"Most people have no idea how good their body is designed to feel."
Anon

If you're new to yoga you are very welcome! I teach a lot of beginners and I love introducing new people to yoga.

First off you have a choice:
- You can join one of my yoga classes 
- Or you can book in for private sessions

When you come to yoga for the first time you can be reassured that you'll never be expected to do something that is too much for you.

In class everyone follows the same flow of postures but I give variations throughout the class for beginner and more advanced yogis and those with injuries. 

If you have injuries or health concerns, I have a special page to answer your questions. 

Beginners may like to read on for more notes on 'being bendy', yoga theory and what to wear/bring to class.

Q  Don't I have to be bendy?

A: No at all. Nor is yoga simply about becoming bendy. If you're very inflexible, yoga will work wonders to ease that tension and open up your body. But it will do much more than that.

Yoga is about bringing the body into balance with increased strength as well as flexibility. The two go hand in hand. As you become stronger it is important to keep muscles supple. Equally, as you open the body and become more flexible, this has to be supported with strength.

Q: I have injuries. Can I do yoga?

A: Yes. Always get advice from your doctor or specialist first. However, yoga can heal all sorts of injuries and health problems.

Yoga teaches us to find and explore our ‘edges’, places of tension or resistance or discomfort. Everyone has them. If you have injuries, it just means you may find them a little sooner in postures than someone else.

However, if you look around the room, you’ll always discover there is a pose you find easy that someone else finds excruciating. We’re all different. And yoga meets you where you are.

I will always give you variations to help you challenge your limitations and overcome injuries in relative comfort. The most important thing is to stay with it; those edges move and injuries - even long-standing conditions - do heal.

Yoga helped me overcome a traumatic injury. Read more about my yoga story here.

Q: Do I have to learn all the theory?

A: I easy answer is no!

“Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory.” - Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois

The beauty of the practice is that you can learn everything you need to learn through your body on the mat. In fact, it’s often best to leave your mind out of it!

Think of the difference between reading a book on sailing, and going out in a boat on the water.

There is a lot of ‘theory’ or philosophy in yoga, which you can discover, and this is incredibly vibrant and valuable in itself. But this wisdom is something that was gleamed over thousands of years from experience of the practice, in order to help pass down the teaching from guru to student.

The mind doesn’t ‘understand’ yoga and then teach it to the body, rather the body ‘gets’ yoga and the mind catches on if and when it’s ready! In truth, the experience of ‘doing’ yoga is much more vast and all-pervading than the mind could ever grasp.

Q:  What should I wear?

A:  Wear loose comfortable clothing, something that doesn't restrict your movement but which isn't so baggy it will get in the way. It is best to wear shorts or trousers that are no longer than ankle-length.

We practise barefoot so there's no need to bring socks or trainers. However, some people like to have socks to keep their feet toasty during the meditation. Always make sure you have a warm jumper to conserve heat after class.

Q:  Do I need to bring a mat?

A:  I have a number of spare mats in my Southampton studio. But if you have a mat please bring it along just to be sure.

Q: How can I find out more?

A: For any other questions please just give me a call for a chat or check out the other FAQs.

What her students say:

“Have thoroughly enjoyed my first experience of yoga and have booked a second course. Tutor is knowledgable and presents the class with skill and humour.” - Liz

“Lovely relaxed approach – can work at your own level without pressure. Nice friendly atmosphere and often tries to incorporate suggestions.” - Sandy

Read more testimonials.