Yoga FAQs
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please contact me and I will be happy to help you.
Why can’t I book directly from your website?
I work with small groups and individuals and offer a friendly safe space to practice. It is important to me to have contact with your prior to you attending a session to discuss your needs.
I’m not very flexible - can I still do yoga?
Yes. You do not need to be flexible to do yoga. Many people experience stiffness and tightness in their muscles. Yoga can help to bring a release of tension and a lengthening of muscles over time. I teach in a way that allows all bodies to begin where there is comfort and work towards greater relaxation and ease. Strength and flexibility will follow.
I’ve got insomnia - can yoga help me sleep?
Yes. Practise yoga if you suffer from insomnia. By tuning into sensations in the body you reduce mental tension. By moving slowly and focussing on simple breathing your body will begin to unwind. You will feel more relaxed, which will help you to fall asleep.
I’m really stressed - can yoga help?
Yes, yoga is a tried and tested approach to stress relief. Come to a yoga session and learn to rest and get in touch with your body. Yoga is a great tool to relieve stress. By practising slowly you are allowing yourself time to feel and be with yourself without any need to strive or attain a goal. Tuning into sensations instead of thoughts helps to ease mental tension. I teach you how to notice where you are holding unnecessary tension and how to let it go and relax.
I suffer from backache and have back problems - can I still do yoga?
Yes, yoga can help to bring relief from backache. By moving carefully you will learn to spot unhelpful habits and patterns of movement that may be causing your back pain. Yoga helps bring balance and tone to weak muscles and helps to integrate movement throughout the body. Seek the advice of your GP or back therapist if you are not sure.
Am I too old to begin yoga?
You are never too old! Yoga is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy moving their body and developing a friendly relationship towards their body. You will develop a sensitivity and curiosity towards your body and learn how to move in a way that feels natural and at ease. Tiny movements are encouraged and everyone moves at their own pace and ability. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a gentle, tailored and modified approach to how we each move. Much of the session is practised lying on the ground.
I am rehabilitating from an injury - is it safe to do yoga?
I am happy to work with your physiotherapist, osteopath, OT or GP to make sure that the sessions are completely safe for you to practise, and to tailor specific movements to your needs. I have 20+ years’ experience of teaching yoga. You may want to have one-to-one sessions to give you plenty of time to ask questions and to try out what feels right for you.
“I have been practising yoga with Michelle for a number of years and cannot recommend her enough. Her classes are both interesting and fun, with emphasis on working with and expanding our knowledge of our own breath/bodies. Michelle has been amazing throughout lockdown, providing online classes weekly, providing an oasis of familiarity in such uncertain times. Thank you from my heart.”
— Sarah R, 2021