Yoga
You don’t need to be fit or flexible to try yoga, but regular practice can be beneficial in so many ways. Yoga is a wonderful exercise system for the body, offering ways to help us grow stronger, fitter, more flexible not only in body but in mind too.
The physical movement of yoga practice is backed up with centuries-old philosophy, which is why yoga is more than just exercise. The word "yoga" can be interpreted as connection – the connection of the mind and body – and this can be achieved through focus on the breath.
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As we learn to keep our mind in the present – what the body and breath are doing in this very moment – it teaches us to worry less about what has happened and what might happen. In Buddhist thought, these are the things that are the root of suffering: wanting what we don’t have, worrying about what might be, or regretting what once happened.
By making ourselves more involved in the present moment we can start to put aside these negative thoughts about the past and future and be content with who we are now.
Yoga helps us to become happier beings.
Gentle classes
I run a regular and well established class at the Britannia Dance Studio in Cainscross, every Monday morning, 11–12 noon. These classes cater for all abilities, with plenty of options given to help make poses accessible to the whole class while still giving opportunities to grow in your practice. Please get in touch to book.​​​​​​
​​​​​​I also run a free monthly community yoga class at The Pavilion in Victory Park. This class is on the first Monday of every month from 9:30 – 10:30.
To book this class please contact the Pavilion on 01453 756036 or email clerk@cainscross-pc.gov.uk
Yoga for Blokes
A relaxed, no fuss yoga class for men at the Centre for Science & Art in Stroud, Wednesday evenings 6–7pm.
Please get in touch before coming to your first class.
There is often a worry about feeling judged in yoga classes. This is usually unfounded because there's no such thing as "being good at yoga", the aim is only to pay attention to how you feel through the class, and how your body responds to the poses. And anyway the rest of the class is far too busy thinking about themselves to be judging others. These classes are a chance to practice (or find out about) yoga without worries about how you look or how "good" you are.
In these classes we will aim to:
- Build strength and mobility
- Work on core stability
- Improve balance and coordination
- Cultivate mindfulness​​​​​​
Testimonials
"I find Martin to be an excellent tutor, calm, clear and insightful.
Physically I feel fitter, more balanced and stronger than for many a year and do believe this improvement is as a result of yoga with Martin. The class is warm and inclusive and as a result I have made many like minded friends."
~~ Jane
"Martin is a superb yoga teacher. He is clear and incisive and very knowledgeable about poses. He is also warm and kind and supportive, and I have never enjoyed yoga as much as I do when I am taking one of his classes. He is unhurried in his approach and I appreciate his calm and relaxed manner. I highly recommend Martin as a yoga teacher and am so glad I found his class."
~~ Kate