Yoga for Beginners
FREE FIRST CLASS for beginners at any venue!
Turning up to an existing class can be daunting. You may have concerns or questions; here are some which recur frequently: I’m too stiff and I won’t be able to ‘keep up’ with everyone else. Will there be technical terms that everyone else but me understands? My hearing loss means I won’t know what is going on if I get put at the back. I’m just not strong enough. Is there a yoga class etiquette? What if I need the loo half way through? I hope we won’t have to do headstands. I have a health condition and I won’t know how to work around it. And so the list goes on.
Please speak to me. You can drop me an email and arrange a time to chat on the phone before your first class. You can share details of your health concern in a confidential online health questionnaire (the link to this will be in your confirmation email when you book but you only need to fill it in once a year unless your health changes). You can turn up 15 minutes early before your class for a chat. Also, you will find that yogis tend to be a very approachable, friendly bunch of people on the whole, so spend a bit of time saying ‘hello’ to those around you and ask them questions too – you’ll get a warm welcome from everyone.
If you are concerned about whether a group class is for you, you could try a One to One class to go through the fundamentals of practice privately.
What to Expect in Lucy’s Yoga classes
I offer a blend of practices designed to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of the yogis who come to my classes, emphasising physical safety and life-enhancing practices over aesthetic form.
The practice begins with settling, sensing into our embodiment, tuning into the breath and physical sensation with an inner listening. We notice how we are feeling, and what emotions and thoughts have come with us into the practice. Then we move, slowly and deliberately, with simpler less challenging movements preceding more complex, demanding ones. We explore functional movements (the ones we need to perform our everyday tasks), balance, alignment, strength and ease. There are breaks between sets of movements in which to re-settle, to return to embodiment, to breathing and being. There is no external aesthetic to be achieved, the practice is simply to be present in our body in a way that is kind and accepting.
A safe practice environment is one in which there is no competition with others or even within ourselves. If we need a break, we take a break. If we need to hold the wall while balancing, that is what we do. If sitting on the floor is uncomfortable, we use a chair. If we only want to do part of a suggested sequence that is fine. Options and modifications will be suggested by me and a dialogue is always open so you can ask if you are not sure. It’s as simple as that.
Movement gives way to stillness for the latter part of the class. We let the body rest and our attention moves deeper. We may practice a dedicated breathwork technique. There is always some relaxation and guided meditation. Sometimes there is a visualisation (not just creating an image in the mind’s eye but employing feeling-imagination to stimulate the senses inwardly), words or a contemplation. Then there is silence.
Before we all go home, there are a few moments to bask in the energy of the shared practice and to dedicate this for the benefit of others. The each of us goes our own way, until the next week.
Later, at home, you are invited to access the weekly practice video to deepen the effects of the experience. Some use it, some don’t – it’s your choice.
I look forward to welcoming you to my classes, where together we can explore the transformative power of yoga.
Getting Started With Yoga Classes
What's included in the price?
- All aspects of yoga – grounding, movement, breathwork, relaxation, guided meditation and yoga philosophy.
- An original and thoughtfully designed practice each week relating to a wider theme designed to promote a continual journey of learning and self development.
- With the 90 minute in-person yoga classes you will have access to a 90 minute video replay each so that you can build a home practice or catch up if you had to miss a class you booked. Generally, there is no video replay for the 60 minute yoga class but if you miss your class and you would like access to the 90 minute replay occasionally just ask Lucy.
- Flexibility to choose your own block booking dates so you do not pay for weeks you are unable to attend.
- Guidance and personalised advice from a teacher with 30 years practice experience, teaching for 15 years.
- Modifications, options and alternative practices to suit your body and any health conditions you bring to your practice.
- A warm welcome into a community of like minded souls on a journey of self-discovery, inner peace and personal growth.
What equipment do I need?
If you are coming for a trial class you can borrow some equipment from me. After that you will probably want to get a few simple items of your own:
- Yoga mat – one that can grip both the floor and your feet. This is essential for safety in standing poses.
- Blanket – so that you can cover yourself during relaxation. Some people like a second blanket underneath them for lying down.
- Yoga bricks and blocks are useful. We use these to raise the hips while sitting on the floor and for support in various poses and sequences. Ask me to show you some before you invest.
- Other props we use – soft spongey balls, exercise balls, tennis balls, spikey balls. I usually have lots of spare ones so only invest in these if you want to use them at home.
- For meditation and pranayama: a cushion or stool is a must if you intend to sit on the floor.
- For Yoga Nidra: Consider bolsters, cushions and extra blankets.
What should I wear?
- Wear loose, comfy and/or stretchy clothing that does not hinder full range of movement.
- Layers are good as body temperature can go up with movement and then drop back down in stillness.
- Bare feet for most of the physical practice but bring socks for the relaxation at the end to keep your feet warm.
Tell me about the venue
Click on the class you are interested in on the timetable to see the venue address. Depending on which device you are using you may also have to click a blue ‘View Details’ button to access a street map and a list of amenities (parking, changing facilities and so on). This is where you will also find any additional notes about the venue such as which door to enter if there is more than one.
Before your practice …
- Eat around two hours before the class starts.
- Arrive in good time to set out your mat and equipment and go to the loo.
- Turn off your phone so we can enjoy an immersive experience without interruptions.
Can I practice if I’m pregnant?
Yoga is excellent during pregnancy but it needs to be considered and informed. The best place for pregnant yoginis is in a specialist ante-natal yoga class.
I have specific health considerations
When you book a class you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to complete a simple online form. This is the place to let me know about health concerns along with your emergency contact details. It would be great if you could update this once a year and of course you can use it if you have a change in health that you would like me to know about.
If you are not sure whether the class is suitable for you please email me (Lucy) before booking to arrange a time to chat on the phone and together we can decide which will be the best option for you.
I have hearing impairment
Please don’t struggle on without letting me know. I can save your spot right at the front of the class and arrange a signal you can give me to let me know I need to speak up and/or repeat.
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