Class Descriptions
Slow Flow
A slow-paced class, with static poses linked by slow movement. It is suitable for all levels, including beginners. Classes start and end with relaxation and mindfulness. Breath work is incorporated throughout.
Options are offered for all poses and the pace is adapted to each class. Props are provided as required to make poses more accessible.
£7 for a taster class. Drop-ins welcome. Blocks of 5 or 10 classes available.
See articles: A Beginners Guide to Yoga, Reasons to do Yoga, 7 Myths About Yoga and What my Yoga Students have Taught me
Vinyasa Flow
Vinyasa Flow is a moving form of yoga whereby all the poses are linked, using the breath to help you smoothly transition from one pose to the next. Poses are held for a short duration and the pace is adapted to each class. Modifications are offered for each pose and props are used if required to allow a pose to become accessible. Classes begin with a breath practice to calm the mind and end with a relaxation.
This is a dynamic class as it is moving constantly. It is suitable for those who can constantly get up and down from the mat. Beginners with a reasonable level of fitness welcome.
£7 taster class for your first class.
You are welcome to drop in to any of the classes without prior booking. For information contact me via email or mobile. Please come along 10 minutes before class to sign a short health declaration form.
Blocks of 5 and 10 classes available.
See Article Reasons to Do Yoga, to find out six reasons why you should take up yoga and why it is good for you.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga is a completely passive form of yoga offering you the opportunity to give yourself permission to rest in deep relaxation for the whole class. There are only a handful of poses which are held for a length of time to allow your body to open up and release tension. A calm and restful environment is provided to allow you to feel safe and ready to unwind. Professional yoga props including bolsters, blankets and eye pillows are all provided to make you as comfortable as possible.. It is beneficial for the mind as well as the body and is an antidote to a busy and active lifestyle. It is also the perfect compliment to Vinyasa Yoga.
Restorative Yoga is safe to practice with injuries. It is non weight bearing and your body is completely supported by props such as bolsters, blankets, and bricks. It is also stationary. Therefore, you are not creating any impact to exacerbate injuries: Is Restorative Yoga Good For You.
Restorative Yoga works on relieving stress. It does this by releasing the tension stored up in your body and thereby lowering cortisol levels, the chemical that floods your body when stressed. Does Restorativive Yoga burn Calories.
£12 for your first 90-minuteRestorative Yoga Class
Contact me for information via email or mobile or book now via the timetable
Booking is essential for Restorative Yoga as spaces are limited. Please note that classes will only be run with a minimum number of spaces filled. If this is your first class at Ellie Stafford Yoga, please arrive 10 minutes before start of class to complete a short health declaration form.
I am a qualified Advanced Restorative Yoga teacher. All the professional yoga props are provided, and the mats are laid out ready for you when you arrive.
Yin Yoga
Yin is a very gentle form of yoga, suitable for all levels, including beginners. It is static, with little to no movement.
Poses are held still for long periods, usually three to five minutes. The purpose is to reach deeply into a hold, targeting and releasing connective tissue surrounding the muscles. By focusing on your body and mind, the practice becomes very meditative.
A standalone practice or a compliment to Yang forms of yoga such as Flow and Hatha.
The poses are seated or lying down. You are invited to find your edge of discomfort in a pose and to back away, to a position where you are able to remain still in the pose for the duration of the hold. Part way through, you are asked to decide whether you want to go deeper into the pose or back away.
You are encouraged to become mindful and curious, and to listen to your own body, recognising when you can go deeper into a stretch or when you need to back off.
Props are available to support your poses, such as bolsters, blankets, straps and blocks. These enable you to sustain the pose for longer and to offer some support, as Yin is a practice which has levels of discomfort. Being honest with yourself is important and you will be guided in helping you to explore your own threshold.
At Ellie Stafford Yoga, Yin classes combine the physical holds with mindfulness, meditation, and breath work. See Timetable for Yin classes (fortnightly). I have undertaken specialist Yin Yoga training.
Seated Fitness
& Fun
Seated Fitness and Fun is an accessible, gentle and safe form of exercise. It helps to improve your flexibility, balance, strength and co-ordination. We create yoga inspired movement, using the breath to help guide us,
The class is seated and an option is given to come out of the chair for part of the class, using it for support. Classes begin and end with mindfulness and breath work, to calm and soothe the mind and body. In-between, expect some music and laughter.
No yoga experience required! We celebrate what you can do in your practice, rather than focus on what you can’t do.
Class: Tuesdays 10am in Churchdown – see Contact details for venues.
£5 for a taster class.
See Why Yoga for Seniors for reasons to take up yoga in your senior years.
Seated Fitness and Fun is also offered at the Charcot Therapy Centre: https://thecharcot.org.uk/therapies-and-services/. Charcot is a centre specialising in supporting anyone with a neurological or chronic health condition. This class is suitable for those who have mobility issues and wheelchair users are welcome. Suitable for all ages and ability. Contact the Charcot Therapy Centre to book and join the class: https://thecharcot.org.uk/contact-us/. Alternatively, email Ellie for further details: ellie@elliestaffordyoga.co.uk.
Gentle Stretch and Restore
A very gentle class with a focus on a handful of mat based, mainly static poses to stretch and supported poses to ease tension and restore. We work on our flexibility, balance, strength and co-ordination. Incorporating breath work, mindfulness and meditation throughout. Suitable for all levels, particularly for those looking for a much slower pace.
£7 taster class for your first class.
Private Classes
Tailor made classes are available to suit your space and requirements. Yoga and mindfulness can be combined to fit into your lunch break or after working hours. It may be a mat based class in the canteen or meeting room. Alternatively, a chair yoga session held at your desk, providing the phones are switched to silent! Contact me to discuss your requirements.
One to One Teaching
Yoga is most beneficial when undertaken in a group, where you build up energy and warmth in the room. It is a non-competitive form of exercise, but you gain by challenging yourself and aspiring to improve your practice more when you see others in practice.
However, there are reasons where some may wish to have individually tailored sessions to address specific issues such as health conditions or physical limitations. Or you may simply want a few private sessions to build up your confidence before going to a group class.
I offer 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1 sessions for 45, 60 or 75 minutes. The price will vary according to the number of people and location i.e. cost of room hire if applicable. Contact me to discuss your requirements.
