Tag: Yoga in Rugby

Are you curious about my yoga classes? Wondering if you need to be flexible, which class is right for you, or what to bring? Look no further!

I receive a variety of questions about my yoga classes, and I’ve compiled the answers for you on my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

If you’ve ever wondered whether being flexible is a prerequisite for joining my classes, or if you’re unsure which class suits your needs and goals, the FAQ page will provide help. Additionally, you’ll find guidance on what to bring to the classes, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable experience!

Doors are now open for yoga classes in Rugby starting on Tuesday 17 June! Book now.

I hope to welcome you soon on the yoga mat.

Our Heart Work series has been diving into the idea of Ahimsa—non-violence—not just towards others but towards ourselves.

This week in class, I talked about a book I read as a child called The Twits. Do you remember how Mr and Mrs Twit are so cruel and bitter? Over time, their unkind thoughts and actions don’t just shape their personalities—they even start to affect their physical appearance. It’s a children’s story, but the message is powerful: the way we think, speak, and act shapes who we become.

I was checking the weather forecast and saw that temperatures are set to rise here in Rugby – hooray for that! I’m looking forward to more time outdoors, pottering in the garden and enjoying a barbecue or two, and feeling the sun on my face. And it got me thinking about sun salutations.

They’re such a regular part of yoga classes – especially in vinyasa or flow-based practices – that it’s easy to go through the motions without thinking much about them. But have you ever wondered where they actually come from, or why we practise them?

The name Sun Salutation comes from the Sanskrit Surya Namaskar, meaning “salute to the sun.” In ancient India, the sun was seen as a vital source of energy and light – both physically and spiritually. People would rise early and offer prayers or movements in honour of the sun, as a way to welcome the day and connect with something bigger than themselves.

The flowing versions of sun salutations we’re familiar with today have more recent roots. In the early 20th century, yoga teachers started blending traditional postures with breath-led movement to create something dynamic and accessible – a way to build heat, focus the mind, and shift energy. Over time, this evolved into a staple in many modern yoga classes.

What’s lovely is that there’s no one “right” version. Sun salutations come in all sorts – from simple, gentle flows to more energising and complex sequences. Some include lunges or twists, others are tailored for slower days or beginners. You’ll even find styles that build in restorative pauses or focus more on strength. There’s something very adaptable about them – they can suit your energy and needs on any given day.

They’re not always at the start of class either. Sometimes they weave into the middle of a sequence, and sometimes they’re left out altogether. They’re a tool – a way to link breath and movement, to feel your body waking up, to create a steady rhythm. Like much of yoga, they’re there to support your practice – not define it.

Why do we keep coming back to them?

Sun salutations offer a lot, in a short space of time. Practised regularly, they can help to:

• Warm up the whole body gently and effectively
• Strengthen and stretch muscles from head to toe
• Connect movement with breath, which can calm a busy mind
• Improve circulation and encourage deeper breathing
• Ground you in the present moment, especially on hectic days

So whether it’s sunny outside or not, sun salutations can offer a moment to move with purpose and presence. A way to shift from thinking to feeling. From rushing to arriving. And maybe that’s reason enough to roll out your mat and have a go!