Yoga isn’t about forcing yourself into the perfect pose, it is about connecting the mind, breath, and body and learning from the journey the poses take you on physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Practicing yoga requires being non-judgemental towards yourself and others, accepting what is in this moment with kindness, and moving with joy and gratitude towards your body and the breath that sustains it.
Classes will be taught in a way that promotes body positivity, enjoyment of movement, mental and physical wellness, as well as body conditioning.
I use several types of yoga in this class: Nidra, Yin, Hatha, and Vinyasa.
Yoga Nidra is also known as yogic sleep. It is a deeply calming practice typically induced by guided meditation.
Unlike other forms of yoga, it requires no movement. Practitioners lie in Shavasana or ‘corpse pose’ or similarly neutral pose, and are led into deep relaxation by their teacher guide. I use this practice during my relaxation and yoga for weight loss classes.
Relaxation is essential to supporting weight loss. The stress hormone cortisol is reduced when we relax which promotes better digestion and allows our bodies to come out of anxious states which redirects blood flow to our digestive system, balances hormones, and improves circulation.
Yin yoga is a slow-paced relaxing and nourishing practice focused on deep mind-body connection and flexibility. Poses are held for longer periods of time than Hatha or Vinyasa yoga, promoting calm and also building stability, strength, and providing deep stretches to the muscles.
Yin is a great way to connect mind and body, to release tension and emotions, as well as improving flexibility, balance, strength, and mindfulness. I also use elements of this technique in my yoga for weight loss and relaxation classes.
Hatha yoga is a slow practice and poses are held longer than a flow-style class. It is great for beginners because there is a transition break between each pose. It is a wonderful practice when wanting to tone the body or lose weight.
This style is used in our warm ups and to learn new poses to incorporate into the fitness and toning part of each session.
Vinyasa is a faster-paced flow style yoga where postures are strung together in a continuous sequence. This style is fabulous for getting the heart rate going, calories burning, and improving fitness. We will gradually learn new poses using the Hatha style and when confident, will create flow sequences to promote fitness, strength, and stamina.
Elements of all of the above styles will be incorporated into my yoga for weight loss class. We will build flexibility, fitness, strength, and stamina as we progress. Each class will be split into three:
- Breathing to calm the mind with a warm up to learn poses & build flexibility & strength in the area of the body we are working on that week,
- Flow-style sequences to burn calories and tone the body,
- Cool down to relax the mind and body, and deeply stretch the muscle groups focused on in the session.
FAQS
Q: Can I just turn up?
A: Yes, you can! Absolutely everyone is welcome, but this is an adult class and we politely ask no children under 16.
Q: How do I pay?
A: Cash during the session is very welcome. You can also pay via PayPal or bank transfer. Payments are welcome weekly or as a block.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me?
A: A mat if you have one, I do have spares I can lend to people who need them. A water bottle. A blanket may be useful, as will props such as yoga blocks, bolsters, and straps. I have spares of all items and some items for sale.
Q: I have limited mobility, is the class suitable for me?
A: Absolutely! Whatever your level of mobility you will be able to fully engage with everything we do. Everyone can follow the gentle exercises on a mat or chair (or a bit of both). Feral Therapy is proud to be part of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you have any questions before or during the session, please get in touch.
Q: I’m really nervous about attending alone!
A: If you’d like me to meet you at the venue door or would like a chat before the session, let me know. Everyone will be made to feel very welcome, this is a non-judgmental and supportive space, it is your space, and you are very welcome here.
Q: I’ve never done anything like this before, can I still come?
A: Yes! You will be guided all the way through, all approaches are paced to the level of the class attendees. Each pose will be taught with three adjustment levels so everyone can get the most out of the class.
Q: I don’t have a mat/block/strap.
A: No worries! You can use a chair or sit/lie on a blanket. I’ll bring along a spare mats, blocks, bolsters, blankets, and pillows that you are more than welcome to borrow, but if you would like to come regularly and have your own items, you can purchase reasonably items through me and it will be ready for your next session.
Q: What if I have questions during the session?
A: We will pause between each approach, please feel free to ask questions at this point. I will also ask how people are feeling or for feedback on what we just did throughout the session. If you need anything at all, even during deep relaxation techniques when you feel you do not want to interupt, do not worry! Raise your hand and I will come over to you.
Q: I’d love to come, but I’m struggling for money.
A: Please do not feel embarassed about contacting me in this situation. The financial state of the UK is problematic to say the least and in these trying times, relaxation is more important than ever. I am offering one free place at each session, to apply contact me before the session, or simply email/message ‘I need a gift’ and I will let you know if I can accommodate your place for that session.
Q: What qualifications and insurance do you have?
I hold the following qualifications that are relevant to this particular class:
- Yin Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (Yoga Alliance and GOYA Accredited)
- 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate (Yoga Alliance and GOYA Accredited)
- Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Certificate (Yoga Alliance and GOYA Accredited)
- Pranayama Teacher Training Certificate (Yoga Alliance and GOYA Accredited)
- Global Online Yoga Association (GOYA) Experienced Certified Yoga Teacher (GOYA-ECYT500, CYYT, CCEP, CMT, WP)
- Mindful Strength (Isometrics) Training Course
- Yin Yoga & Myofascial Release Certificate (Yoga Alliance and GOYA Accredited)
- Chair Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Alliance Accredited)
- Yoga for Everybody Training Certificate
- Yoga for Weight Loss Training Certificate
- Meditation Teacher Diploma (distinction)
- Relaxation Therapy Diploma (distinction)
- Body Healing Coach Diploma (distinction)
- Breathwork Diploma (distinction)
- Mindfulness-Bases Stress Reduction (MBSR) Therapist Diploma (distinction)
- And have completed over 750 hours of CPD in this field over the last two years as required to gain and retain my professional membership to the CMA & GOYA
- I am a full practioner member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA), hold experienced teacher certification with the Global Online Yoga Association (GOYA), and am registered on the Mindfulness Teacher Register
- My insurance, membership and other information can be found here
- Feral Therapy is a member of the Government’s Disability Confident Scheme and is committed to providing equal opportunities for all
And have completed 750 hours of CPD in this field over the last two years as required to retain my professional membership to the CMA and GOYA
I am a full practioner member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) and the Global Online Yoga Association (GOYA)
My insurance, membership and other information can be found here
Feral Therapy is a member of the Government’s Disability Confident Scheme and is committed to providing equal opportunities for all