September: a new month, a new season; a new yoga focus
September is bringing a focus on the chest and shoulders to help improve strength and mobility for better posture. Expect to feel taller, more open across the front of the chest and much stronger in the upper back muscles which helps relieve tired, stressed shoulders. Feeling more open across the chest is helpful to improve our lung capacity which is beneficial for building stamina and reducing stress by breathing deeper and stronger.
Chest-openers can also been classed as back-bending and for most of us, we’re already strong in the lower back and this is where we can also typically feel pain and need some relief.
In my classes and the workshop, I’ll teach you how to focus more on finding movement in the upper and mid part of the back, whilst looking after the lower part of the back.
Understanding our shoulders and the role they play in chest-openers can be really helpful when approaching backbends.
Need a new Yoga Mat or Yoga props or accessories? Get 15% discount off Manduka
Need a new Yoga Mat? Grab 15% discount off Manduka UK with my code. Use anytime.
July focus this month is all about legs, glutes and feet!
July is going to allow us to focus on the lower part of the body - legs, glutes and feet.
It’s been great to see so many of you showing up live. Especially in the heat of this last week!
So let’s dive into July and feel the burn from strength building.
Asking questions, exploring our hip focus through the month and feeling those small shifts in our bodies over time.
It’s actually the consistency of showing up that compounds, over the effort you bring.
What we’re building, together, in June - inside the online Yoga and Strength Membership
June focus - what’s coming up:
May has been a lovely reminder of what makes this Membership special.
It’s not just the classes themselves but the rhythm of showing up.
Together.
It’s been great to see so many of you showing up.
Consistently.
Asking questions, exploring our hip focus through the month and feeling those small shifts in our bodies over time.
It’s actually the consistency of showing up that compounds, over the effort you bring.
Workplace Wellbeing your Team will actually use
Most people don’t realise how much modern life is shaping their body…
Until it’s too late.
Desk work.
Phones.
Driving.
Stress.
Repetition.
Over time, the body adapts.
Hips tighten.
Shoulders round forward.
The chest collapses.
Core strength weakens.
Breathing becomes shallow.
Then we wonder why everything feels stiff, tired or uncomfortable.
Hip-opening Yoga - What to expect this May
May has focus. And it’s all about the hips!
Complicated joints which means plenty to learn, explore and open.
Not more noise. More intention.
We’re training with structure. Clear themes. Short, consistent sessions. Space to connect. Because consistency beats intensity. And structure beats willpower.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, regularly.
Peace takes Time
I like the simplicity of sitting and in theory ‘doing nothing’ but it’s something I’ve always struggled with. We often hear words like ‘silence’ or ‘peace’ but I find the world and my mind extremely noisy. Most of the time!
I was reflecting on what my meditation practice means or feels like to me.
When I start my meditation practice, I’m aware of how fidgety I am.
Even when I’m trying ‘so hard’ to sit still.
Why your Core Matters
Strength. Stability. Posture.
Think of your core as your tree trunk. Above the hips and below the shoulders.
It needs to be strong and solid.
To withstand everything that we do day-to-day.
When we don’t look after all the muscles that make up the core, it’s usually the other, typically smaller muscles that take the toll.
They compensate and take on more and more.
We feel tight shoulders, sore neck, achy hips and pain in the back.
Yoga is a great tool to actually work on all of your core muscles.
UK North Wales Yoga Retreat - Weekend Schedule
A gentle, structured weekend of yoga, nourishing food and time in nature — with plenty of space to slow down and reset.
Retreats are one of my favourite things to run.
They give us the space to step away from the usual routine, move our bodies in a more thoughtful way, and properly switch off — something that’s often hard to do in day-to-day life.
Alongside yoga, I bring in my love of plant-based food, sharing simple, nourishing meals that support how you want to feel over the weekend.
It’s always a relaxed, friendly environment.
Many people come on their own, and by the end of the weekend, it never feels that way.
Recipe: Chai Tea
This is a really delicious drink to share with friends. This recipe makes a nice big batch, so you can always keep it in the fridge for a day or two to warm up when you need it. I often add this chai tea milk to my porridge in the morning for a slightly, spiced, creamy breakfast.
Yoga Workshop: Re-balance your Body at the Walled Garden School
On Friday 17th April there will be a day of yoga Workshop with Emma at the Walled Garden School in Hawarden, North Wales. In the morning there will be a guided yoga session to warm up the body and increase body awareness. Then after a break for lunch on the terrace, there will be a two hour Yoga Workshop in the afternoon.
Recipe: Chocolate orange black bean cookies
Try this version of my chocolate cookies. They are delicious and gluton free.
Introducing Dawn, an Online Member
Hi, I'm Dawn. I am over 50 (much nearer 60!) and I live with Adrian and Alfie, the yoga cat!
Meet Daniela, one of our Online Members
Hi I’m Daniela, I’m 41 (42 in August!). I live in Hawarden with my husband and my 2 children (aged 11 and 7).
Recipe: Morning Soaked Oats or Porridge
This is a really great way to consume a huge diversity of plants into your first meal of the day. You can batch make this in advance and keep in a large kilner jar to just grab each morning. Either heat a cup full first thing with some of your favourite milk to make a warming porridge or soak with milk the evening before in the fridge for a delicious soaked oats pot to take on the go.
April Yoga - What to expect
April has focus.
Not more classes. Not more noise. More intention.
This month we’re training with structure. Clear themes. Short, consistent sessions. Space to connect. Because consistency beats intensity. And structure beats willpower.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things, regularly.
Class Structure for Spring
March is really starting to feel like we’re on the right track…the yoga and core membership has settled into a really nice rhythm — simpler, more structured and easier to stay consistent with.
Chana Saag Curry Recipe
Indian food is a great way to eat more plant-based food so I thought I would share my Chana Saag Curry recipe with you. Also by creating your own dish you are ensuring that you are avoiding potential nasties that can be added, hidden in a jar or packet.
Here’s to brighter mornings…and less decisions
Join our Yoga and Core Membership and see what shifts:
You no longer feel weak in the body.
Your muscles don’t feel tight or achy.
You sit up taller.
You run faster.
Your body tones up.
Your nervous system settles.
Your focus improves.
Your posture shifts.
Your confidence rises.
This is what we’re building…
This yoga and core membership isn’t about intensity.
It’s about structure.
Short, live sessions.
Strength that compounds.
Breath work that steadies the nervous system.
Showing up, little and often.