More Than a Yoga Class: Investing in Our Own Wellbeing

We spend money on all sorts of things to keep ourselves looking and feeling good. We have our hair cut, buy clothes that make us feel good, and treat ourselves to the occasional beauty appointment. As we age we begin to see more value in investing in our own wellbeing. And perhaps the question isn’t whether we can afford to spend time on ourselves, but whether we can afford to put it off?

Yoga for healthy aging…

As we get older, maintaining our mobility, strength, balance and ability to relax becomes increasingly important. We all want to keep doing the things we enjoy. Maybe that’s looking after our families, walking in the countryside, travelling or simply getting on with everyday life.

Yoga offers one way of supporting that aim. It isn’t a magic solution, and it can’t guarantee that we will avoid health problems. But a regular practice gives us time to move, build body awareness, develop strength and flexibility. In my classes, we also learn ways to manage the stresses of daily life, which can take a toll on both our physical and mental wellbeing.

A little time now can go a long way

You don’t need to be flexible, fit or experienced to begin yoga. In fact, you may find that the less you have done, the more you have to gain from learning how to move with greater awareness.

After more than 15 years of teaching, I’ve come to appreciate that yoga is about much more than the postures we practise in class. It’s about understanding our bodies, recognising when we need to move or rest, and developing skills that we can carry into everyday life.

In my classes, we work on mobility, strength, balance and relaxation, adapting our practice to suit our individual needs. We explore different themes over the course of each term. This gradually builds our understanding rather than simply moving from one posture into another.

And you don’t have to leave everything behind when class ends. I record each session so that students can revisit the practice at home. Students then have the flexibility to practice whenever they want to. It’s also great for maintaining continuity during the weeks when our regular classes aren’t running.

The aim is to help you develop a practice that supports you through life. Not simply something you do for 90 minutes once a week.

Making time for yourself

We all have different demands on our time and money. But perhaps looking after our wellbeing deserves a place alongside the other things we consider worth paying for.

A six-week yoga term is £69. That includes six 90-minute classes plus access to the weekly recordings. That’s nine hours of guided practice, plus the opportunity to continue at home.

For comparison, recent local salon price data puts a typical women’s cut and blow dry at around £50. A private physiotherapy assessment can cost around £70 or more, while a private GP consultation may cost £85 or more.

These are different services, of course, and yoga isn’t a substitute for medical advice or treatment. But they do offer a useful perspective on the cost of looking after ourselves.

Yoga also gives us something that is harder to put a price on: a regular appointment with ourselves. Time to step away from our responsibilities, connect with others and give our own needs some attention.

The habits we develop today can help support our wellbeing as we grow older. We can’t predict what lies ahead, but we can make choices now that help us stay active, connected and engaged with life for as long as possible.

Finding a class that suits you

I offer two styles of in-person yoga around Rutland and the surrounding villages.

Gentle Yoga is ideal for beginners, those returning after a break, or anyone looking for accessible movement with plenty of time for relaxation.

Yoga for Vitality offers a more physically strengthening practice for those with some experience, or those who would like to work more on strength, stability and mobility.

You don’t need to know which class is right for you before getting in touch. I’m happy to talk through your needs and help you decide where to begin.

If you’ve been curious about yoga but haven’t quite taken the first step, why not enquire about a Discovery Session? It’s an opportunity to come to a class, meet me and the other member and explore whether it feels right for you.

You don’t need to be flexible. You don’t need to get everything right. You simply need to begin where you are.

Have a look at the timetable to find a class near you, or get in touch to arrange a Discovery Session.