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GROUP LESSONS​

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I teach 3 group classes each week:-

  • on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in St Saviour's Church Hall, Grand Drive, Raynes Park, SW20 9DL.

  • on Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in St James Church Hall, Martin Way, Wimbledon Chase/Merton Park, SM4 4AR

  • on Saturday mornings from 8:45 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. in St Saviour's Church Hall.

 

You are welcome to come on different days each week if that works better for you. Parking is easy at both venues. At St Saviour's Church Hall there is a car park (entrance on Church Walk - it's the car park on your right as you drive in) and free street parking. At St James Church Hall there is free street parking. There are toilets at both halls. If you are coming straight from work, there are areas in the halls where you can change in private. The locations of both halls are shown on the map below.

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The classes are suitable for all levels including beginners. In all classes (including Ashtanga yoga classes), I give verbal explanations of the poses as I demonstrate them. I give modifications for poses, if needed. You are welcome to ask a question if you're not sure about something.

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The Thursday and Saturday classes start with some breathing exercises (pranayama). We then do a warm up, including sun salutations, followed by various poses usually progressing to a more challenging pose. We finish with a guided relaxation/meditation (shavasana). Sometimes we do an Ashtanga yoga class.

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The Wednesday class has a different format. The first half is dynamic (sun salutations and then quite fast moving, holding poses for about 30 seconds like we do in an Ashtanga class). This half works on fitness, strength and balance. The second half is slow paced and floor based, working on flexibility. Fewer poses with longer holds - mainly Yin yoga. We finish with shavasana.

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  • Try out - £10 for your first class.

  • Drop in - £13 per class.

  • 5 week class pass - £50 for 5 credits to be used within 5 weeks of the first class you attend. This is a good option if you will be attending every week and sometimes more than once a week.

  • Flexible class pass - £55 for 5 credits to be used within 2 months of the first class you attend. This is the best option if you can't attend every week but still come frequently.

  • A rolling monthly membership pass (like a gym membership). For £65 per month you can attend as many classes as you'd like.

 

For the class passes, after the usage period expires, any unused credits will not be valid. If classes don't take place (I'm away, ill, etc), the usage period will be extended by the amount of time the classes don't take place. Credits can be used to attend the Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday classes.

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Please look through my health form (click here). By attending one of my classes, you are agreeing with the form.

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All classes must be booked and paid for in advance. If you'd like to come to a class, please get in touch. The full cost of the class will be payable, unless you cancel a booking before 5:30 p.m. for the evening classes or before 9 p.m. on Friday for the Saturday morning class.

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I bring a few spare mats, bricks, blocks and straps for students to use but, if you have them, please bring your own. If you decide to come regularly, I recommend bringing a mat, 2 bricks, a strap and a block, towel or blanket (which can be used as a knee pad or, in the colder months, for keeping warm during shavasana). If you'd like to buy any yoga equipment, you can buy it online or at somewhere like Decathlon.​

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Please get in touch if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you.

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Thanks, John

 

OTHER STUFF

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  • Please tell me in advance if you have any injuries, illnesses, medical conditions or are pregnant.

  • Congratulations if you are pregnant or have recently given birth, but my group classes are not suitable for you during this time. If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, please get in touch with one of the many teachers in London who specialise in pregnancy or postnatal yoga.

  • Respect your body's limits. You know your body better than anyone else and you should use your own judgement. If you are tired, take a break. If you are overstretching or feel a mild twinge, ease off. If you experience sharp pain, a sharp twinge or any joint pain, immediately come out of a pose. I can give you modifications for a pose.

  • We do sun salutations in every class. I have posted videos of them (including modified versions) on my Instagram and Facebook pages. You can find them by clicking here (Instagram) or here (Facebook). The Hatha sun salutation was posted on 25 February 2021 and the Ashtanga B sun salutation on 12 June 2021.

  • It is always ok to miss out poses or sun salutations or do a substitute pose. It is your practice.

  • Ideally you should not eat for 2 hours before practising yoga. A light snack is fine. Twists and bends can be uncomfortable with a full stomach!

  • It is best not to drink during your yoga practice, but it is fine if you do have a drink.

  • Wear comfortable clothes as if you were going to the gym. Ideally don't wear socks so you can get good grip on your mat.

  • Please turn your mobile phone to silent mode.

  • Feel free to ask questions.

  • Do not compare yourself to anyone else in the class. We all have different bodies and will find different things easier or harder.

  • Some days you will find it easier than other days to focus and do the poses. That is normal.

  • Above all, enjoy yourself and relax.

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