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Yoga

Yoga is not about touching your toes, it is what you learn on the way down. ~Jigar Gor

Firstly, lets set the record straight, you don’t have to be flexible to ‘do’ yoga. You don’t have to be anything other than yourself to have a regular yoga practice.

I provide one-to-one and small group yoga classes (with only people you know) in your own home environment or live online via Zoom.  Whilst my teaching draws on the influence of various styles of yoga that I love including Yin/Yang, Restorative, Vinyasa flow and Iyengar, I don’t teach one style in particular but rather adapt my classes to an individual’s requirements.

 

“Teach what is inside you. Not as it applies to you, to yourself, but as it applies to the other” Krishnamacharya

 

The intention of my classes is to allow you the time, in a space you are comfortable in, to go beyond a purely physical practice and find a sense of calm, presence and ultimately a deeper sense of self.  I combine my passion for the traditional teachings of yoga with my other branches of knowledge such as the use of aromatherapy essential oils or massage within a class sometimes, to enhance your experience.

 

In a class tailored to your individual needs, we can explore yoga as it is relevant to you at the time.  Your class might include body-centred practices, where you can move your body into yoga poses (asanas) that may not only improve strength and flexibility, but which also direct life force energy (chi/prana) and impact how you feel physically, emotionally and mentally.  You might need dynamic, flowing movement, longer held static poses or a more restorative class.  You are free to choose and change your mind depending on how you feel on any given day.  We may also explore breathing practices (Pranayama), chanting, meditation or discuss some of the other principles of yoga and how we can adopt them in our lives like Ahimsa (non-harming) Sauca (keeping the body clean/healthy) or Samtosa (manifesting contentment with what we have). 

 

“We begin where we are and how we are, and whatever happens, happens” T.K.V. Desikachar

 

All these practices encourage a real awareness of where restrictions reside in your body and mind.  Over time, we become more sensitive to the subtle sensations and messages that the body is constantly giving us and learn that whilst we can listen, observe and take action where necessary, they don’t define us.  By manifesting compassion for ourselves and others, we start to feel more harmonious, connected and accepting of ourselves. More at one with ourselves, both on the mat and off the mat as our yoga practice becomes part of everyday life rather than separate from it.  This is when we start to understand the transformative nature of yoga.

 

“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better you practice, the brighter the flame”

B.K.S Iyengar

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"Having taken classes with Gemma for nearly a year  in relaxation and yoga I want to say how much I have enjoyed the classes.

Gemma is an excellent, knowledgable and sympathetic teacher who inspires every time!

I can’t thank her enough for maintaining my energy and well being in this last year. 

I can’t recommend her enough"

Carol Stewart

Kids Yoga on the beach

Restorative Yoga 
 

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Your antidote to stress!   I started up these group classes in 2025, having felt there was a real need in the community for people to take time out to truly relax and take time out for themselves. 

 

Join me for a monthly pop-up pre-bedtime Restorative yoga class -  a slow, gentle and truly relaxing class that provides a space to be mindful, breathe and slow down. It serves as a perfect way to end the day where you can destress, calm the nervous system, lengthen the breath and prepare for a peaceful sleep.

 

Location: The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Hall, Bells Lane, Stubbington, PO14 2PL

 

Price: £10 per class (PAYG)

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Time: 8pm-9pm

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Next Dates in 2026:

Monday 2nd Feburary

Monday 23rd March

Mon 27th April

Mon 11th May

Mon 8th June

Mon 13th July

Mon 10th August

Mon 7th September

Mon 28th September

Mon 2nd November

Mon 30th November

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Restorative Yoga is not a physically demanding class, but rather a gentle floor-based practice which allows you to experience deep relaxation through a series of long passive stretches where the body is supported by props such as pillows, cushions and blankets. This enables you to surrender into the poses and find a place of inner calm, stillness and peace.  You bring whatever props you feel you need to relax.

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During the darker months, the class is candlelit, adding to the calm and peaceful environment.  Eye masks/pillows are provided.

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Please contact me directly to book a place on the class.  There is no commitment or pressure to attend every class. PAYG as and when you can make it.

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"In Restorative Yoga, the goal is not to stretch but to open.  Let go of controlling the pose and invite the pose to work its magic on your mind" Judith Hanson Lasater

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Lit Candles
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Seasonal Retreats

Next Seasonal mini retreat - 

Saturday 23rd March 2026 1pm-5pm

Details to follow soon! 

My experience of yoga has led me to realise that there are many paths to take and many ways that we can bring a yoga practice into our lives.  As we continue on our yoga journey, each path will gradually lead into others and we realise the holistic nature of yoga and of ourselves.  My interest in body work and health meant that my yoga journey began with practicing asanas and understanding yoga through a body experience.  I loved how a class gave a me a feeling of vibrancy, clear-headedness and equally relaxation.  I wasn’t naturally flexible but regular practice allowed me to work through restrictions and I felt freer in body and also in mind.  My physical practice flowed into one where I began to understand the power of the breath and how I could use the breath to keep me present and stop my wandering thoughts.

 

Over time, my desire to explore more and inspire others with the teachings and practices of yoga led me to study under Simon Low at The Yoga Academy.  It was here that I obtained my British Wheel of Yoga and Yoga Alliance accredited Teaching Diploma…and then, armed with my certificate, did my true learning journey of yoga begin.

My Personal Yoga Journey

Kids yoga on the beach
Meditation
Tree Pose
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