Recent Articles in Gentle

Duration: 36 minutes

Emphasis: You can do this class sitting on the floor or, if you prefer, you can do it seated on a chair. There are also a couple of kneeling poses right at the end. The focus is on your hands, arms, upper chest and back and your shoulders - stretching the muscles and other tissues and mobilising the joints.

Props required: A blanket to sit on and for under your knees plus a chair if required.

Mat direction: Either - you choose.

Duration: 12 minutes

Emphasis: Perfect if your working at a desk, are feeling a little under the weather but still want to move or if you have an injury you're taking care of, this short class is done seated on a chair. Expect gentle forward bends, backbends, side bends and twists for the upper body with just a couple of stretches for the legs.

Props needed: Two chairs (or a chair and a coffee table or similar).

Mat direction: N/A.

Duration: 23 minutes

Emphasis: Stretch the front of your body and bring some mobility to your spine with these gentle backbends. Each backbend is counter-posed with a gentle forward bend. Poses include Cow Pose (Bitilasana), Sphynx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana), Camel Pose (Ustrasana), Melting Heart (Anahatasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) and a relaxing yet opening Savasana supported by blocks and a blanket.

Props needed: Two blocks and a blanket.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 32 minutes.

Emphasis: Most of the poses in this class feature hip openers that have the ankle over the opposite thigh in the 'figure 4' shape. You'll do some seated and supine poses to start, then come to standing for a sequence that includes some balancing (so stand close to a wall for a bit of extra stability), before finishing off with more seated and supine poses. It's nice and slow to give you time to get a really good stretch - I hope you enjoy it.

Props needed: A blanket and a wall if needed.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 23 minutes

Emphasis: Enjoy this class of side-lying and seated poses which will stretch and strengthen legs and hips.

Props needed: A blanket and a yoga belt.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 13 minutes

Emphasis: Stretch your legs in this short seated class. Perfect if you've been walking, running, cycling or doing any other sport, it will stretch out those muscles that have been working so hard. Most of the poses are done in Wide Leg Forward Fold (Upavista Konasana), but there's a thigh stretch and a hip opener too.

Props needed: None needed except if you need a blanket or block to sit on.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 35 minutes

Emphasis: This class has sequences with repetitive movements to take you through backbends, forward bends and side bends.You'll move slowly, taking your time to feel your way through your body, cultivating your awareness and a slow, steady rhythm to your breath.

Props needed: A blanket to kneel on and possibly a belt for some of the backbends.

Mat direction: Short edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 32 minutes

Emphasis: The title of this class tells you all you need to know :-) You'll be focussing on stretching the backs of the legs and opening the hips in mostly seated and supine poses such as Garland Pose (Malasana), Half Splits (Ardha Hanumanasana) and Eye of the Needle Pose (Sucirandrasana) amongst others.

Props needed: A blanket to kneel on and blocks to sit on.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.

Duration: 25 minutes

Emphasis: Enjoy this relaxing class where most of the poses are done lying down, inviting you to breathe slowly and rest while stretching your body. Expect twists, leg stretches and a moving Cobra backbend.

Props needed: None needed unless you need a blanket for Savasana.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen. Please note: Many apologies but there were some issues with the microphone which means that there is some sound intereference in this class. I hope it doesn't detract from the practice itself and the benefits you'll get from it.

Duration: 15 minutes

Emphasis: In this class you'll move from top-to-toe gently moving the joints. Although you're probably familiar with them as I often include them as warm-ups in my classes, you might not know that these exercises are yoga poses. I rarely use their proper names - but they do have them - and I'll use them in this class. You can use this sequence as a stand-alone class - it's especially good to do first thing in the morning to get you moving - or as a warm-up before moving onto another activity or yoga class. Practise these movements often to help keep your joints mobile and healthy.

Props needed: None needed.

Mat direction: N/A.

Duration: 20 minutes

Emphasis: Take just 20 minutes to bring a little movement to your body. Especially good if you're tired, you've been sitting at a desk for hours and need a break or if you've only got 20 minutes for your practice. You'll do a little bit of everything - strengthening for your legs, mobility for your spine, flexibility for your hips and inner thighs plus a little bit of quietening for your mind.

Props needed: A sturdy chair.

Mat direction: N/A.

Duration: 51 minutes

Emphasis: The deep stretches in this class will help to keep you flexible, stretching connective tissues and improving joint mobility. The slow pace of the class and quiet spaces between the poses will help your nervous system relax and your mind to become still. Yin yoga is the perfect practice for the end of the day, allowing you to let go of all the busy-ness and set you up for a good night's sleep.

Props needed: None apart from a blanket for padding if required.

Mat direction: Long edge of the mat facing the screen.