Gemma Murphy Yoga
I remember the excitement (and slight fear) of lifting my feet off the ground and experiencing the sensation of balance for the first time. It’s a pose that combines strength, flexibility, and focus, and with patience and consistent practice, Crow Pose is a challenge you might like to have a go at too.
It’s not always easy to commit to a weekly yoga class.
Life happens…
The past four weeks have been all about backbends! These powerful poses boost your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. They help counteract that slouchy posture we all get from daily life, leaving you feeling energised and amazing.
But let’s be honest, sometimes those deeper backbends can feel like reaching for the stars. No worries though – I’ve got some tips to help you transform your backbends!
Ready to de-stress, gain flexibility, and feel stronger? Join my yoga classes in Rugby, starting w/c 10th June! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, there’s a class for you.
Register now for the June/July block and secure your spot! Space is limited.
I’m super excited about this new offering for YOU. Bite-sized wisdom delivered straight to your inbox.
Each month, you’ll receive:
1 x Inspiring Quotation: Wise words to guide your practice.
1 x Sanskrit Pose & Tip: Learning the language of yoga and top insight.
1 x Gratitude Prompt: Cultivate appreciation and mindfulness in your life.
1 x Yogic Reflection: Timeless teachings for on and off the mat.
Yoga Class & Events News: Stay in the loop about upcoming sessions.
Short on time? Big on yoga? This newsletter is your on-the-go companion, offering yogic inspiration in just a few minutes.
Launches Next Week!
Sign up and start your journey to a mindful and fulfilling yoga experience.
Drishti, a Sanskrit word meaning “gaze,” is more than just looking in a certain direction during your yoga practice. It’s a powerful tool that harnesses the power of intention to enhance your experience on the mat.
Drishti with Intention, Not Tension
Forget staring rigidly at a single point. Drishti is about directing your gaze with awareness and focus. Different postures have designated drishti points to guide you. Remember to keep your gaze soft and relaxed – no need to strain or clench your eyes.
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.
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!
Join me now for classes starting in April! Booking Page.
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.”
“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.”
“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!”
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!
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!