Testimonials

July 2018
Hi Deb
I never thought Yoga would have inspired me as it has. I feel better, I smile more, and slowly I feel I am improving. You make instruction so simple to understand and your patience and caring nature on ensuring we are in the best position for the body and for our own bodies is a great help. Have a great summer and see you in September. Helen
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the newsletter and the little extra nag to keep doing The Elephant Salutation!
I have started to notice a marked improvement in how my back feels so it gave me a
little nudge to keep practising it.
Hope you have a wonderful summer break.
From Sue
I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy your classes.  Your experience and passion for practicing and teaching yoga shines through; and the serene location of Preston Village Hall is perfect. I am relatively new to Rutland and joining your yoga class has helped me feel at home.
Thanks Deb (from Shazza)
January 2018
Hi Deb,
I just wanted to say a big thank you for your help and teaching over the last year or two. I suffer quite badly at times with depression, and despite originally being a bit sceptical about how yoga could help, it has made a huge different to my mental health and I am so very grateful for your help with that. Best wishes, DS, Stamford
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February 2017
Hi Deb,
The 1-2-1 yoga therapy session I had with you a couple of weeks ago has given my home practice a tremendous motivational boost as I’m now working to a personal programme designed to meet my individual needs and feel more committed as a result. Thanks also for your continued interest in my progress when we meet at group sessions.
Kind regards, Tony
October 2016
I’m really enjoying the classes. Sarah, Uppingham
September 2016
I love your class! I had the best night’s sleep in ages after last weeks! Thank you so much.
Caroline, Preston Tuesdays 8 – 9

 

10th September 2016

“Attending Deb’s class has given me calmness, a positivity and gentleness which helped me through a very difficult period in my life and that impact is ongoing.” Nicky, Stamford

3rd February 2016

Have missed the classes so much. Always feel rejuvenated and sleep much better. Looking forward to when they restart at Tinwell. See you soon Deb. Sally 😌

Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2015 12:36:55 +0000

Hello Debbie,

I just want you to know that although I haven’t made it recently to yoga I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what an amazingly GOOD teacher you were.
I joined in a yoga class with my sister (she lives in Yorkshire) and the teacher (very nice) wasn’t a patch on you. I have also been to a couple of Mindfulness events (for my work really)and realise that much of what you
took us through at the end of the class was linked to this.
I am still rushing up and down to take my mother on H visits but I sometimes have to get out of the car and just stare at the wonder of some of the views on the Pennines that I just didn’t realise were there when I was growing up.
So it is never a chore really and my mother is not a burden although is now in a home and remembers very little.
I notice that the Tuesday morning class has finished, but you are busy with many other ones.
Please keep sending your newsletter if you don’t mind…and sending you my best thoughts.

Love Barbara

Best wishes
Barbara H Yandell
BHY Dyslexia Consultancy Ltd

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Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2015 19:52:42 +0000
>
> Hi Deb
>
> I’m really enjoying your classes and being able to practice yoga again. You explain everything very well and I’m learning and remembering a lot more than the previous classes that I went to, this in turn helps me to do more practice at home.
>
> Thanks for this
>
> Sarah

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5/10/2015
Hi Debs,
On a personal; note very much appreciate the work in yoga to strengthen and heal, many thanks for all you are doing. Om shanti
Keep up imparting the yogic philosophy, I could visualize some of the images in the last relax session, an area I have been working on in the summer. Rock n roll Debs.
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04/09/2015
Taking up yoga, having suffered greatly from stress in my mid fifties was a big step. However I have thoroughly enjoyed gently easing my body back into fitness and a new feeling of wholeness through my breathing and movement.Debbie very carefully takes students through asanas (movements) and if someone is new to yoga she explains how the body is working through diagrams and explanation. The meditation is wonderful and encourages relaxation, clarity of mind and peaceful sleeping patterns.The classes are friendly and everyone is helped as an individual.  I would just like to thank Debbie and everyone I have worked alongside with for an inspiring start to yoga. I just wouldn’t want to be without  my yoga practice now.
Yoga  can be  life changing .Thankyou.Hazel.
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Subject: Re: Yoga
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2015 10:30:09 +0000

Hi Deb,

I’d like to thank you making me feel welcome at your Tuesday evening yoga sessions at Preston.  I really appreciate the importance you give to establishing a good working environment, gently insisting on minimum clutter in the workspace, early arrival and suchlike.  The calm atmosphere this creates helps me clear my mind and focus on the yoga.  At the end of the session, I always feel refreshed and relaxed, despite having worked hard.  I invariably sleep well that night.

Regards,

Tony

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FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS – JANUARY 2015

“I especially enjoyed the ‘swaying palm tree’ – I felt it worked my core muscles well.  It was a great class, I really enjoyed it and you gave very clear instructions.” Anne, Stamford

“Good pace and mix of breath and asanas – thank you!” Katherine, Stamford

“I felt it was a good balance of exercises and really enjoyed the class.” Val, Ryhall

“Really amazing class again. Amazing how you cater for such a range of abilities all in the one class.” Heidi, Stamford

“Lovely workshop. Good balance of postures, stretch and relaxation.” Cath, Ufford

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FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS AUTUMN 2014

“That’s most relaxed I have ever felt!” Sue, 18.11.14

Hi Deb, really enjoyed yoga this term, did my foot massage this morning while having breaky.  Feet on fire, feels fab, Cath, 17.10.14

Hello Deb,

Thanks for another half term of excellent classes, I've enjoyed them all. Kathryn,16.10.14
Hi Debs just wanted to thank you for all the work & wisdom over the last six week’s in the class, it was good and went very fast.
Just to let you know the relaxation work in the last session seemed very much to help the healing of that muscle tear from the Great Eastern (which is still healing) and that’s the positive thing. John, 16/10/14

FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS SUMMER 2014

Hi Deb,

I wanted to thank you so much for introducing me to the world of yoga, I absolutely love your classes!  Rachael, Preston, 8/9/14

Hi Deb
Just wanted to say thank you very much for all. Yoga has really helped me so much, I cannot tell you.
I’m calmer, I sleep better and I’m actually getting younger (well alright, all true ‘sept that last bit!!)

You’ve been a star throughout, I just wanna say a big thank you.  Paul, Preston, 16/7/14

CLASS EVALUATION SURVEY – SPRING 2014

Thanks very much to all who took part in the Spring Term “Satisfaction Survey”.  I was impressed with a 93% overall satisfaction rating!

The poorest section was the HOME PRACTICE with 29% of students admitting to not rolling the mat out in between sessions.  Next year I’ll aim to post an ‘Asana of the Week’ on the blog.  Why not sign up as a follower of the website and then you will get an email reminder each time I post???

The second poorest score came from feeling an ache or pain following the session… 12% felt this.  If this is you – please always listen to your body in class – be fully conscious of what is happening inside.  Always work within your comfort zone and back away from anything painful.  It would help if you practiced a little in between sessions too(!).

The third poorest result was the environment, where 10% felt the heating was insufficient.  I have contacted the halls and asked for additional heating to be supplied.  The difficulty is that when we meditate or do breath work the body temperature cools down quite a bit, therefore, if this is you – try bringing along an extra layer of clothing and an extra blanket.  It is important to be warm so that the body and mind can truly relax.

QUESTION                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         YES                        NO
Have you found the anatomy and physiology of yoga postures interesting?                                                                                                                                                       100%

Did you find the asana (posture work) challenging enough?                                                                                                                                                                                     93%                        7%

Did you find the relaxations relaxing?                                                                                                                                                                                                                         100%

Do you enjoy the aspects of yoga philosophy?                                                                                                                                                                                                               95%                       5%

Can you hear my voice clearly?                                                                                                                97%                       3%

Do you feel that you practice safely?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                98%                      2%

Have you had any serious aches or pains following class?                                                                                                                                                                                        12%                     88%

Was the environment suitable (warmth, heat, lighting)?                                                                                                                                                                                            90%                     10%

Are the handouts useful?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    97%                        3%

Did you do practice at home in between classes?                                                                                                                                                                                                          71%                      29%

FEEDDBACK FROM THE AUTUMN 2013 TERM…

Happy New Year to you too Debs
I so enjoyed your yoga class, I had never done it before and found it very friendly and you are a great teacher.  Look forward to seeing you next Tuesday.  Best wishes, Yvonne 4/1/14

 Thank you for great yoga classes – see you in 2014, Sue 21/12/13

Hi Deb

Just to say how much I enjoyed the fun packed class on Wednesday.  Thank you for that and for your work in making the whole term so rewarding.

Have a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year.  Best wishes Jane 19/12/13

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Student Survey Dec 2013: How have the yoga classes affected you in your day to day life?

I use the relaxation – particularly in the evening now on a regular basis.  Lisa

Improved posture & helps to relax me after a hard day. I love it!  Jan

The ability to shut my mind from thinking too much.  Marianne

Gives me a chance for some “ME TIME”. Sarah

I feel it has helped me relax at night.  Julia

Helped me to relax and sleep better.  And improved flexibility.  Caroline

My shoulder pain has already lessened after 3 weeks.  Jennie

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR FEEDBACK – IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME!

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Dear Deb,

I just realised how close we are to Christmas so I thought I would contact you to try and book myself on one of your classes for next term.
I cannot wait to get all booked in for next term as I am really enjoying my weekly yoga with you!

Many thanks Deb, have a good weekend.
Rachael 15.11.13

Hi Deb,

I just wanted to say thanks for a lovely class this morning. I loved learning about the hridaya Kash and am now looking forward to the rest of the term even more! Meggie, 6.11.13

Hi Deb,

I just wanted to thank you for the fabulous introduction to yoga that you have given me. It has really helped my back problem so much that I unroll the mat every morning and do a 20 minute routine to stretch out.  Carol, 7.11.13

Hi Deb,

Thank you for last night, I slept really well for the first time in ages.  Life is so stressy at the moment. A 25.9.13

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SUMMER TERM 2013

Yoga helped me to be ‘man of the match’!

Hi Deb – just wanted to say that besides helping me be a much calmer person at work (I’m a midwife working nights!), this week I was given ‘man of the match’ after my netball game!  First time ever, and I have to put it down to the extra ‘reach’ I’m able to get doing my yoga practice, not to mention the increased energy which gives me more lift in my jumps.  Wow – something I really did not expect.  Thank you – Cath, Ufford, 17.7.13

‘I really enjoyed the breathing practice this term,’ Karen

‘The flowing vinyasa was particularly enjoyable,’ Ann

‘My balance has really improved – I’m really pleased,’ Kate

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Face Lift Yoga Workshop – 20.4.13

cropped smiley face lift

“I just love the way you teach yoga!” – Jean

“I found it enjoyable and hope to incorporate it into my daily life.” – Val

“I liked the way the whole body was exercised – not just the face.” – Melanie

“It was very relaxing.  The eye exercises were very useful and the facial massage and exercises will be useful adage to a stressful day.” – Nicole

Thanks to everyone – I really enjoyed teaching the workshops and look forward to working on some more ‘themed’ classes.

Feedback from the Spring 2013 term

(Surya Namaskara and the Digestive Sequence)

“The classes release tension in my neck which helps my problem with a trapped nerve.” Elaine

“The thing I liked most about this term was how the postures were developed across the weeks and your explanation of how this effected the digestive system.” Robyn

“My digestive system is working so much better!” Carole

“It’s kept me going!” Karen

“You have been very accommodating with regards to my broken wrist.” Fiona

“I’ve felt the difference in my digestion.” Clare

“The best thing about this term is the brilliant new venue in Manton.” Hilary

Thank you to all for your feedback and encouragement – it means a lot to me.

 

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Deb – I love the class! – Sarah (Stamford), 19/2/13

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Hi Debbie,

I can’t tell you how happy I am to have joined your yoga classes.  I have thoroughly enjoyed them and look forward to it every week.  I am reading books recommended by you and they have really opened my eyes to many things.  It has made me look at life differently and encouraged me to seek more knowledge of yoga.

Thank you again, Marianne (Stamford)

15/1/13

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Feedback from the Autumn 2012 Term…

“Your yoga sessions have helped me to de-stress with work by using the range of relaxation techniques taught in the ‘Yoga for Stress Management’ classes.” – Jenny

“Yoga has most effected my life this term by helping me with better relaxation and sleep.” – Sarah

“I am now much more supple and can bend more and feel really well.” – Nicki

“The relaxations at the end have been brilliant and really varied – it has helped me destress and put things into perspective.” – Megan

“Really positively feel in tune with my body and more toned – thanks Debs.” – Margaret

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Hi Deb,

Knowing little about yoga, I joined your classes not really knowing what to expect.  I was slightly apprehensive because recently I left a very stressful job and had a couple of surgeries, and while recovering I became very unfit.  I put down constant aching in my joints and neck to my age and poor health and tried to live with it, ignoring waking up in pain every morning.  When in the first class you explained correct posture alignment and simple relaxation exercises, it felt great.  At night I usually toss and turn and have trouble finding a comfortable position to sleep in.  Lying in savasana and doing breathing relaxation was like a revelation, and when I woke up in the morning I felt refreshed and painless!  I do the same every night since, and am quite astonished how the simplest of techniques can have such a fantastic effect on the body.  Thank you so much for saving me from neck pain and thank you for running the Introduction to Yoga at the Stamford College.

I enjoyed each class very much and I hope to find a suitable beginners class in my locality to continue.

Keep up the great work!

Jolanta Wilkes, 25.10.12

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Hi Debs,

I meant to say to you that I think that the gradual way that you have built up the classes has been fantastic.  Over the years, I’ve done quite a few yoga classes and sometimes they just race ahead too much and you can end up feeling stiff for days.  Your tuition has been really clear and precise and that’s so important.  You’re doing a great job!

Yours, Margaret Blackburn, 18.10.12

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Hi Debbie,

I’m so pleased that after only 2 terms the ground seem to be getting nearer and nearer in the forward folds.  (I actually touched it the other day!)  Wonderful!

Thanks very much, Janet Heasell, 18,7.12