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Explore Doshas for Yoga and Everyday Life

One of the things that I love about yoga is that it has so many layers to it. It isn’t just a physical practice – it’s so much more!

Over the past few weeks in our yoga classes in Rugby, we’ve explored the fascinating world of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian wisdom tradition. Ayurveda identifies three core energetic forces within us called Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Doshas influence not just our physical health, but also our mental and emotional well-being. Understanding your dominant Dosha can be a powerful tool for navigating life – both on and off the yoga mat.

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Why Yoga Might Be the Anything-But-Boring Adventure You Need

Social media might paint yoga as holding serene poses for ages, hushed whispers of “namaste,” and a peaceful vibe. But yoga is so much more! It offers tranquility, yes, but it’s also surprisingly dynamic and adventurous. Think of it as exploring a whole mountain range, not just the foothills. Ready to ditch the preconceptions and discover the yoga adventure you never knew existed?

Shatter the Stereotypes:

First things first, let’s break free from the image of pretzel-shaped yogis chanting in unison. Yoga boasts a diverse spectrum of styles, from the high-energy flow of Vinyasa, to the deep stretches of Yin. There’s also inversions and power yoga that’ll leave you feeling like you just conquered your own personal Mount Everest (in downward-facing dog pose, naturally). We are so fortunate to have so many incredible yoga teachers in Rugby and I encourage you to explore different styles, and discover what lights you up.

Embrace the Challenge:

Think yoga is all gentle stretches and holding poses? Think again! Vinyasa, with its uplifting spirit and touch of inspiration, pushes your physical limits as each posture seamlessly blends into the next, building strength, stamina, and flexibility you never knew you possessed. Get ready to build heat, and maybe even wobble a bit (it’s all part of the process!). You’ll emerge feeling empowered and accomplished.

Beyond the Body:

Yoga isn’t just about fancy contortions. It’s a journey inward, a chance to connect with your breath, quieten your mind, and explore the depths of your being. Through this harmonious vinyasa flow, you’ll find yourself de-stressing, boosting your mood, and cultivating a sense of inner peace.

Adventure Awaits:

Think of yoga as a gateway to new experiences. Once you tap into its potential, you unlock a world of possibilities. From outdoor yoga amidst breathtaking landscapes to partner yoga fostering connection and trust, or even candlelit yoga for a serene evening practice, yoga becomes an exciting exploration of movement and self-discovery.

You might just find yourself surprised, challenged, and exhilarated by the adventure that awaits. Remember, the only “boring” yoga is the one you haven’t explored yet.

Unleash your inner explorer with my yoga classes in Rugby!

  • Weekly Vinyasa Flows: Find your flow and build strength with these dynamic classes suitable for complete beginners to experienced students.
  • Monthly Deep Stretch Yin: Release tension and find deep relaxation in these sessions. No experience needed.
  • Special Events & Retreats: Immerse yourself in the practice with unique workshops and getaways.

Join me now for classes starting in April! Booking Page.

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Recharge and Reset Day: Book Now!

Ever crave a day to step back, take a deep breath, and reconnect with yourself? Break free from the daily hustle and rediscover your inner serenity at the ‘Reset & Recharge’ Retreat.

Immerse yourself in an experience designed to break away from the ordinary, where you can unwind, reconnect with yourself, and connect with like-minded individuals.

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Think Yoga is Just About Flexibility?

Many yoga newcomers dream of achieving incredible flexibility, and that’s a wonderful aspiration. However, building strength is equally crucial for a safe and sustainable yoga practice.

Think about it: our modern lives, often characterised by long periods of sitting, often leave us with tight and weak hamstrings. We might believe we’re active because we exercise daily, but what about the remaining 23 hours?

Simply stretching tight, weak muscles can feel like the answer, but it can actually increase the risk of injury. Without the necessary strength to support our newfound flexibility, our connective tissues might struggle with the demands placed upon them.

Therefore, before diving into deep stretches, let’s address the root cause. By strengthening our muscles, we build a robust foundation that supports and enhances our flexibility.

Finding the balance between strength and flexibility is the cornerstone of a safe and effective yoga practice. All yoga classes are currently full. Join my priority list for updates on yoga classes and events in Rugby, Warwickshire.

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Do you know the Difference Between Restorative and Yin Yoga?

Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga are two practices that offer unique pathways to relaxation and rejuvenation. Let’s look into what sets them apart and how they can benefit you.

Restorative Yoga: A Sanctuary of Supported Surrender

Restorative yoga, largely pioneered by B.K.S Iyengar and further refined by Judith Lasater and other teachers, was originally designed for individuals navigating health challenges. Unlike its more vigorous counterparts, restorative yoga invites you to effortlessly melt into postures, facilitating healing without demanding strenuous effort or extensive mobility. While initially crafted for specific health needs, restorative yoga’s embrace now extends to anyone seeking deep rest and restoration in their practice.

Imagine sinking into a cloud-like cocoon of bolsters and blankets, effortlessly surrendering to the gentle support. Extended periods in each pose encourage the release of tension, with a focus on nurturing the body’s deep interior, including its organs. Typically lasting between 10 to 20 minutes, these poses induce minimal sensation, prompting activation of the parasympathetic nervous system and inviting profound relaxation.

Within the realm of restorative yoga exists a spectrum of relaxation levels. While some variations are exceedingly gentle, others incorporate mildly active poses in a restorative context. For instance, engaging in a supported forward fold or a reclined backbend on a chair can be deemed restorative, as they blend mindful activity with supportive release.

Yin Yoga: Embracing Sensation for Transformation

Yin Yoga is inspired by the ancient Taoist philosophies of yin and yang – opposite but complimentary principles in nature. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, yin yoga invites ‘chi’ or ‘Qi’ to move through your body’s meridians (energy highways). When you practise yin yoga you will sometimes experience strong sensations – which can make yin more physically and mentally challenging than restorative yoga.

In contrast to the emphasis on support and minimal sensation in restorative yoga, yin yoga draws upon ancient principles of prolonged pose-holding, typically focusing on floor-based postures that nurture the health of connective tissues and promote fascial hydration.

Yin yoga revolves around the notion that tissues thrive on appropriate stress, fostering resilience, suppleness, and strength. By exerting gentle pressure on connective tissues and ligaments through prolonged passive postures, typically lasting 3 to 5 minutes, yin yoga fosters mobility, circulation, and flexibility. As students advance, they may extend the duration of poses, deepening their practice over time.

While yin yoga can induce relaxation and tranquility, the presence of sensation ensures it’s not always a completely comfortable experience. Yet, this discomfort, often described as a gentle “holding” sensation, contributes to its restorative qualities, replenishing the body’s vital energies.

Find out more about my monthly Deep Stretch Yin classes at the Barn in Houlton, Rugby.

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Why I Don’t Teach Yoga Full Time

Many of you know that outside of teaching yoga, I work for a children’s educational charity developing partnerships with organisations to make a positive impact on the lives of young people. It’s hugely rewarding. Balanced with that, I teach yoga in and around the Rugby area. Guiding students on their yoga journeys is a wonderful feeling. And inevitably, I get asked whether I want to become a full-time yoga teacher.

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Start Your Wellness Journey: Book Your Yoga Class in Rugby!

Are you ready to step into a world of tranquility and immerse yourself in a flowing sequence of yoga postures, designed to help you build strength, flexibility and balance?

Reserve your spot now for my upcoming series of yoga sessions, starting later this month!

Flow + Chill: 📍 Houlton: Tues 7.15pm-8.15pm
Ideal for beginners and those seeking to unwind, Flow + Chill is the perfect way to melt away the day’s tension. Immerse yourself in gentle movements and deep stretches that prepare you for a peaceful night ahead. A perfect wind down from a busy life.

Dynamic Flow: 📍 Houlton: Tues 6pm-7pm 📍 Eastlands: Fri 9.15am-10.15am
These intermediate level, heat-building classes include meditation, breathwork, yoga postures and relaxation. You’ll be encouraged 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!

“Gemma is a fantastic yoga teacher, she puts so much creativity and thought into her yoga practice, her classes challenge me on a weekly basis, which is why I enjoy them much. I love how she brings knowledge and wisdom mixed in with a modern and energetic twist which makes it so enjoyable and fun. She even includes poetry and calm and comforting words throughout her classes. The safe space she creates for us to all feel so comfortable is quite truly amazing.”
Penny
“My favourite yoga teacher! I’ve been attending Gemma’s 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.”
Ashleigh
“Gemma is a fantastic teacher! The classes are brilliant, all focused on working towards a different concept/lesson/teaching of yoga. You can definitely enjoy and progress in Gemma’s classes whatever your level or previous experience. Gemma is so knowledgeable as a teacher and if you wish, she can adjust your body during the class to help progress. It’s a great workout, for body mind and soul. Well needed every week. It’s perfect for self care. Highly recommend!”
Beth
Booking page

Wondering about what to bring to a yoga class or what to expect? Head over to my Frequently Asked Questions page!

Limited spots available. Don’t miss out on this chance to secure your place on the mat!

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Embrace the Joy of (Imperfect) Balance in Yoga! ‍

Ever find yourself giggling amidst the wobbles in a balancing pose? I certainly do! (I’m actually giggling while this photo was taken as I had set the camera on a timer and then had to run to my mat to “jump” into the pose). But have the wobbles ever left you feeling disheartened during your practice? It turns out, those wobbles are more than just a stumble—they’re a vital part of your journey towards mastering balance.

Wobbling is actually a feedback loop between our foundation and brain via the nervous system to strengthen proprioception – how we know where we are in space. 

So you might see photos of yogis seemingly frozen in graceful balance poses. But guess what? Their journey wasn’t always picture-perfect. Our bodies are intricate networks of muscles, bones, and magic constantly making micro-adjustments to keep us upright. So, it’s physiologically impossible to be perfectly still in a balancing pose!

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Finding Your Optimal Temperature for Your Yin Yoga Practice

The allure of Yin Yoga lies in its gentle exploration of the deeper connective tissues, offering a meditative counterpoint to the dynamic yang practices. Yet, a question that I’ve been asked is: should you practise with warm or cool muscles? While no definitive answer exists, understanding the benefits of each approach can guide you towards your optimal Yin experience.

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Rethinking Alignment: Beyond the Myth of the Straight Spine

In the world of yoga, the idea of “keeping your spine straight” hums in the background like a familiar mantra, presented as an unquestionable truth. But what if this popular alignment tip isn’t quite accurate?

The truth is, our spines are naturally curved structures designed for movement, not rigidity. From simply rising from bed to navigating daily activities, our spinal discs absorb significant pressure. This flexibility is why our vertebrae are cushioned and the lower spine has reduced sensitivity – pain would be our constant companion otherwise!

The lower back, in particular, is a marvel of strength and resilience. The sacroiliac joint, its foundation, is heavily padded to handle the demands of movement. However, it can become prone to tension and pain, leading to chronic discomfort.

Conventional therapies for back pain often emphasise keeping the spine still. While this makes sense for severe injuries, most back concerns actually benefit from movement. This is where yoga, particularly Yin Yoga, shines.

Yin Yoga encourages gentle exploration of the spine, prioritising slow, mindful movements over forced straightness. This approach fosters trust in the spine’s innate resilience, even when discomfort or fear arise during movement.

Our spines benefit from appropriate stress, not just rest. The seven layers of fascia surrounding the spine respond to stretching and compression by becoming stronger and more pliable. In other words, the more you move your spine safely, the more it will be able to move.

Each section of the spine has its own natural curve, contributing to our overall flexibility and strength. Yet, the fitness world’s aesthetic ideals often portray straight lines as optimal, leading to an unfounded fear of spinal rounding. This fear has even influenced some yoga teachings, creating unnecessary rigidity in alignment practices.

Yin Yoga challenges this misconception. We believe that safe spinal movement, including rounding and bending, is not only enjoyable but essential for long-term spinal health.

If stiffness or tightness are your companions, Yin Yoga offers a gentle invitation to explore movement as a pathway to relief. It can help relieve lower back pain, maintain spinal health as we age, and improve overall flexibility.

So, let’s move beyond the myth of the straight spine and embrace the natural grace and adaptability of our amazing bodies. Deep Stretch Yin classes take place monthly at the Barn in Houlton, Rugby. No prior experience needed! Join me to experience the joy of mindful movement in your own spine.