Absolutely not! It's a huge myth that you need to be flexible to do or enjoy yoga, and it's such a shame that this is what stops so many people from starting a yoga practice that could really benefit them. 

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Yoga is for everyone, regardless of your flexibility, age, gender, level of experience etc. 

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Wear something light and comfortable that you can move in. Fancy, expensive leggings  are definitely not needed, comfort is key! 

Bring some water and a yoga mat if you have one (if you'd like to borrow a mat, let me know beforehand as I can bring one of my spares). You may also want to bring a blanket or towel for padding, and to cover yourself with at the end so you're nice and cosy. A warm jumper and socks can also be nice, especially in the winter.  

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I'll provide all of the yoga props if needed, but if you prefer to use your own, please do bring them along. 

I'd love for you to arrive up to 15 minutes early for tea and a chat before class! But if you don't fancy it, or you're tight for time, aim to arrive just a few minutes before the class begins.

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As someone who has anxiety I know how daunting it can be to join an in-person class for the first time. I practiced yoga alone in my room for years before attending a 'real life' class as I thought classes would be really cliquey, that everyone would know each other, that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the teacher and would feel like I didn't belong. I couldn't have been more wrong!

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I make a real effort to ensure that everyone feels welcome in my classes, regardless of level of experience or ability. I like to keep my class sizes small (there's usually around 6ish people, and never more than 12 on a Monday and 8 on a Wednesday) so that it feels relaxed and friendly, and so everyone has lots of space around them. When you arrive, I'll always come over and say hello and ask how you are. If it's your first class, I'll explain where to put your mat, where the toilets are etc and make sure you feel comfortable. 

People usually start to arrive around 15 minutes before the class starts, and we normally have a bit of a chat about what people have been up to, the weather, all the good things! Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, especially if it's someone's first class. There's no pressure to chat beforehand if you don't want to, you can come in quietly and just relax on your mat for a few minutes before the class starts. ​

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When the class starts I'll usually explain what we'll be focusing on or the theme of the class if there is one (I can't resist Halloween or Christmas inspired twists on traditional yoga poses!). We'll then begin with a short guided meditation to help you let go of the day so far and arrive in the present moment. 

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I'll then guide you through the class, explaining how to get in and out of the poses, what to do in the poses, and giving lots of options so you can find what version of the pose works best for you. We'll then start to slow things down and end the class with a lovely Savasana (relaxation) allowing the body and mind to integrate the benefits of your practice, calming the nervous system and leaving you feeling rested and relaxed. 

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I'll thank you for coming, and then you can roll up your mat and get ready to head off. I always hang around for a good few minutes, so if you have any questions or reflections about the class, then please let me know. I'm always more than happy to have a chat after class! People usually say bye to the class as they leave, but you can just sneak out quietly if that feels more comfortable for you. 

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​If you have any questions at all, or need any further information about the classes to ensure you feel comfortable joining, please let me know. 

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In short - no. Hands-on or physical adjustments, i.e. me touching your body to help you or guide you into a pose, are not something I include in my teaching.

I know how beneficial physical adjustments can be in certain situations, but my approach focuses on helping you develop an awareness of what feels best for your body. Yoga is a very personal practice, and the goal is never to get into the 'deepest' expression of a pose, but to find a variation that works for you.

I use clear verbal cues and demonstrate poses to support your alignment and safety. You know your body better than anyone, and I want to empower you to move in a way that feels good whilst respecting your personal space.

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If you feel that hands-on guidance would help your practice, I'd be happy to arrange a private 1-2-1 session where we can tailor the experience to your needs and have an ongoing conversation around what you'd like to focus on, what injuries you may have, and what you feel comfortable with.