophy as well as all the different types of yoga, holistic treats (gongs, soundbaths etc) and music that the festival has to offer. In 2021, I became a fully qualified yoga teacher through FRYOG (Friends of Yoga).

I moved to Verwood at the same time and retired in September 2023. I have lots of interests but yoga and yoga philosophy remain my primary focus.

References:

Medical Information Form (yoga-medical-form)
World Yoga Festival: www.yogafestival.world
Friends of Yoga: friendsofyoga.co.uk