Gemma Murphy Yoga
Want to feel strong, confident, and energised? Then you might want to try Astavakrasana, or the Eight-Angled Pose! This yoga pose is not only fun to practice but also has a story behind it.
Astavakrasana, or the Eight-Angled Pose, is a yoga posture steeped in rich mythology and offering great physical benefits. Named after the sage Astavakra, who was born with eight crooked limbs due to a curse, the pose is a testament to overcoming adversity and finding strength within.
It’s not always easy to commit to a weekly yoga class.
Life happens…
Update 11/08 Last few spaces left at Dynamic Flow 6-7pm Houlton School. Block booking spaces for all over classes are full.
Are you ready to dive into tranquility and immerse yourself in a thoughtfully crafted sequence of yoga postures designed to help you get stronger, more flexible, and balanced?
Book your spot now for yoga classes starting on 17 September! Seize this opportunity to begin your journey towards balance and well-being!
Flow + Chill: Tuesdays 7.15-8.15pm (Houlton)
Suitable for beginners and those seeking to unwind and decompress. This class is a way of slowing down, showing your body kindness and finding balance in your life. Expect more cues on alignment, slower movements and deep stretches to melt away layers of tension from the day or from physical exertion. It’s the ideal wind-down from life’s busyness to prepare for a peaceful night.
Dynamic Flow: Tuesdays 6-7pm (Houlton) & Fridays 9.15-10.15am (Eastlands)
These intermediate level, heat-building classes are thoughtfully curated to encompass meditation, breathwork, yoga postures, and relaxation techniques. Embrace the opportunity to explore your limits and challenge your practice as you build strength, flexibility, and balance. Leave each session feeling not only relaxed but also empowered and inspired!
Testimonials: Hear what some of my students say about their experience in my classes:
Ashleigh: “My favourite yoga teacher! I’ve been attending Gemma’s Flow and Chill classes for nearly a year. It really helps me to relax and switch off. As well as the poses, Gemma explains the meaning behind what you’re doing and helps you to understand the mind/body connection. She is such a lovely, caring soul, and her classes are incredibly welcoming, I recommend for all levels.”
Vanessa: “I’ve been going to Gemma’s classes for nearly a year and I love them. The yoga is great, and I’m getting so much stronger! But it’s more than yoga, Gemma cares and makes you feel so welcome … each week I give myself this hour to reground and look after myself. It’s great!”
Angela: “I’ve been going to Gemma’s classes for nearly a year and they are fantastic. She puts great thought and care into her lessons. I always come away feeling energised, calmer and ready for the rest of the week! I would recommend her classes whether you’ve done lots of yoga or are just starting out. Gemma will make you feel welcome and guide you through, whatever your level.”
Carmen: “If I could give Gemma a 10* review, then I would. Gemma doesn’t just teach yoga, she offers us a beautiful, soulful experience, a sense of peacefulness, mental, and physical wellbeing. She’s a beautiful soul who demonstrates care for each and every one of her class attendees with such a warm welcome. Her yoga teaching is exceptional, and I always feel that I’ve entered into my happy place.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Curious about whether you are ready for yoga, what to expect or what to bring to classes? Check out my FAQ section here.
Booking Information: Limited Availability. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot. BOOK NOW.
16 amazing individuals joined me for a day of bliss at Scandinavian-inspired PAUS. From yoga to a delectable hilltop 3-course lunch, barefoot nature trails, and the embrace of hot tubs, cold tubs and saunas, we indulged in a day of self-care and connection with the natural world. The day ended with a beautiful sound bath from the lovely Gabi from Journey through Sound Healing.
Thanks to all who made it unforgettable!
The past four weeks have been all about backbends! These powerful poses boost your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. They help counteract that slouchy posture we all get from daily life, leaving you feeling energised and amazing.
But let’s be honest, sometimes those deeper backbends can feel like reaching for the stars. No worries though – I’ve got some tips to help you transform your backbends!
This month, I led a fun yoga session with the amazing Houlton Women’s Institute (WI) group.
The Houlton WI is all about connecting women through activities and social gatherings. They warmly welcomed me, and their enthusiasm for yoga was contagious!
We explored the ancient origins of yoga and its connection to self-care. We started with a short meditation and some breathwork, followed by a sun salutation variations and a series of standing postures.
In true WI tradition, we paused for a delicious tea and cake break – a lovely chance to chat and relax.
Afterward, we focused on restorative postures to unwind and de-stress. The session ended with a guided meditation, leaving everyone feeling calm and centered.
Leading yoga with the Houlton WI group was a fantastic reminder of the power of community and connection. If you’re looking for a welcoming environment to try yoga, consider reaching out to your local WI group! You might just love it.
A big thank you to the Factory48 Photography for capturing some of the action.
Calling all yoga enthusiasts (and curious minds)! This Saturday, I’ll be leading a mellow 40-minute yoga session on the lawn at the Houlton Family Fun Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, stretch, and get centered amidst a day of family-friendly activities.
Feeling the heat in Rugby? The summer sun climbs higher, pushing temperatures into the mid to late 20s. This scorching weather might have you wondering how to keep your yoga practice cool and comfortable. This post will guide you through adjusting your yoga routine for the heatwave, ensuring you stay cool while reaping all the benefits of your practice.
Sweat it Out Smartly
Adjust Your Practice
Cool Down Your Practice:
While you can adjust your entire practice for the heatwave, consider incorporating some specifically cooling postures. Look for poses that open the front of your body and gently twist the spine, as these can help dissipate heat and promote relaxation. Here are a few examples:
Remember to listen to your body! Modify these poses as needed and avoid anything that causes you discomfort or dizziness. Here are some additional tips for cooling down your practice:
Alternatives to Consider
Embrace the Break
Taking a break from your usual yoga practice due to heat might feel frustrating. But remember, it’s temporary! Reframe this as an opportunity for physical and mental rest. You’ll return to your mat feeling refreshed and ready to flow.
Stay Cool and Keep Practising!
Join me this Saturday at the Houlton Family Fun Day for a feel-good yoga practise. Bring your yoga mat and find me on the yoga lawn (behind the Barn) for a 12.15pm pop-up class.
Have you ever wondered why you can hold a challenging yoga pose a little longer than when you first started? Or why you seem to manage everyday aches and pains with more ease? New research by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist, sheds light on the incredible connection between yoga and pain tolerance.
The study revealed that yoga practitioners, regardless of their background or experience level, had double or even more pain tolerance compared to non-practitioners. Here’s the exciting part: this wasn’t just about physical conditioning.
The research also showed increased grey matter volume in the brain’s insula region for yoga practitioners. The insula is a powerhouse area responsible for interoception, our ability to sense internal signals from the body. This includes pain signals, but also hunger, thirst, and even emotions.
Think of it this way: a stronger insula allows you to not only detect pain but also understand it. You can make judgements about the pain, whether it’s a passing discomfort or something needing attention. This newfound awareness empowers you to leverage or even utilise that pain – perhaps by modifying a pose or taking a mindful breath – rather than simply shying away from it.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. The study found a direct correlation between years of yoga practice and increased grey matter in the insula. The longer you practice, the stronger this crucial brain region becomes!
Building these brain areas allows yoga practitioners to cope with pain more effectively in all aspects of life. It’s not just about surviving a challenging pose; it’s about cultivating a deeper understanding of your body and its signals, leading to greater resilience and well-being.
So, the next time you step onto your yoga mat, remember – you’re not just stretching your body; you’re strengthening your mind’s ability to manage pain and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.
Ready to unlock the pain-management potential of yoga? Join me in Rugby for a class and experience the difference for yourself!
Join me for a relaxing hour-long outdoor yoga session in a beautiful Clifton-upon-Dunsmore garden (specific location given upon booking).
This is a charitable event! All donations go directly to Clifton upon Dunsmore Primary School PTA, who are fundraising for 17 x mobile computing devices for the children to use in class.
The class is suitable for adults of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting out, this class will help you stretch, de-stress, and find inner peace. We’ll focus on mindful movement and connecting your breath with your body. Please note: This class is not suitable for children.
