Tag: yogaRugby

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Book Now for Yoga Classes in Rugby starting in November!

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.

Book now!

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New Yin Yoga Mini Series for Hips, Spine and Shoulders

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.

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Messy Mind, Tired Body? You’re In the Right Place.

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.

Continue reading “Messy Mind, Tired Body? You’re In the Right Place.”
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Heart Work: Exploring Backbends on the Yoga Mat

Wheel

Our latest yoga series is called Heart Work. Over four weeks, we’re focusing on a trio of backbends including Bow, Camel, and either Bridge or Wheel — giving ourselves time to build strength, mobility and confidence.

Backbends can feel uplifting and energising, but they can also be a bit unpredictable. Some days they feel open and spacious, other days a bit awkward or emotional. That’s all part of the process. These poses ask quite a lot — not just from the body, but in how we respond to what comes up.

To support this, we’re drawing on a helpful idea from the Yoga Sutras. In Sutra 1.33, we’re encouraged to practise four attitudes to help calm the mind and create more ease in ourselves:

“By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and equanimity toward the unkind, the mind retains its undisturbed calm.”
(Yoga Sutra 1.33, translated by Sri Swami Satchidananda)

Putting this another way:
– Joy in the success of others
– Friendliness towards those who are happy
– Compassion for those who are struggling
– Equanimity towards those who challenge us

These might sound simple, but they’re often far from easy. Feeling genuinely happy for someone else’s success, or staying balanced when someone tests your patience — these are big asks on a tough day. But this is why it’s called a practice, not a perfect. We’re learning how to soften, how to respond rather than react, how to stay steady even when things get stirred up — both on and off the mat.

Seated Cow
Camel
Bridge
Wild thing
Wheel
Backbends in Houlton
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Backbends have a way of bringing things to the surface. They ask us to lift, to open, and to trust. That might feel exhilarating. It might feel vulnerable. It might feel like both, all at once.

So whether you’re exploring backbends in class or at home, the invitation is the same: take your time, stay connected to your breath, and notice how you respond. You don’t need to force anything. Let the pose meet you where you are.

Heart Work is about creating space — in the body, in the mind, and in the way we approach ourselves and others.

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My logo for Gemma Murphy Yoga

I’m excited to share my new logo. A big thank you to those who helped me come up with this design!

I wanted a logo that reflects the journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and inner peace that we all experience through yoga. The central figure in a meditative pose represents our individual paths toward personal growth, reminding us of the strength we cultivate through our practice.

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Register Now for June/July Yoga Classes in Rugby

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.

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New Yoga Newsletter Delivers Bite-Sized Wisdom to Your Inbox

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.

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What is a Drishti? Delve into the Yoga Gaze

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.

Continue reading “What is a Drishti? Delve into the Yoga Gaze”
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Rethinking Alignment: Beyond the Myth of the Straight Spine

In the world of yoga, the idea of “keeping your spine straight” hums in the background like a familiar mantra, presented as an unquestionable truth. But what if this popular alignment tip isn’t quite accurate?

The truth is, our spines are naturally curved structures designed for movement, not rigidity. From simply rising from bed to navigating daily activities, our spinal discs absorb significant pressure. This flexibility is why our vertebrae are cushioned and the lower spine has reduced sensitivity – pain would be our constant companion otherwise!

The lower back, in particular, is a marvel of strength and resilience. The sacroiliac joint, its foundation, is heavily padded to handle the demands of movement. However, it can become prone to tension and pain, leading to chronic discomfort.

Conventional therapies for back pain often emphasise keeping the spine still. While this makes sense for severe injuries, most back concerns actually benefit from movement. This is where yoga, particularly Yin Yoga, shines.

Yin Yoga encourages gentle exploration of the spine, prioritising slow, mindful movements over forced straightness. This approach fosters trust in the spine’s innate resilience, even when discomfort or fear arise during movement.

Our spines benefit from appropriate stress, not just rest. The seven layers of fascia surrounding the spine respond to stretching and compression by becoming stronger and more pliable. In other words, the more you move your spine safely, the more it will be able to move.

Each section of the spine has its own natural curve, contributing to our overall flexibility and strength. Yet, the fitness world’s aesthetic ideals often portray straight lines as optimal, leading to an unfounded fear of spinal rounding. This fear has even influenced some yoga teachings, creating unnecessary rigidity in alignment practices.

Yin Yoga challenges this misconception. We believe that safe spinal movement, including rounding and bending, is not only enjoyable but essential for long-term spinal health.

If stiffness or tightness are your companions, Yin Yoga offers a gentle invitation to explore movement as a pathway to relief. It can help relieve lower back pain, maintain spinal health as we age, and improve overall flexibility.

So, let’s move beyond the myth of the straight spine and embrace the natural grace and adaptability of our amazing bodies. Deep Stretch Yin classes take place monthly at the Barn in Houlton, Rugby. No prior experience needed! Join me to experience the joy of mindful movement in your own spine.

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Embark on a Transformative Yoga Journey through a Series

I like to treat each 5 or 6-week yoga class block as a little course. Every yoga block is curated around a theme, be it a specific pose, an energetic exploration, or a dive into profound yogic philosophical concepts. Within these classes, ancient wisdom weaves its way, creating an experience that’s more than just physical – it’s a soulful connection. Whether it’s a slow burn kindling your inner fire or a gentle exploration guided by mindful breaths, expect to depart feeling renewed, empowered, and deeply connected to something within.

In our Nov/Dec series, we focussed on the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders, working towards our versions of Bird of Paradise pose. This journey mirrored the spirit of Tapas, inviting you to step into the unknown where transformation awaits.

And no need to be intimidated about some of the “big” postures. My classes aren’t about chasing an elusive perfection that doesn’t exist in yoga; rather, they’re about embracing the journey. Each session becomes a conduit for connection – with our bodies, minds, and inner wisdom.

By revisiting a similar foundational sequence each week of the block, your body learns where to go, developing strong foundations and often muscle memory, usually fostering progress in postures. I invite students to embrace the initial unfamiliarity – it’s your body whispering, “Hello, possibility!”

The final class of every block is a celebration of your unique journey. We collaboratively choose a pose, and your vote determines what we delve into.

So, take a deep breath, move with intention, and witness your brilliance unfold. Remember, the journey is uniquely yours, and the mat is always ready to support it.