Gemma Murphy Yoga
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.
You can now book onto my yoga classes in Rugby starting on 4 November 2025!
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This summer, I’m bringing something new to the mat—a three-week Yin Yoga mini series with a focus on deep, functional stretching for the parts of the body that tend to hold on to tightness: hips, spine, shoulders.
Whether you’re a regular mover or spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, we all have areas in the body that can feel a bit stuck. Yin Yoga offers a way to gently work into those places using long-held, floor-based postures that target the connective tissues—helping to release tension, improve circulation, and support healthy mobility.