The idea of going to a yoga class for the first time can be daunting. If you’ve always wanted to join a yoga class but are too nervous to try, read these tips to help set your mind at rest.
Tag: Yoga in Rugby
January is the perfect time to start fresh and set the tone for the year ahead. My classes blend the ancient wisdom of yoga with a modern, practical approach, offering space to reconnect with your body, breath, and mind. They provide the chance to ease back into movement, release tension, and nurture your practice. Whether you want to build consistency or simply take some time for yourself, each session offers a calm, supportive space to move with intention.
You can now book onto my yoga classes in Rugby starting on w/c 5 January 2026!
Classes run Tuesdays and Fridays, with two types to choose from: one for beginners/moderate level and one for intermediates or advanced students. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your practice, classes are designed to help you feel stronger and more comfortable in your body while staying connected to your breath.
Flow (beginners/moderate level)
Suitable for beginners and those seeking to unwind and decompress. Join the breath with movement in a mellow and mindful way. 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. A perfect wind down from a busy life to prepare for a peaceful night.
When? Tuesdays 7.15pm-8.15pm, Houlton School
Dynamic Flow (intermediate level)
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.
Each series centers around a theme where elements of yogic wisdom are often weaved into the class. The sequence for each block varies, ranging from a slower flow with an emphasis on strength or flexibility to an uplifting flow with one breath per movement. No matter the pace, you’ll close each class feeling relaxed, empowered and inspired.
When? Tuesdays 6pm-7pm, Houlton School and
Fridays 9.15am-10.15am, St Peter & St John’s Church.
Classes are friendly and inclusive Whether you’re looking to build strength, find more calm, or simply carve out some regular time for yourself – you’ll be in good company. There’s no pressure here – just a relaxed, friendly space where everyone’s welcome. Expect some good vibes and maybe a few wobbles along the way!
Enjoy weekly yoga classes at £8 per 60-minute session, available in a block of 6 consecutive weeks. If you’re looking for more flexibility, I offer a limited number of drop-in spots every Tuesday for £11 per class. New students are welcome to experience their first class for only £5.
Got a question? Check out my Frequently Asked Questions page.
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Give the Gift of Yoga this Christmas
Vouchers Available!
If you’re looking for a thoughtful Christmas gift, yoga vouchers are a lovely choice. They offer a chance to slow down after the rush of the festive season, stretch out, and take a bit of time for self-care.
Vouchers can be used for any of my classes, from calming Deep Stretch Yin Yoga to uplifting Flow (Vinyasa) to Special Events. They’re digital and will be emailed to you, ready to forward on to your recipient.
Yoga is a simple way to feel more grounded and balanced. It’s a gift that brings benefits long after the festive lights come down.
Vouchers can be for any amount. To buy a voucher or find out more, just purchase one from my bookings page or drop me a message. Perfect for friends and family this Christmas!
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What rituals do you share with others?
This week in our ‘Rituals’ yoga series, we have been reflecting on what happens when we come together and do something as a group. There’s something very steadying about it. The ancient yogis knew this well. They gathered to chant, breathe and move side by side. The power wasn’t in the complexity, it was in the togetherness.
In our current yoga series in Rugby, we are exploring ‘Rituals.’ Do you know what distinguishes a routine from a ritual?
At first glance, routines and rituals might look similar – they both involve repeated actions, often at a set time. But the intention behind them is where the magic lies. A routine is practical. It’s something you do to get things done, like making your morning tea, checking emails, or stretching before work. It helps structure your day and keeps life moving.
A ritual, on the other hand, carries meaning. It transforms the mundane into something purposeful, connecting you to yourself, your values, or even the present moment. A ritual isn’t just about completion; it’s about intention.
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.
In our own lives, we might borrow from this idea by finding small, meaningful actions that signal the start of something important – be it a yoga practice, a mindful cup of tea, or a moment of gratitude in the morning. A routine can keep us organised, but a ritual can nourish the soul.
This week, try noticing which of your daily actions are purely functional routines and which could become small rituals. What could you do to make the ordinary feel a little more intentional?
Photo credit 📸: crystalweed thank you.
Explore how small rituals on the mat can transform your body and mind.
As we move through the changing seasons, I’ve found myself thinking about the small things that give shape to our days – the habits and moments that quietly anchor us. The first sip of tea in the morning. Rolling out the yoga mat. Taking a deep breath before speaking. These are all rituals – simple, repeated actions that create steadiness amidst life’s swirl.
That’s what inspired my latest vinyasa series: Rituals.
Do you ever find yourself hitting a plateau in your practice, no matter how much you stretch? It’s a common struggle. Our bodies seem to resist every attempt at flexibility. But there’s a solution: Yin Yoga.
Yin Yoga targets your deep connective tissues, the often-ignored ligaments, tendons, and fascia that hold you together. By gently holding poses for extended periods (minutes, not seconds!), Yin allows these tissues to release tension and lengthen, ultimately increasing your flexibility and range of motion.
Discover the Power of Long Holds
Yin Yoga is a gentle, slow-paced practice where poses are held for extended periods, sometimes minutes at a time. It’s not about quick movements or intense stretches; instead, it’s about sinking into each posture and allowing your body to release tension gradually.
Think of Yin as a luxurious massage for your inner self. With each long hold, you’re giving your connective tissues the time they need to soften and lengthen, leading to greater flexibility and ease of movement.
Benefits That Go Beyond Flexibility
But the benefits of Yin Yoga extend far beyond just physical flexibility. By embracing this practice, you can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve circulation
- Enhance joint health
- Deepen mindfulness
Embrace the Stillness, Embrace the Change
Yes, Yin Yoga can feel challenging at first. Holding a pose for several minutes requires patience and persistence. But as you surrender to the stillness, you’ll find a profound sense of peace and freedom within yourself.
So, let go of frustration and embrace the transformative power of Yin. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.
Ready to Experience Yin Yoga?
Join me at the Barn, in Houlton, Rugby for a Deep Stretch Yin Yoga class. You’ll leave feeling amazing, and your yoga practice will never be the same.
For me, September is always a fresh start. It is when I feel ready to ground myself again and find focus on the mat. September always feels like a reset.
After the lighter, looser days of summer, routines return and life becomes a little more structured again. For me, it is a time when I look for steadiness, and yoga is where I find it. I love sharing that same sense of grounding with my students here in Rugby.
This term, our focus is on Presence. It is something so simple, but so easy to lose. We spend so much time replaying yesterday or racing ahead to tomorrow, and miss the one place where life actually happens — right here. On the mat, presence shows up in the breath, in the way we move, and in the quiet moments between.
This summer, I’m running a three-week Yin Yoga series, each class focused on areas of the body that often feel tight—hips, spine, shoulders. Think deep, steady stretches and time to properly slow down.
Whether you’re always on the move or spend a lot of time sitting, most of us have spots that feel a bit stuck. Yin Yoga works gently into those areas using long-held, floor-based postures. It targets the body’s connective tissues, helping to release tension, boost circulation and support ease of movement over time.
There’s a common belief that you need to feel a certain way before coming to a yoga class.
Calm. Peaceful. Focused. Like you’ve somehow got your life together and you’re gliding through the week with herbal tea and a serene smile.
But the truth?
Most of us arrive on the mat feeling a bit frazzled. A bit stiff. A bit distracted. Sometimes a lot.
Yoga isn’t something you do once you feel better.
It’s something you do to feel better.