Tag: Yoga in Rugby

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Ignite Your Inner Fire: Tapas off the Yoga Mat

Yoga is so much more than a physical practice and in our current 6-week yoga block, we are exploring the Niyama, Tapas— ancient yogic wisdom around self-discipline, courage and transformation.

It’s more than physical effort; Tapas shapes our mental resilience and emotional fortitude beyond the mat. Picture breaking free from routine, avoiding stagnation. As the saying goes, “if we always do, what we’ve always done, we’ll always get what we’ve always got.” Transformation is just outside your comfort zone. Without Tapas, we risk repeating cycles. True change lies outside comfort zones; growth emerges from challenges!

Tapas is not about self-inflicted pain; it’s about self-discipline, guiding us to strive for our best selves without harming ourselves or others. We practice ahimsa, non-violence, both internally and externally, respecting our bodies, minds, and the world around us.

In week 3 of our classes this week in Houlton and Eastlands in Rugby, we looked at Tapas in everyday life, finding strength in discomfort. Tapas brings a renewed passion for growth into our daily lives. We become mindful, committed, and resilient, transforming into agents of positive change! Let us embrace challenges, cultivate inner strength, and radiate compassion towards ourselves and all beings.

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What is Dynamic Yoga Flow?

Dynamic Flow is ideal for those with some yoga experience, blending ancient yogic wisdom with modern-day relevance to create a dynamic and uplifting experience.

In this class, you’ll be introduced to a wider range of balancing postures, backbends, deeper twists, and arm balances and binds (with or without a strap). You’ll also encounter more complex transitions between postures. This will help you build strength, flexibility, and balance, while also challenging your boundaries and exploring your limits.

Dynamic Flow isn’t just about pushing yourself to the max. It’s about finding a balance between challenge and ease. Each 6-week block centers around a theme where elements of yogic wisdom are often weaved into the class. The flow 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.

Benefits

  • Increased energy: boosts your energy levels and reduces fatigue. The combination of challenging poses and deep breathing helps to oxygenate the blood and improve circulation.
  • Reduced stress: helps to reduce stress and anxiety. The physical exertion and focus on breath help to calm the mind and body.
  • Improved sleep: can help you to sleep better at night. The deep stretches and relaxation techniques help to relax the muscles and promote restful sleep.
  • Increased focus: Helps to improve focus and concentration. The challenge of the poses and the focus on breath help to train the mind to be more present and focused.

Top Tips

  • Don’t be afraid to modify poses or use bricks, blocks or straps.
  • Listen to your body. Your body is your best teacher.
  • Focus on your breath and let it guide you through the practice.
  • Enjoy the challenge and come with an open mind!

When?

Dynamic Flow Classes take place at Houlton School on Tuesdays 6pm-7pm (Limited spaces) and at St Peter and St John’s Church on Fridays 9.15am-10.15am (Full).

Click on image for mini reel of Dynamic Flow.

Ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of ‘Dynamic Flow’? Reserve your place and experience the transformation that yoga can bring on and off the yoga mat. Book now.

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Top questions about my yoga classes in Rugby…

Am I Ready for a Yoga Class?

Starting yoga can be a daunting experience. Many people have preconceived notions about what yoga entails, believing they need to be flexible, strong, or knowledgeable about poses before they begin. You don’t need any of those things. My classes are open to everyone, and you can come as you are. There’s no need to compare yourself to others; focus on your practice and what you can achieve in the present moment.

Is Yoga Only for Women?

Not at all! My yoga classes are open to all, regardless of gender identity. I strive to create an inclusive and welcoming space that values and respects individuals, embracing their unique experiences. Yoga is a practice for everyone, and I’m committed to making it accessible to all.

I’m New to Yoga, Which Class Should I Choose?

For beginners, I recommend starting with my ‘Flow & Chill’ class. This session is specifically designed for newcomers and takes place on Tuesdays at Houlton School from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm. ‘Flow & Chill’ offers a balanced blend of flowing movements and relaxation techniques, allowing you to ease into the practice while finding moments of calm and tranquility.

What Style of Yoga Will I Be Learning?

In my classes, we practise Vinyasa Flow, a dynamic style of yoga where poses are thoughtfully strung together to form a fluid sequence of movement. I bring a contemporary and modern-day vibe to my classes, combining the essence of ancient yogic wisdom with present-day relevance. You’ll hear some of the postures in the ancient yogic language of Sanskrit, and we incorporate thoughtfully chosen quotations to enrich your practice.

What Should I Wear?

Opt for comfortable, stretchy clothing that’s not too loose. Layers are a good idea, and remember that yoga is practised with bare feet. You can start with socks if it’s cold but should remove them when the session begins. Special grip yoga socks are an option if you prefer not to go barefoot.

What Do I Need to Bring?

For all classes, bring your yoga mat and a water bottle. Depending on the class, consider two yoga bricks and a block, a blanket, an eye pillow, or a bolster for added comfort and support.

What if I can’t Do All the Poses? No Worries!

Yoga is non-competitive, and it’s entirely normal not to do every pose in a class. I provide plenty of options, and you can rest at any point. Your comfort and well-being are my top priorities. Join me on the mat, exactly as you are, and embrace the transformative power of yoga in an inclusive and welcoming environment!

Got another question? Head over to my Frequently Asked Questions page. Ready to book? No worries, book your space now!

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Doors Now Open for Yoga in Rugby for November

Ready to dive into tranquility and immerse yourself in a flowing sequence of yoga postures, designed to help you build strength, flexibility, and balance?

Bookings are now open for yoga classes in Rugby starting in w/c 13th November!

Dynamic Flow: Tuesdays 6-7pm & Fridays 9.15-10.15am

These intermediate level, heat-building classes are thoughtfully curated to encompass meditation, breathwork, yoga postures, and relaxation techniques. Embrace the opportunity 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!

Flow + Chill: Tuesdays 7.15-8.15pm

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. It’s the ideal wind-down from life’s busyness.

Testimonials: Hear what some of my students say about their experience in my classes:

Vanessa: “I’ve been going to Gemma’s classes for nearly a year and I love them. The yoga is great, and I’m getting so much stronger! But it’s more than yoga, Gemma cares and makes you feel so welcome … each week I give myself this hour to reground and look after myself. It’s great!”

Angela: “I’ve been going to Gemma’s classes for nearly a year and they are fantastic. She puts great thought and care into her lessons. I always come away feeling energised, calmer and ready for the rest of the week! I would recommend her classes whether you’ve done lots of yoga or are just starting out. Gemma will make you feel welcome and guide you through, whatever your level.”

Carmen: “If I could give Gemma a 10* review, then I would. Gemma doesn’t just teach yoga, she offers us a beautiful, soulful experience, a sense of peacefulness, mental, and physical wellbeing. She’s a beautiful soul who demonstrates care for each and every one of her class attendees with such a warm welcome. Her yoga teaching is exceptional, and I always feel that I’ve entered into my happy place.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Curious about whether you are ready for yoga, what to expect or what to bring to classes? Check out my FAQ section here.

Booking Information: Spaces are limited. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot.

BOOKING PAGE

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Weekly Yoga Classes in Rugby Full – Join my Waiting List!

All weekly yoga classes are fully booked until November. I truly appreciate your dedication to your practice and the positivity you bring to each session.

If you missed out on a spot this time, don’t worry! Doors will re-open for bookings around mid to end of October.

To ensure you’re among the first to know when registration opens and to secure your spot before classes fill up, consider joining my mailing list. As a member, you’ll receive priority updates and notifications.

Oh, and after the positive feedback from the recent Yoga + Wellness Day, I’ve got a secret special event in the works which I’m super excited about.

Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to join me on the mat for another yoga experience. Until then, take care and keep those positive vibes alive!

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Limited Spaces on Dynamic Yoga in Houlton

***Updated 24/08/23 Just one space left across all my weekly yoga classes. Sign up to Dynamic Flow 6-7pm at Houlton School.***

Limited spots remain available for the upcoming ‘Dynamic Flow’ yoga classes in Houlton near Rugby, starting in September.

These classes include meditation, breathwork, yoga postures, and relaxation techniques. Embrace the chance to explore your limitations and invigorate your routine, progressively building strength, flexibility, and balance.

Each 6-week block focusses around a specific theme. The pace of each segment varies, spanning from slow flow sequences that emphasise strength or flexibility to invigorating flows harmonised with each breath. No matter the pace, you’ll close each class feeling relaxed, empowered and inspired.

  • Timing: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Dates: 12 September, 19 September, 26 September, 3 October, 10 October and 17 October.
  • Venue: Houlton School
  • Investment: £8 per class, payable as a block of 6 (£48).

Book your space now!

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Women’s Retreat Highlights: Yoga & Self-Care Day

17 amazing women joined me for a day of bliss at Scandinavian-inspired PAUS. From yoga to a delectable hilltop bistro experience, barefoot nature trails, and the embrace of hot tubs, cold tubs and saunas, we indulged in a day of self-care and connection with the natural world. Thanks to all who made it unforgettable!

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Got a Question about my Weekly Yoga Classes?

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!

All weekly classes are full. Doors will re-open for bookings in the middle of August. Join my mailing list to get priority access to bookings.

Hope to welcome you on the yoga mat in Rugby!

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How you can tap into your Solar Plexus Chakra

You probably already know that yoga is all about connecting your mind and body through different poses and breathing techniques, right?

And yoga really is so much more that postures so I like to weave in themes in my classes to help students deepen their practice. In yoga in Rugby we’ve recently been exploring the Solar Plexus Chakra.

In a recent series, we focused on the solar plexus chakra, located just above your belly button, which is all about personal power, confidence, and sense of self. In Sanskrit, it’s called Manipura, meaning “lustrous gem” or “palace of jewels”. How beautiful is that!

This chakra is associated with the fire element inside us – our strength, vitality, and willpower. It’s the centre where we get things done and feel like our best selves. When it’s balanced, we feel confident, worthy, and able to speak our truth with ease. It also relates to our digestive system, gall bladder, pancreas, adrenals, and liver.

So, how can we activate and balance our solar plexus chakra? Well, poses like boat, warrior III, and revolved triangle pose, side crow which involve twisting and core work, are great for that. We had some great fun and wobbles in Rugby with these yoga postures! You can also use essential oils like lemon, ginger, and peppermint, or try out some yellow topaz, golden yellow labradorite, and tiger-eye stones.

The solar plexus chakra symbol is a yellow lotus with ten petals and a red triangle of fire in the middle. Each petal has a symbol that corresponds to a vice or stumbling block. By focusing on the solar plexus chakra, we can tap into our inner strength and feel more confident and assertive in our lives. So, let’s embrace this energy center and unleash our personal power! Join me on the yoga mat in Rugby.

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Are you Curious about Bramacharya in Yoga?

Bramacharya is something we’ve been exploring in my yoga classes in Rugby and Houlton I wanted to share some thoughts on it in this blog post.

First things first, let’s talk about the Yoga Sutras. These ancient yogic texts were written by Patanjali way back in the 3rd or 4th century. They contain 196 short “sutras” that were passed down from generation to generation. Within the Sutras, there’s an eight-fold path called “eight limb yoga” or Astanga. Each limb offers practical guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life, free from suffering.

The first and second limbs are called the “Yamas” and “Niyamas.” These are ethical guidelines of yoga, like a moral code of conduct to guide you on your journey. There are five Yamas, which teach us what behaviour to avoid, and five Niyamas, which teach us what virtues to focus on.

One of the Yamas is Bramacharya, which means “walking in the presence of the Divine.” According to the Yoga Sutra (2.38), when we become established in the practice of Bramacharya, we gain vitality. Practically, this yogic principle means sexual celibacy and chastity. Traditionally, Bramacharya was meant to encourage those involved in the practice of yoga to conserve their sexual energy, in favour of using that energy to further progress along the Yogic path. It’s similar to modern day monks and nuns who take their vows of chastity.

But Bramacharya is about more than just sexual celibacy. It’s also about directing our energy away from external desires and towards finding peace and happiness within ourselves. We can apply this principle to many aspects of our lives, not just sexual energy.

For example, Bramacharya can be broadly defined as the management of our internal and external energy and focus. If you feel drained all the time, consider whether your daily tasks are draining you of your vitality. Maybe it’s time to cut back on some activities or find ways to recharge your energy.

Another example is speech and thought. Talking uses a lot of vital energy. Restraining ourselves from unnecessary speech, whether it’s gossip or talking out loud to ourselves, can retain much vital energy that we carelessly lose every day. Similarly, we often expend mental energy on things that don’t serve us well, like ruminating over past events or worrying about the future. Bramacharya teaches us to quiet the mind and reduce or eliminate unnecessary thought.

In essence, Bramacharya is about moderation in all things. It’s the practice of remembering that there’s more to life than immediate gratification. Too much of anything quickly turns into a lesson regrettably learned.

So, if you’re feeling depleted, take a look at your habits and see where you might be able to apply the principles of Bramacharya. Maybe you need to get more sleep, take more breaks at work, or cut back on screen time. By directing our energy towards positive actions and thoughts, we can boost our vitality and live a more purposeful life.