Author: Gemma

Thinking about trying yoga but not sure what to expect? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Yoga is for everyone, no matter your age, fitness level, or flexibility. If you’re in Rugby CV23 and curious about your first class, here’s a simple, friendly guide.

1. How a Beginner Class Usually Goes

Beginner classes are gentle and welcoming. Here’s a rough idea of what happens:

• Warm-ups: Slow stretches and easy breathing to get your body ready.
• Basic Poses: You might try Cat-Cow, Downward Dog, Tree Pose, or other simple postures. Don’t worry if they feel tricky — everyone goes at their own pace.
• Breathing: You’ll learn to link your breath with movement, which helps calm the mind and focus the body.
• Relaxation: Most classes finish with a short period lying down to relax and let your body settle.

The pace is slow, and teachers are there to support you every step of the way.

---

2. What to Bring (or Not Worry About)

• Comfy clothes: Something stretchy, like leggings and a T-shirt.
• A mat: Some classes provide them, but it’s nice to have your own.
• Optional props: Blocks or straps can make poses more comfortable, especially for beginners.

Really, you don’t need anything fancy — just yourself and an open mind.

---

3. Your Mindset

Yoga isn’t about doing everything “perfectly.” It’s about noticing your body, slowing down, and being kind to yourself. Go at your own pace, take breaks if you need to, and enjoy the experience.

---

4. Mini FAQ: Common Questions from Beginners

I’m not flexible — can I still do yoga?
Absolutely! Beginner classes are all about moving at your own pace. Props and modifications make sure everyone can join comfortably.

What should I eat before a class?
Keep it light. A small snack like fruit or yoghurt 30–60 minutes before class works well.

What time should I arrive?
Try to get there 5–10 minutes early so you can settle in, set up your mat, and feel relaxed before the session begins.

If you’d like answers to more questions — like the style of yoga we teach or which postures to expect — check out my full FAQs page.

---

5. Local Classes in Rugby CV23

There are plenty of welcoming beginner-friendly yoga classes in Rugby CV23. Trying a class near home makes it easy to stick with it, and you might even meet some friendly local people along the way.

---

6. Final Thoughts

Your first yoga class is just the start of a journey — a chance to feel calmer, more grounded, and maybe a little stronger too. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and in Rugby, there’s a supportive community waiting to welcome you.

Fancy giving it a go? Where you’re looking for an evening yoga class in Rugby town centre or a weekend session nearby, there are plenty of options. Find a beginner class near you and see how it feels — no pressure, just a bit of time for you.

Set in Cowslip Meadows, just 25 minutes from Rugby and tucked into the heart of south Leicestershire, this retreat offers a gentle pause from the rush of everyday life.

*Update 09/12/25 – this retreat is fully booked. Space is available on my Wild + Rooted summer retreat on 11 or 12 July.

Surrounded by open meadows, a quiet lake and wide skies, it’s a place to breathe deeply, slow down, and reconnect with yourself.

Whether you’re drawn to moments of reflection, some journalling, a wander outdoors, or a session in the outdoor sauna (optional), the day gives you space to settle and unwind.

Our yoga home for the day is a bright, airy studio with views across the fields. There’s also an outdoor shala, perfect for soaking up the landscape. As it’s May, we’ll practise indoors, but you’ll have time to walk down to the lake, visit the shala, or enjoy the outdoor sauna.

Join me on Saturday 9 May for a day designed to lift your energy, restore balance, and enjoy meaningful connection with others. The retreat runs from 10am to 5pm. Price: £100

What to expect:

• Morning yoga flow practice to wake the body and mind
• Mindful meditation and breathwork
• Myofascial release
• Deep Stretch Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra
• Time for reflection and journalling
• Optional time in the outdoor sauna
• Nourishing lunch from Nev’s Kitchen – homemade soup, a vibrant Buddha bowl, and a sweet treat
• Time to explore the grounds and soak up the scenery

You might like to extend your retreat by staying in one of the beautiful wood-clad cabins on the grounds. They’re bright, calming spaces with wide views across the fields – a lovely setting for switching off and feeling close to nature. Each cabin also has its own wood-fired hot tub, giving you a cosy spot to unwind and soak in the quiet of the surroundings. If you’re interested, in adding to your stay, enquire here.

As you drive up the hill into Laughton from Mowsley/A5199 (which is the most likely route), you’ll see the Laughton village sign on your left. Begin indicating right, and you’ll spot a wooden, acorn-shaped gate set back from the road.

Join me for the day – you deserve to feel grounded, restored, and renewed!

Date: Saturday 9 May 2026.

Price: £100

Location: Cowslip Meadows, LE17 6QF. What3words: announced.finely.loops

Book Now!

It’s a busy time of year. So remember to take care of yourself too.

What’s your self-care choice?

1. Set realistic expectations for yourself
2. Remember, it’s ok to not feel ‘merry and bright’
3. Learn to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty
4. Declutter your space
5. Write, journal or reflect on the year
6. Make a list of things you’re grateful for
7. Breathe! Slow down, meditate, rest, let go and sleep
8. Have a digital detox
9. Take a walk in nature
10. Practise yoga or any other physical activity to get out of your head and into your body

How rituals transform our practice

Over the past few weeks in our Rugby classes, we have been exploring the many ways ritual supports, steadies and enriches our practice. Not as something formal or lofty, but as a simple and human way of bringing more presence into our lives.

We began by looking outward. We noticed how professionals in all sorts of fields rely on small, consistent rituals to focus the mind, set intention and prepare for what matters. These habits are not flashy; they are practical anchors that help turn attention in the right direction. In the world of sport, rituals play a fascinating role. Take Rafael Nadal – before every serve, he bounces the ball a precise number of times in a particular way. He adjusts the strings on his racket at a particular point in the class and he has a little sequence of rituals with his water bottle. Serena Williams, too, has her own pre-match routine with her trainers where the first one goes on the left, then the right, then she does something specific with her laces – these go beyond mere preparation, helping her centre her focus and energy. These aren’t just habits; they are rituals that bring intention and calm, even in the heat of competition.

From there, we turned to the rituals we share as a community. The way we arrive, the breath we take together at the start of class, the sense of dropping into the room as a group all of this builds connection. These shared rhythms remind us that practice does not happen in isolation. It is supported by the people and the energy around us. Ritual gives us a sense of belonging, a feeling of being part of something steady and supportive. There are many group rituals that exist today, even if we don’t always call them that. Singing at a football match, marking the seasons, gathering to celebrate a birthday, turning up to a club or class each week… it all creates a sense of belonging. And I love the way sports teams use shared rituals too. The Māori haka brings a wonderful sense of unity, energy and claiming a moment as a team.

I find it really interesting reading about the Blue Zones – those pockets of the world where people live longer, healthier lives. One of the strongest threads running through all of them is connection. They check in on neighbours as part of daily life. They eat together, even if it’s something simple. They walk to local places rather than isolating themselves in cars. They show up to community events, faith gatherings or shared meals because that’s just what everyone does. It’s not grand or forced; it’s woven into the rhythm of an ordinary week.

In the most recent week, we shifted our gaze inward. We explored your personal ritual: the quiet, powerful pattern that begins the moment you unroll your mat. We reflected on the mat itself as a boundary, your own small island of focus where the noise and responsibilities of the day sit outside the edges for a while. This idea has roots in early yogic tradition, where practitioners created a sacred container for stillness, marked not by equipment but by intention.

From this place, we looked at the ritual of presence. Every shape you take, every transition, every breath becomes part of a rhythm that brings you back to yourself. Your practice becomes a living ritual, one that helps you honour the simple promise to show up, listen inwardly and move with awareness.

And as we have explored all this together, I have noticed more clearly how small, personal rituals shape my own days. Recently, I treated myself to a beautiful mug from Sophie Allport. It sounds like such a tiny thing, but making my morning tea in that mug has become its own little ritual. A moment that sets the tone, adds a bit of calm and reminds me to approach the day with care. It is amazing how something so simple can shift how the day unfolds.

---

The Benefits of Rituals

Rituals have a quiet power. They give shape to our days and help create moments that feel steady and intentional. Here are some of the benefits we have touched on in class.

They create focus
A small, repeated action tells the mind it is time to shift gears. Whether it is rolling out your mat or taking the first deep breath of practice, ritual helps you arrive.

They reduce stress
Repeating a familiar pattern can be surprisingly soothing. Ritual signals safety and stability, which gently calms the nervous system.

They strengthen connection
Shared rituals, like starting practice with breath or settling into the room together, create a sense of belonging. They help us feel part of something rather than separate from it.

They build meaning
Ritual turns ordinary moments into purposeful ones. A daily cup of tea, a pause before class or a simple stretch before bed can become a moment of care and attention.

They support consistency
Rituals make it easier to return to the practices that nurture us. They remove the need for decision making and replace it with a familiar rhythm.

They invite presence
Above all, ritual brings you into the moment. It reminds you to slow down, soften the edges and pay attention to what is here right now.

---

Further Reading on Rituals

If you would like to dive deeper, here are a few thoughtful books that offer rich insights into ritual. From modern science to ancient roots and from personal habits to shared meaning.

The Ritual Effect: The Transformative Power of Our Everyday Actions
A research led look at why rituals, even very simple ones, have such a powerful influence on how we feel, behave and cope with challenges. Great if you enjoy a mix of psychology, science and real world examples.

The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile
A very accessible, contemporary look at how ordinary practices can become meaningful rituals. Ideal if you like blending modern life with intention and reflection.

The Art of Ritual by Renee Beck and Sydney Barbara Metrick
A thoughtful guide to creating personal and communal rituals. It blends psychology, symbolism and practical advice without feeling heavy or complicated.

Photo credit: the incredible Tracey Bureau. Thank you!