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TUESDAYS


​  6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Mixed Abilities Yoga   
7:15pm to 8:15pm Gentle Yoga and Guided Relaxation
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 £40 for 5 classes or £10 each
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MIXED  ABILITY YOGA  

 Led by Matthew, these classes begin with a light warm up before moving into a sequence of yoga poses designed to improve flexibility, strength and mobility. We finish with a short relaxation or meditation so that when you leave, the mind feels just as great as the body.
Gentle movements are often used to help you get more from the poses. Fitter individuals will be able to move faster if they feel like having more of a workout. More difficult versions of poses will be offered to you when you are ready and alternative variations will be suggested if there is pose which your body doesn't feel comfortable with just yet. It's a true all abilities class and you will be guided to progress at a pace that suits you.​

 GENTLE YOGA &  RELAXATION

Led by Diane, these classes are for anyone who wants to release stress and feel better. We warm up, ensuring the body is ready to open and then spend about half an hour in slow and gentle (and very effective! ) yin yoga postures. These will help to stretch the connective tissues around the joints and, over time, allow a wider range of motion.

We’ll then move into a type of guided relaxation called Yoga Nidra for the remaining 30 mins.. Just lie down and listen, Diane will guide you to a very relaxed state, which will leave you feeling refreshed and restored.  The combination of movement and relaxation in this class will help you to manage stress, in the body and mind, and increase your well being. 

VENUE​

The lovingly restored Blackfriars Priory is an oasis of peace in this historic city. It's next to a car park which is free from 6pm. The high ceilings, wooden beams and traditional oak floor make this a beautiful location for yoga.  See it for yourself in this video...
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YOUR TEACHER​   Matthew


Matthew is a co-founder of Cotswold Yoga and passionate lover of all things yogic. He's been fortunate to learn from several modern day yoga masters and uses this knowledge to lead classes like no other. He is excellent at ensuring each person in the class gets the right level of challenge and very good at not asking you to do all the weird stuff that he is into.  Sanskrit mantra chanting anyone? no...? thought not!​
MAtthew's approach to yoga classes
"What I like most about my classes with Cotswold Yoga is that they are smaller groups than when I teach in gyms or yoga studios.  I get to know the people who come and can help them even more.

Yoga is a way of life for me and while I take my responsibility to my students very seriously but I am also a naturally playful person and so I can't help but create a fun and relaxed atmosphere in my classes, one where people can enjoy what they are doing and release some mental tension as well muscular

People often come to yoga because of injuries and I did t, now I am in better shape than I have ever been. I will help anyone who wants to try  yoga give it a go and make sure they don't push too hard too soon

I also love sharing the deeper aspects of yoga to those who are interested, things we touch on a little bit in a class but cant go into fully, like yogic philosophy , breath work (pranayama) or meditation techniques . I'm always happy to share what I know to anyone who would like to delve into a more traditional yoga practice or provide routines for people to do at home"
Matthew's Qualifications
Hatha Yoga Teacher Training  - Sivananda, Kerela, India
Kundalini Tantra Yoga Teacher Training - Indian Wellness Academy, UK
Fun Facts About Matthew
"I love music, especially live music and I used to play in bands. It's  a complete mystery to me why I never became a rock star :) also, I am distantly related to Shakespeare.

YOUR TEACHER​   DIANE


​Yoga has been part of Diane’s life for around thirty years now. She found it in her late teens and has been supported by her practice, on and off the mat, since that time. She will always be a student of the practice and is deeply grateful for the loving wisdom her teachers have shared. 

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DiANE's approach to yoga classes
"I like to combine deep stretches, breathing, meditation, a spirit of playfulness and a dose of inspiration to help you develop your practice.

 As a Life Coach and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, alongside being a yogini, I seek to help others thrive in life by nurturing their body, mind and soul"
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DIANES Qualifications
 Advanced Hatha yoga
Starchild Kundalini yoga for children and young people,  Kundalini Tantra.
Fun Facts About DIANE
 "I have a dog who looks like a fox and thinks he is a cat. I enjoy musical theatre and has been known to sing along to soundtracks very loudly and usually out of tune"

 FEEDBACK


Craig
I was persuaded to come to Matthew’s Yoga class reluctantly as I didn’t want to spend an hour doing breathing exercises!  I soon realised Yoga is a lot more than that and I have seen a massive improvement to my flexibility, I can even touch my toes which hasn’t happened for many years. I am now a big promoter of yoga
 
Jacky
As I approached middle age my body has been getting stiffer and stiffer, Matthew’s yoga sessions have really helped loosen me up and the breathing exercises and meditation has helped to calm my slightly anxious mind. The great thing about the classes is that they cater for mixed abilities, ages and sexes so no-one feels awkward or pressured to achieve more than they are capable of and at the same time if you do need that extra stretch you can do that too

Cara
I have practiced yoga throughout my life however, since joining Mathew's class I feel I have extended my knowledge of not only the yoga moves but the deeper meaning behind why yoga is so beneficial and the history of it.  I have enjoyed learning how all the breathing techniques and meditation can be so helpful in stress management. I now look forward to furthering my knowledge and embarking on my own teacher training journey with Mathew by my side with his calming disposition for help and advise.

 FAQ's
Am I too OLd? AM I TOO Big? OR AM I TOO STIFF to take up yoga?
No way! :) All ages, body shapes and conditions can enjoy yoga. Doing yoga is like eating healthy food, it's good for everyone. Unlike sport you are not competing with others or even yourself. It will be challenging but you will be guided to treat the body kindly and to help it release tension while getting stronger and more mobile


DO Men Do Yoga?
Yes indeed! traditionally the vast majority of yogi's were men. It's more popular with women in the west but millions of men across the world practice yoga and many male professional athletes include yoga in their training. All genders enjoy our classes
What if I Have an injury,  surgery or pre-existing condition?
Mention it in the sign up form and before your first class. Yoga can support the healing process safely but the teacher needs to know to be able to help you. Do use your common sense, listen to your body, don’t push too hard initially and rest whenever you need to
What if I am pregnant?
Yoga classes are not typically recommended unless you already have a strong regular practice. It is also not recommended that you practise Yoga during the first 3 months of your pregnancy. After 3 months, if you are fit and healthy with no complications it is recommended that you attend a specific pregnancy yoga class.

Do I have to book in advance?
If it is your first class then complete the online sign-up form and let us know you are coming. After that you can turn up as and when you like, just making sure to arrive at least 5 minutes before the class starts
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in and expect to get warm during the class. Gym clothes are fine, loose joggers, leggings  or shorts all work well with a t-shirt or other sports top. The venue is heated but having a warmer layer to put on for the relaxation or meditation at the end is a good idea, especially if you are the type top feel the cold.
DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE CLASS
Arrive in good time and on an empty stomach but not hungry. It is recommended that you do not eat anything heavy 2-3 hours before a class and ensure you are well hydrated. You may drink small sips of water during the class.
Are classes busy?
It varies a lot but typically there are around 6-8 people in a class. Sometimes as many as 15, sometimes just a couple. Never in the 20's like in some gyms and studios.
Will I be Able to Park On site?
Yes, there is ample,  free on site parking.