Hatha yoga combines static postures and movement with a focus on alignment and the breath to release tension and build strength and flexibility in the body.
Why Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga is one of the most accessible styles of yoga due to its steady pace, but it never stops challenging you as there are always further stages for development. It's the perfect next step if you've completed my Yoga for Beginners course. If you'd like a very gentle practice, I also offer a Gentle Hatha Yoga class too.
Why Hatha Flow Yoga?
My Hatha Flow classes combine static postures with steady but dynamic flowing movement. The classes are more intense than my Hatha classes and there is a greater emphasis on building core strength.
Hatha and Hatha Flow Yoga benefits both the body and the mind and you can read about the benefits on my yoga page.
Anybody can practise
It doesn’t matter how old you are, how big or small your body is or whether you’re male or female. There’s a yoga mat waiting with your name on it. You don’t need to be flexible, fit or strong to start. That comes as a consequence of practising yoga; it’s not a prerequisite. In everyday life, there’s a tendency to compare your body and its capabilities with that of others, but I encourage you to remain focused on your own practice and to let go of any self-judgement or frustration. Your strength, flexibility and balance will grow week by week, at your own pace, without you even realising it.
What to expect
My Hatha Yoga classes are suitable for those who are newer to yoga, however you can expect a degree of challenge. The classes include a combination of static postures and gentle movement.
If you would prefer a very gentle practice then I would recommend my Gentle Hatha Yoga classes which include very gentle movement and stretches to release tension in the body and relax the mind. The poses are accessible and are not held for long durations, and there is an emphasis on more time for relaxation. My Gentle Hatha Yoga classes are suitable for complete beginners.
My Hatha Flow classes are more dynamic and intense than my Hatha classes, with a combination of static postures and steady flowing movement. There is also greater emphasis on building core strength. My Hatha Flow classes are not recommended for complete beginners.
The pace of all of my classes is steady; you'll never be rushed and you can rest at any time. I believe that it’s more important to give yourself time to find the right position and feel what is happening in your body, rather than moving quickly and losing the connection and alignment. A steady, mindful practice can be challenging because holding postures requires muscle strength and mental focus.
I teach with a strong focus on alignment and precision through giving clear alignment queues and I will give verbal adjustments to ensure that you are safely in the correct position. The class environment is open, non-competitive and supportive.
My qualifications
I am an award-winning yoga teacher with over 9 years of teaching experience. I qualified as a Yoga Alliance 200-hour certified teacher in Hatha Yoga in 2014. In 2018, I completed the triyoga 300-hour Advanced Teacher Training Programme and I'm now qualified as a Yoga Alliance 500-hour certified teacher. I went on to train for an additional 300 hours in Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Jason Crandell, which I completed in April 2020. In 2021, I completed over 40 hours of Breathing teacher training, including a course specifically for Covid and Long Covid. With this, together with my Pregnancy, Postnatal, Restorative and Children's Yoga teaching qualifications, I have completed over 1000 hours of teacher training.
See you on the mat!
It’s best to wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in. You don’t need footwear or socks as yoga is done with bare feet. To start with, you'll just need a mat, and it’s also nice to have a blanket or something warm to pop on for the savasana (relaxation) at the end, so you’re nice and snug.
Join me for an in-person class, practise with me online, or learn about private tuition.
