Gentle Hatha Flow Yoga
Join us in our gentle yoga flow and relaxation class, which is held every Monday, for one hour a week from 1pm to 2pm. This yoga course is ideal for those who prefer a slower paced class. There will be plenty of focus on the breath, stretching the body, strengthening the core and an extended yoga nidra relaxation to finish.
Be prepared to feel good, stretched out, calmer, stronger and more flexible.
This class is suitable for all; from beginner to advanced level yogis and for those looking for a calmer, more peaceful and mindful yoga practice.
For more information and to book a place please complete a contact form.
This class takes place at Body Soul Yoga, Walton on Thames, Surrey. The yoga class is restricted to just 9 people, to ensure your comfort and safety and so that we can adjust you, ensure you are aligned and take you deeper into postures.
Faye encourages students to listen to their bodies and to be kind to their bodies, whilst recognising that, with the use of the breath, the body can go deeper into postures, and the student can really let go of remaining tensions and tiredness in the body.
Students quickly see the benefits of Faye’s Gentle Flow Yoga classes, as they become more more open, more flexible, stronger, more balanced, have better posture, more confidence, less anxiety, and sleep better. Students have come to Faye with problems including anxiety and back ache and hip pain, all of which have been reduced or alleviated by her yoga sessions here at Body Soul Yoga, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 and in Ibiza.
Yoga classes are challenging and fun, and you will come out having felt the benefit of the class both physically and mentally. The perfect combination of a workout followed by a good relaxation, that will leave you feeling energised and rejuvenated.
Faye teaches yoga with an emphasis on the non competitive nature of yoga. She is also aware that safety and an awareness of the body, breath, soul and mind is the key to a successful yoga practice.
The Gentle Yoga Flow classes are suitable for all abilities, even absolute beginners; and students are invited to work at their own pace and level.
Please note the classes are also suitable for pregnant women, where variations may be offered for some twists and prone and supine poses.
Before Your Class
Empty Stomach
Yoga is practised on an empty stomach, so try not to eat for 2-3 hours before a class. this will make your practice more comfortable.
Clothing
It is best to practice yoga in bare feet, so please take off your shoes and socks when you arrive. Our feet have tiny receptors on the bottom, so we can feel the earth beneath us. Practising in bare feet also helps our balance and provides a natural grip. Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing, so that there are no restrictions around the limbs, joints, or waist and try not to wear a hood. A top with an elastic waistband is also a good idea so clothing doesn’t ride up, when you are upside down. Before commencing your practice please remove spectacles, watches or any jewellery.
Equipment
The only things you will need to bring with you to class are a bottle of water and a yoga mat; but we do have mats you can use, blocks, belts, bricks, blankets and eye pillows. In the more flowing and tougher classes and workshops you may also like to bring a towel. In the gentle classes you may like to bring an extra blanket for warmth and comfort.
Arrival
Beginners
Tell the teacher if it’s your first class—you probably won’t be the only one. And please complete the confidential health questionnaire as fully as you are able, so your teacher knows as much about you as possible. The questionnaire will be given to you when you arrive. If you do have a pre-existing problem or condition, there are ways to adjust the postures to suit you.
Early arrivals are fine
Please try to come to class a few minutes early. Consider being prompt as part of your practice. There is nothing worse than feeling stressed before you arrive and running up the road to be on time. It also ensures that your teacher and the rest of the class are not disturbed by your late arrival. Unfortunately if the class has started, you will be unable to join the class.
Turn off your phone
When you arrive please turn off your phone to silent and the vibrate should also be off; so as not to disturb the rest of the class or your own practice.
During Your Yoga Class
Non-Competitiveness
Feel free to look around and follow what other students are doing, especially if the teacher does not demonstrate every pose. However, keep in mind that you may be looking at more advanced students, so do not compare yourself to them. Everyone learns at their own pace. And we are all made differently so some people are naturally more flexible, supple or stronger than others. Do your best, but let go of a competitive mindset.
Breathing
Always remember to breathe in and out of your nose unless asked to do otherwise; but do let your teacher know if you have trouble doing this. Some classes will include different types of breathing/ pranayama techniques, so give them a go and please ask your teacher if you need more guidance.
Awareness
Throughout your yoga practice try and be aware of what you are doing. Try to concentrate on the sensations you feel in the body and on your breath.
Don’t pull or strain
Never force or strain. Relax briefly between each posture if you need to. If you feel pain or strain, stop and tell your teacher. Listen to your body. As you do yoga more regularly, you may notice that you become increasingly supple and stronger.
Injury or Illness
If you have an injury / illness / medical condition, you should advise your teacher in the confidential health questionnaire. If your medical condition changes then it is for you to let the teacher know of any changes or deterioration in your condition. If in doubt please also consult you GP / medical advisor.
Menstruation
Some people advise that you don’t do inversions, for example: handstands, shoulder stands, headstands; and alternative positions will be provided in class.
Pregnancy
Please tell your teacher if you suspect, or if you are, pregnant. The class can be adjusted to suit you. However, it is important to check with your doctor or midwife that yoga is suitable for you, at each stage of your pregnancy.
Adjustment
During the class your teacher may adjust you into a more suitable position or apply pressure so you are pushed deeper into position. If you would prefer not to be adjusted please let your teacher know before the class starts.
Relaxation
The class will end with a relaxation session. This is an important part of the class and students are encouraged to stay for the duration of the lesson. Relaxation gives the body an opportunity to assimilate all of the benefits of the postures you have just done; and also counteracts stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Enjoy and try again
We hope you enjoy our classes and hope to see you again. Do tell us if there is something that you particularly enjoyed or disliked!