Gemma Murphy Yoga

Over the past few weeks in our yoga classes in Rugby, we’ve been exploring presence in our yoga practice—learning to really be here, with what’s happening in each moment. Presence isn’t always easy; it’s something we cultivate slowly, bit by bit, both on the mat and in life. Our weekly classes have helped us look at presence in different ways and notice where we can bring more awareness into our practice.

Take a couple of hours just for yourself and step out of the rush of everyday life. Join me in Rugby for a cosy candlelit Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra session to slow down, release tension, and truly rest.

Each week, welcoming students from Rugby and the surrounding villages to class is a real joy. Since I qualified with the British Wheel of Yoga in 2019, I’ve loved sharing both Yin and Vinyasa Yoga with students from Dunchurch, Houlton, Hillmorton, Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, Swinford and beyond.

Every class has its own vibe — some are quiet and slow, others flowing and energising — and it’s always rewarding to see how students respond to the practice.

Recently, a few students kindly shared their thoughts, and I wanted to pass them on. It’s always interesting to hear what resonates with them and, I have to admit, it makes me smile every time someone notices the little touches I try to bring to class.

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“I love the calmness my mind and body feel after each class”

“Gemma is very knowledgeable and explains how each pose helps the body release and stretch. I love the calmness my mind and body feel after each class and how this stays with me for the rest of my day. I enjoy the way classes have a theme and we focus on different areas. The gentle background music and quotes Gemma shares as we hold our poses are thought-provoking and inspiring.”

— Sarah, Rugby.

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“Gemma values her students and adapts poses so everyone benefits”

“Gemma is an excellent yoga teacher — she values her students and adapts poses if you’re unable to hold the full shape, so you still get the benefit. I look forward to her monthly newsletter which is always packed with interesting insights.”

Yin is like no other yoga class I’ve ever done, and Gemma is, in my opinion, the absolute best. Thank you for your calmness and guidance.”
— Helen, Dunchurch

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“Welcoming, attentive, and relaxed”

“Very welcoming, very attentive, and genuinely interested in getting to know about me and any physical challenges I may have. Wonderful at helping me feel comfortable in new surroundings. The Vinyasa Yoga class is relaxed, with everyone focused on their own practice — there’s no competition, which makes such a difference. Going back for more!”
— Sarah, Brownsover

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“A perfect way to return to yoga”

“Coming from a ten-year break from yoga, I found Gemma to be the perfect teacher to ease me back into practice. She’s clear and confident with her instructions, creative in her planning, and gentle with guidance to help students progress. I’ve enjoyed both beginner and intermediate Houlton yoga classes and have found myself learning something new each week. Can highly recommend.”
— Chris, Houlton

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“My favourite hour of the week”

“Gemma’s Friday Dynamic Vinyasa Flow class is my favourite hour of the week. I don’t have to be anywhere or do anything other than be present on my mat. Gemma is an experienced and knowledgeable teacher who offers guidance when needed. Her classes have a friendly, down-to-earth feel — I’d highly recommend.”
— Suzanne, Swinford

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A few words from me

I love seeing students arrive with busy minds and leave feeling a little lighter, a little calmer, and sometimes even a bit surprised at what their bodies can do. Whether it’s Yin for gentle stretching and stillness or Vinyasa for a flowing, energising session, my aim is always the same: a class where you can move, breathe, and feel like yourself again.

If you’re in Rugby, Barby, Brownsover, Cawston, Dunchurch, Houlton, Hillmorton, Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, or Swinford and fancy joining a class, check out my timetable here or sign up for my monthly newsletter for updates, reflections, and the occasional yoga musings from the mat.

As part of my current Mobility in Motion yoga series, we’ve been exploring no just how far we can stretch, but how well we can move through a range of motion, with intention and support from the inside out.

Mobility vs Flexibility

Mobility and flexibility often get lumped together, but they’re not quite the same thing.

Flexibility is the ability of muscles to lengthen passively — like when you fold forward and reach for your toes.
Mobility, on the other hand, is the ability of a joint to move through its range of motion actively, with control and strength.

While flexibility allows for the lengthening of muscles, mobility ensures that joints can move efficiently through their range of motion. Both are interdependent; optimal movement requires a balance between the two. For instance, shoulder mobility requires both flexible muscles and stable joints. Too much flexibility without strength can lead to instability, and too much stiffness can limit our movement altogether.

So in class, we’re not just aiming to get into shapes — we’re focusing on how we move in and out of them, and how we support those movements with strength and awareness.

Why Mobility Matters

In a yoga setting, mobility helps us move with more ease and stability, and it plays a big role in keeping joints healthy and well-supported.

But this goes beyond yoga. In everyday life, good mobility can help with everything from picking things up off the floor to climbing stairs, getting in and out of cars, or even reaching up to a high shelf. It supports balance, reduces the risk of injury, and allows us to feel more confident in our bodies — especially as we age.

There’s growing research backing this too. Studies show that mobility-focused movement can improve physical function and stability, enhance balance, and reduce joint pain, particularly in areas like the hips, shoulders and spine.

Moving Beyond the Yoga Mat

Some of the movement sequences we’ve been working with might not be what you’d find in a traditional yoga class, but I find it helpful to weave in approaches that reflect how we move in real life. Our modern lifestyles — often spent at desks, in cars, or on sofas — can leave parts of the body underused or stiff.

These low-to-the-ground transitions and hip-focused patterns help bring strength and control to areas we don’t always reach in classic postures. They’re not always elegant or linear, but they’re incredibly effective and can feel quite playful too.

A few we’ve explored together:

Rolling Transitions

• Rock and roll to chair pose
• Rock and roll to pistol squat
• Rock and roll to standing splits

Hip Exploration

• 90/90 to malasana with knee taps (drawing the knee towards the centre with prayer hands)
• 90/90 hip swivels — flowing side to side, supported by hands or not
• Hip circles and rotations into spinal twist

These types of movements help to create a well-rounded practice that supports balance, hip function, and rotational strength — all things we benefit from both on and off the mat.

Building Strength for Life

Mobility work isn’t about flashy transitions or ticking off shapes. It’s about building practical strength and awareness — so the way you move, both on and off the mat, feels more stable, capable and efficient.

There’s no need to overcomplicate it. Simple, consistent movements done with attention can make a real difference. Whether we’re rolling, swivelling, or exploring Triangle in new ways, it all contributes to a body that moves well and feels good doing it.