Yoga Courses

Susie offers weekly Small Group Yoga Classes and 1-to-1 Yoga Tuition in Clifton, Bristol 

Please click here for the Weekly Yoga Class Timetable

 Classes are open to all, including those who are new to yoga, and can be adapted to suit individual requirements

Flow Yoga

Small Group Yoga courses (as per the weekly timetable) and 1-to-1.  Susie also runs extended practice Flow Yoga Saturday workshops

These yoga classes include a variety of sequences of yoga postures linked together with breath and inspired by music. The breath moves the body creating a moving meditation.  Students learn the building blocks of each flow step by step, with focus on alignment and technique.  The flow focus may vary in each class, with the sun salutations forming the core of the practice.  This is a fun and creative fluid yoga class that generates heat in the body, improves flexibility and strength, and helps bring peace of mind

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Integrated Yoga for Health Courses

6 week Yoga for Health courses are offered on a 1-to-1 basis, and for small groups - by request.  Susie also runs 'Yoga and Health' Saturday workshops

Yoga for Health Courses begin with a 1.5hr session, subsequent sessions are 1hr, usually over a 6 week period.  The first half an hour gives time for us to meet, to assess your needs and for you to ask any questions you may have

After this initial session, a Yoga course will be developed based on your individual needs

Courses include - posture sequences, breathing practices, guided relaxation, meditation and visualisation

Students will be given a short sequence of yoga postures to practice daily at home - handouts and other resources are available as guidance for this

Yoga for Health courses offer a holistic and integrated approach, and provide physical, mental, and emotional support

Diet and lifestyle advice may be included, and NLP techniques may be used where relevant to help address limiting thought patterns and behaviour

Courses draw upon the theory and philosophy of yoga and oriental medicine

Yoga for Health courses offer support for

  • Muscular-skeletal injury
  • Joint problems including osteoporosis, osteo-arthritis and back care
  • Cardiovascular conditions including high blood pressure and angina
  • Respiratory problems including asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological problems including Parkinson’s and stroke
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Stress Management (10 week programme)
  • Stress-related stomach-, intestinal- and skin disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Mild depression and relapse
  • Sleeping problems
  • Issues around body image
  • Low Self-esteem
  • Weight Loss (16 week programme)

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One-to-One Yoga
 

One-to-one sessions are tailored to fit the needs of each individual student, so beginners can explore the fundamentals at their own pace, and more experienced students can work deeper into their practice. In these sessions your needs will be discussed and assessed and an individual practice of postures and breathing will be developed for you. These sessions allow students to learn more about their own specific areas of interest such as breath-work, asanas, alignment, improving flexibility, stress management etc

Benefits of one-to-one yoga include:
  • Personal attention and tuition ideal for beginners to build confidence
  • Convenience of lesson times made by appointment
  • Development of a personal practice for your individual needs
  • Specific therapeutic benefits for injury, illness and stress

To book a 1-to-1 Yoga Class, or if you would like further information, please contact Susie

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Why Practice Yoga?

Yoga practice positively promotes emotional, physical and mental wellbeing

 "Yoga is a way of moving into stillness in order to experience the truth of who you are"
Erich Schiffmann

The overall benefits of yoga may include -

  • Mental clarity
  • Flexibility
  • Strength
  • Joint mobility
  • Relaxation and stress reduction
  • Improved self awareness 
  • Improved mood
  • Higher energy levels

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My experience of Yoga

It's not possible to define the benefits of yoga as an absolute measure.  Individuals embarking on a yoga journey may each have their own set of preconceived ideas about what they would like to achieve from a yoga class.  The actual experience is usually very different from that expected.  The benefits of yoga are multi-dimensional and unique to each individual who practices.
From my experience of yoga, this is how I would describe its benefits:  On a physical level, yoga practice releases deep tensions in the body, and as a side effect, leads to increased flexibility.  It increases blood flow, and results in an increased concentration of circulating endorphins, which make us feel happier.  Mentally, yoga helps to slow the mind, to a point of stillness; creating mental space and bringing clarity to our perceptions.  Yoga practice allows us to witness our mind and our emotions allowing us to develop a greater understanding and awareness of ourselves, our feelings and reactions to the world.   Spiritually, as we enter into deeper practice and meditation, yoga allows us to be in contact with our inner self, finding peacefulness from within.  We are then more inclined to embrace the world with love and understanding. 

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What others' have said..

'Susie is a great teacher: she introduces and demonstrates each posture and guides the class carefully, building confidence and working 1-2-1 to ensure proper posture and movement.  I strongly recommend Susie's classes to one and all: she caters for focused groups, mixed groups and mixed ages and abilities'
 Stephen Bogira.  Small Group Yoga Classes Bristol

'Susie's classes are really focused and the practices are enjoyably challenging for all levels and abilities'
Polly Dowden.  Pollyclinics 'Integrated Wellness Centre' Manager

'Susie radiates inner clam and creates an energy in which students feel supported and nurtured in her classes.  She intelligently structures vinyasa in a way that is interesting, challenging and yet inclusive for a range of abilities.  She is a gifted and talented Yoga Teacher'
Paul Fox.  British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Trainer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be fit and/or flexible to do yoga?

Absolutely not!  Yoga is suitable for all ages and all shapes and sizes. You learn to adapt the practice to suit your needs.  Yoga is a non-competitive practice.

Do you offer a beginners class?

The classes are mixed ability and open to all, including beginners.  If you are new to yoga then it is a good idea to let the teacher know before class.  You may find it helpful to take one or two 1-to-1 classes before joining a group class.  Susie also offers a half-day workshop ‘Introduction to Yoga’ in Bristol - please see the Workshops page or contact Susie for dates and details.

What should I wear to a yoga class?

Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn for classes.  Yoga is practiced in bare-feet. 

Can I eat a meal before class?

A general guideline is to leave a 2 to 3 hour gap before practice. If you must eat, eat a small or light snack.

What if I have an injury or condition?

If you have an injury or a condition that may affect your ability to do the different physical postures, make sure you let the teacher know before the class begins or call the teacher in advance to discuss your situation. It’s also highly advisable that you get the go ahead from your GP or doctor before you start taking yoga classes. In most cases, the teacher is able to modify the poses to suit your needs. In some cases, it’s better to start with private yoga lessons, so that the teacher can assess your ability and specifically address your needs.

What if I am pregnant - Can I still take a yoga class?

It’s advisable to get the go ahead from your midwife or GP before starting yoga, (especially if you have a history of miscarriage). Generally, during the first trimester, take it easy. If you don’t already have a yoga practice, this is not the time to start. If you already have a yoga practice, stick to very gentle classes and restorative yoga. The rule of thumb during this time is to take it easy and allow for the pregnancy to stabilize. The second and third trimesters are a great time to do yoga if you are healthy and your doctor gives you the go ahead.  The best way to do yoga during pregnancy is in a specifically designed ‘pregnancy’ yoga class.  

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