Group Classes

All Saints Hall, Downshire Square, Reading RG1 6NJ.
Thursdays during term time

6.30pm-7.45pm
FOUNDATION CLASS

8pm - 9.30pm
CONTINUERS
REGISTRATION TAKING PLACE NOW

23rd Febuary-29th March (five weeks NO CASS 8th MARCH)
£32.50/£35 per term in advance.

Small friendly class, quiet village-like location in central Reading. Easy parking.

Two on-going classes of foundation students and continuers. In these classes we work with asana (any of various postitions in yoga) to increase strength and flexibility in the body. We work dynamically, flowing into and out of postures, as well as staying. Movements are co-ordinated to either the inhale or the exhale. Students become more aware of their breathing, improving its quality. This attention leads to a focusing of the mind and a lovely meditative practice.

In this class, I offer a balance between a strengthening and calming experience and teaching by developing one's knowledge of asana, pranayama and yoga philosophy. Recent themes have included detox practices, back strengthening practices, practices to reduce stress, practices to strengthen the core and practices to energise. Participants are treated as individuals within the group experience and appropriate modifications and adjustments are made.

Next term in foundation we will be focusing on the core skill of our practice (breath and movement, ujjayi breath, dynamic and static work, vinyasa krama and counter pose). Using these skills we will be looking to develop mindfullness in our practice living in the moment!)

In continuers we will be combining detoxifying practices with a short meditation at each class to develop our physical and emotional strength.

Last term focused on yoga sutras, using the tools of yoga to explore yoga philosophy. We looked at different tools within the framework of yoga that can bring about and support us to move towards better physical and emotional health.

Yoga in Prospect Park, Reading RG30 2ND or Phoenix Day Centre, Amethyst Lane, Reading RG30 2EZ
Class on hold

Join our friendly group for yoga outdoors. Enjoy the feeling of being in nature, connecting with your body and breath in a quiet secluded spot within the park. Indoor venue available in bad weather. Please telephone 07984451141 if unsure on the day.

All are welcome. Practice will be modified to suit individuals. Small class lots of individual attention. Bring someone to the class with you and you will receive a complimentary class.

Class is funded by Reading Borough Council's Active Parks' Project

Testimonials

'I was apprehensive about returning to a yoga group after a 20 year gap. I need not have worried! Marie is a friendly and knowledgeable teacher. Her classes are interesting as she chooses a different focus for each session. They are also carefully structured so that each class builds on what we have previously learnt. I have been inspired to start a daily practice of my own each morning which makes me feel stronger, calmer and more focused'
E. Hope-Cleverly.

'Attending Marie’s yoga sessions is a real treat - she creates a haven of tranquillity where you can really relax and switch off. It is the highlight of my week! The classes are carefully planned and the small amount of students allows her the chance to create a friendly, intimate atmosphere where she can correct movements if necessary. This is a real bonus if, like me, you have been to very large yoga classes in the past and you are just left to get on with the manoeuvres never really knowing if you are doing them correctly. I would definitely recommend Marie as a fantastic yoga teacher.'
Helen Fox

'Marie makes sure that your alignment is best for you as a person in the different positions as not everyone can do the typical Pretzel poses of strict instruction in other classes. It means that the Yoga is for you.'
Teresa Saunders

'I love the small, friendly classes which are at a pace to suit all. Great demonstrations along with explanations for poses really help with putting them into practice.'
Sarah James

'I first began coming to Marie's class in the Summer of 2008, about ten weeks after a C-section with my second child. I was very keen to get back to my old self having exercised sensibly throughout my pregnancy but knew I had to be extra careful. One of the first things Marie teaches all of her students is to be mindful of their bodies and what it is telling them on any given day. This, combined with Marie sensitively offering me modifications, ensured I slowly but surely regained my strength and energy - physically and mentally.
I love my Thursday evenings. They provide me with my own little refuge away from the stresses and strains of bringing up a young family. The hall is lovely and peaceful. I always leave the class feeling suitably worked and chilled out and I always sleep really well!'
Katherine Mitchell