What to expect in my classes
My classes are very varied and explore many different themes, both physical, for example focusing on a particular direction of movement such as forward bending, or a particular part of the body such as the arms and shoulders, and philosophical, perhaps considering a particular ethical precept and how it can inform our practice. Each month I work around a core theme and a set of asanas (yoga postures) which gives you time to grasp a deeper understanding of the poses and to really connect with how they make you feel. We work on a series of limbering stretches and strengthening exercises connected to the theme, explore standing postures, floor work, (including abdominal strengthening and twists), backbends, forward bends, hip openers and strengtheners, and if appropriate, inversions, as well as breath techniques and short meditation practices. There is a relaxation at the end of every class. The content is tailored to the level of the class whether that be gentle, mixed ability, or intermediate, and modifications offered to meet individuals areas of challenge and expertise.
You can expect to see me demonstrate poses in class, as an aid to students with hearing loss, for the visual learners amongst you, and for those for whom English is a second language, but my focus is on your practice, not mine. In a flow class I may get more involved in the practice to give the students a visual cue as to where we are going, allowing them to work without too many verbal instructions to process. I will be watching the students carefully, offering verbal instructions and physical adjustments as needed. I have taken additional training in the safe use of effective adjustments, so you will quite literally, be in ‘safe hands’.
My intention is to help students to focus on the breath and to ensure that their postures are correctly aligned. Ideally students become able to practice without relying on mirrors or watching the teacher constantly for cues. This encourages autonomy and often leads to a satisfying home practice. I encourage everyone to work at their own pace, offering modifications to the postures to make them accessible and safe. Yoga can be fun, challenging, frustrating, joyful, and at times hilarious! The best things to bring with you are an open mind, and a ready smile. Remember – our ability to laugh at ourselves is a measure of our mental health!
How to find the right class for you
I have three mixed ability classes, one gentle class, and two intermediate classes.
Once you have contacted me, and we have discussed your aims for your practice and any health issues, I can advise you as to which class may suit you best.
You will be asked to fill out a confidential health history at your first class, to help me ensure that your practice is as beneficial and as safe as possible. This also means that I can share articles and information with you regarding any health problems, or any other difficulties you may be experiencing, and it is important that you update me on any changes in your health both physical and psycho-emotional. All information you share with me is held in the strictest confidence. If I thought you needed one to one attention, either to help overcome a challenge such as an injury or illness, or to help combat severe depression or anxiety, I would recommend that you start with private tuition. If I felt a referral to a yoga therapist was necessary, I would endeavour to help you find an appropriate expert. In brief, here is an overview of the six classes from most gentle to most challenging….
The Friday class at 11.45am is a gentle yoga class, and only an hour long, suitable for those people who want to bypass some of the more strenuous asanas (postures) making it ideal for beginners, pregnant women, and those people working around injuries and illnesses, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, or poorly backs.
The Wednesday early class at 6.15pm is a mixed ability class, but only an hour long so making it slightly less strenuous than a 90 minute class. Beginners and pregnant women are welcome in this class, and it fits in nicely at the end of a work day, allowing you to come straight to class from work, (there is a changing room available) and then go home and relax (and probably have a really good nights sleep into the bargain).
The Monday early class at 9.45am is a mixed ability class and a full 90 minutes long. Beginners and pregnant ladies who are experienced yoga practitioners prior to pregnancy would be welcome in this class.
The Wednesday late class 7.30pm is a mixed ability class, and a full 90 minute long. Beginners are welcome but this class is not suitable for pregnant ladies.
The Monday later class at 11.30am is an intermediate level class, and a full 90 minutes long. This class is not suitable for beginners or pregnant ladies, and requires two years yoga experience.
The Friday evening class at 7.15pm is an intermediate level class, and a full 90 minutes long. This class is not suitable for beginners or pregnant ladies, and requires two years yoga experience.
What to wear and what to bring
Bring a ‘sticky mat’ if you have one. Some mats used for other forms of exercise are not great for yoga as they slide around on the floor but I always carry a few spare mats so I can help you out there if need be. Blocks, bricks, bolsters and belts are provided. Wear comfortable layers of clothing (tracksuit, leggings, fleece jacket, legwarmers, thick footless tights, shorts, whatever you’ve got, you don’t need ‘special’ yoga clothes) and do bring a blanket or bath towel, as well as an extra pair of socks, and an eye pillow if you have one, to enhance your time spent in final relaxation. Pregnant ladies should also bring a pillow or two. Temperatures vary from hall to hall, so I would advise that you layer up, and invest in a pair of grippy toe socks perhaps, so if you feel a little chilly you can keep yourself bundled up until we get warmed up. A bottle of water would be a good idea, as would being well-hydrated before you come to class. It is probably best not to have a heavy meal right before you practice but a snack would be fine, to keep you energy levels up. You don’t need to buy any special equipment to practice yoga, though in time you will probably want your own mat, so that you can practice at home. I can supply yoga equipment at competitive discounted rates.
Class Schedule
Classes run all year round. I take a short break in April, August and December. Dates will be posted on this site.
East Clandon Village Hall
Address : The Street, East Clandon GU4 7RX
Monday 9.45am – 11.15am mixed ability class.
***FULLY BOOKED***
Monday 11.30am – 1pm intermediate – 2 years practice required. SPACES AVAILABLE
This class is held in a lovely small village hall, in a very quiet rural backstreet in East Clandon, just past the Queens Head pub. The size of the hall restricts numbers to a maximum of 12. You will find the village hall on the right hand side on the corner of St.Thomas Drive. There is parking on the side road, or you can park in the pub car park. Please park considerately as the road is narrow and quite twisty, and we want to keep the neighbours happy!
Bushy Hill Junior School
Address : Sheeplands Avenue Merrow GU1 2SG
Wednesday 6.15 pm – 7.15 pm mixed ability all welcome, including pregnant and post-natal women.SPACES AVAILABLE
(This class is free for students learning yoga as part of their skill for Duke of Edinburgh award. Limited places available).
Wednesday 7.30pm – 9pm mixed ability. ***FULLY BOOKED***
Friday 7.15pm – 8.45pm intermediate – 2 years practice required.
***FULLY BOOKED***
I am very fortunate to have use of Bushy Hill Schools large spacious main hall. Come on in through the first set of big green gates, straight into the car park, and enter the hall through the first set of fire doors on the front aspect of the building.
Merrow Methodist Church Hall
Address : Bushy Hill Drive GU1 2SH
Friday 11.45am – 12.45pm SPACES AVAILABLE
gentle yoga – all welcome, including pregnant and post-natal women.
This is a lovely spacious room, fully heated in winter, where you can enjoy the gentler aspects of yoga practice. This class is particularly suitable if you have any health concerns, are pregnant or post-natal, or are brand new to yoga. We explore gentle posture work, mindful breathing and relaxation. The hall is just off the Epsom Road in Merrow, on the corner of Bushy Hill Drive . If you turn into Sheeplands Avenue, you will see the hall on the right hand corner, attached to the church. Drive straight in to the car park, and come in through the bright blue doors.
Car and Bike Parking
There is car parking at all the venues. If you come on a push bike, please feel free to bring it in to the hall with you and we will find a space to park it where it will be kept safe and dry.
Class Fees
I ask that you commit to all the lessons within a two month period, and pay for those in advance. This makes rebooking simple, as all you have to do is glance in your diary, count how many classes there are in the forthcoming two months, i.e. how many Monday classes there are in October and November and multiply that by the class fee. Rebooking occurs at the beginning of December, February, April, June, August and October. You are welcome to join a group part way through a booking period if there is space. Please note concession costs only apply when you book two month blocks of lessons in advance, and that missed classes cannot be carried over to the next booking period. Payments are due in the last week of each booking period. Payment secures your place.
90 minute classes
£8 per class booked in advance
£7 for retired/unwaged booked in advance
£10 drop-in : if there is space available and you have a busy month this option may work best for you. Please contact me to check if a space is available as priority is given to advance bookings, and class sizes are capped.
60 minute classes
£6.50 per class booked in advance
£6 for retired/unwaged booked in advance
£7.50 drop-in : if there is space available and you have a busy month this option may work best for you. Please contact me to check if a space is available as priority is given to advance bookings, and class sizes are capped.
In case of genuine financial hardship please contact me in confidence. Free classes and donation only places available in all classes.
Once you have booked your classes you are welcome to chop and change between them to ensure as far as possible that you get the benefit of all the classes you have paid for. This does mean that there will be times when a class will be very full, for example if lots of students happen to be catching up at the same class. Rest assured that I am very capable of teaching large classes (and regularly do) though I do endeavour to keep the size of the classes manageable.
Gift Vouchers are available in multiples of £10. They come in a handmade greetings card, see blog posting for more details.
