Welcome to The Yoga and Wellness Clan!
Here at the Clan, we feel truly passionate about the positive impact yoga can have on both mental and physical wellness.
Our aim is to create a community of people (clan, if you will!) who want to come together to connect with their breath, move their bodies and find some stillness between the hustle and bustle of life.
In the modern western world, Yoga is most commonly viewed as a form of exercise but it really goes so much deeper than that. The word ‘yoga’ comes from the Sanskrit word to unite, and refers to the union of the mind, body and soul. Historically, the reason to practice asana, or physical postures, was to make the body strong, supple and flexible in order to allow the practitioner to sit in meditation for several hours, so really, exercise is only a by-product of the main goal of yoga.
There is a common misconception that some people are ‘good’ at yoga because they can do an advanced posture, or some people are ‘bad’ at yoga because they can't touch their toes. This kind of narrative takes us away from the true essence of yoga, of being able sit comfortably in stillness and be present in the mind and body.
Whatever your reasons for starting to practice yoga, one thing for sure, is that yoga will teach you to tune into, and listen to, what your body is asking for; some days that may a dynamic flow that fires up every muscle in your body, other days you may just simply sit.
If you can sit and breathe, you can do yoga.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha is the foundation of all asana (physical postures)
This particular practice is all about bringing balance to the body through the practice of asana, pranayama (breath work) and meditation.
Postures are held statically for a number of breaths, so it is a great way to build strong foundations, bring focus to the mind and awareness to the body.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa derives from Hatha (as does any yoga practice that involves physical postures), however this form of yoga links breath with movement as opposed to holding the same posture for several breaths.
This is a dynamic style of yoga where we move from one asana to the next in a flowing sequence.
Join me for my mixed ability class on a Saturday morning in Loughton
Pregnancy Yoga
Practicing yoga during pregnancy is a great way to support your changing body by gently building strength and improving flexibility.
Research has also shown that practicing yoga during pregnancy can reduce pregnancy related stress, anxiety and depression.
A wonderful way to connect with your baby and prepare for a positive birth experience.
Join me on a Saturday morning in Loughton or a Tuesday evening in Epping
Postnatal Yoga
Pregnancy and birth is the biggest transformation the female body goes through, and we should not put pressure on ourselves to get our bodies back to their pre pregnancy state (let's face it, life with a new born is tough enough without stressing about whether we can get back into a pair of jeans!)
However, we can support recovery by gently building strength in the areas that naturally become weaker, stretching the areas that become tighter to prevent pain or injury.
Yoga is a great way to find a moment of calm, return to your breath and release any built up tension in body and mind.
Join me for my weekly postnatal session on a Thursday morning with time for a cuppa and chats with other mums afterwards
1-2-1 and Private Group Classes
1-2-1 classes are a great option if you would like a tailer-made session to focus on something specific.
Private group classes are a lovely way to practice with family and friends, whether you want to book for regular sessions, or a one-off as alternative celebration such as birthdays, hen party, etc. I will tailor the flow to suit the occasion.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss booking and availability for a 1-2-1 and private sessions.
Corporate Yoga Classes
We are all well aware of the impact sitting at a desk and staring at a screen all day can have on our bodies and minds.
When employers invest in the physical and mental wellbeing of their people, they feel more valued, and are less likely to need time off for stress related illnesses.
If you would like to join the many companies serious about looking after their staff, please contact me about coming to host classes in your workplace.
Saturday 10.30am
Prenatal Yoga
LifeWorks Studio
Loughton Methodist Church
260 High Road
Loughton
IG10 1RB
For 1-2-1, small group or corporate classes, please contact directly for availability
"This is one of the best yoga classes I've ever done. Amie is such a wonderful instructor and the classes have a lovely flow. I'd highly recommend"
Freya, attends Yoga Flow class, Loughton
“I went to Amie's prenatal yoga classes from 12 weeks right up until my due date. I looked forward to them every week, a calm little oasis! I always felt so good afterwards and it really helped all the odd aches and pains from pregnancy! She is so knowledgeable and always making any adjustments you need. The hypnobirthing part of the class was brilliant too and definitely helped me in having a calm, quick and drug free birth ❤️”
Laura N, attended Pregnancy Yoga at Fringe Yoga, Epping
“I thoroughly enjoyed Amie’s yoga classes. I went to Amie’s postnatal classes after my first was born, and antenatal classes in the lead up to the birth of my second. Amie is such a patient and kind teacher and I always felt so positive and calm after each class - thank you!”
Laura S, attended Pregnancy and Postnatal Yoga in Loughton
“I joined Amie’s yoga class early in pregnancy and it was the highlight of my week! It was an amazing place to go and relax, meet up with other mums-to-be and a place to share any fears/worries/questions/positivity. Amie always takes the time to check in with all the mums, have open discussions, give advice. She cares about each person that walks through the door. Would recommend every pregnant woman goes to her class! I miss it now I’ve had my baby, but looking forward to the post birth meet ups!!”
Alexandra, attended Pregnancy Yoga in Loughton and Fringe Yoga, Epping
“I came to Amie’s prenatal yoga from about 21 wks as I was suffering with a lot of lower back pain. Not only did she help me with that showing me some great techniques to relive the pain, but also helped me with a lot of other issues. She also teaches you breathing & pelvic floor exercises which I never realised would be so important! She really did help me to have positive birthing experience, thank you Amie! X”
Lisa, attended Pregnancy Yoga at Fringe Yoga, Epping
“Amie is an amazing teacher and an amazing person! I absolutely loved pregnancy classes with her. They really helped me with focusing and centring your mind. She was always going above and beyond to deliver excellent sessions and being a font of knowledge for pregnancy and labour, sharing really useful information, books to read, music, relaxations techniques, advice and tips.
Thank you for all your support in the lead-up to my birth. You really helped me get myself into a positive mindset ahead of time, I felt empowered and fearless.”
Sonia, attended Pregnancy Yoga at Fringe Yoga, Epping
“I loved Amie's prenatal yoga class. It was just the right mix of yoga stretches with some relaxing meditation. Amie created a really lovely atmosphere which made chatting to the other mums-to-be easy and she had lots of tips to help with labour.”
Hayley, attended Pregnancy Yoga at Fringe Yoga, Epping
“I absolutely adored Amie’s pregnancy yoga class and missed it so much once I had given birth. The class itself is a perfect combination of movement and breathing no matter what stage of pregnancy you are at. Amie also creates a safe and comforting atmosphere to chat through any thoughts or concerns about pregnancy and birth and has invaluable advice and words of wisdom.”
Grace, attended Pregnancy Yoga at Fringe Yoga, Epping
“I honestly can’t tell you how helpful yoga has been, love your classes and wish I’d started them way earlier!”
Jen, Pregnancy Yoga, Loughton
“Thank you so much for the wonderful practice, I felt so good afterwards xx”
Nicky, Yoga Flow class, Loughton
“Thank you so much for the class this morning, I feel so zen, it was exactly what I needed ❤️ X”
Alexa, Yoga Flow class, Loughton
“I found Amie’s prenatal yoga classes to be exactly what I needed during my pregnancy, as I had experienced pregnancy loss in the past and was feeling increasingly anxious. Amie leads her classes in such a calm and gentle way, with a holistic mind and body approach, and this provided a great feeling of serenity. Those Saturday mornings were priceless and allowed me to focus and be still.”
Catriona, attended Pregnancy Yoga in Loughton
“I loved Amie's prenatal yoga classes and they became the highlight of my week - a chance to fully relax and bond with my bump. The hypnobirthing, breathing and visualisation I found relaxing at the time but proved to be invaluable when I used them through my very quick, intense birth and to keep me calm in theatre post birth. Amie is a great teacher and all-round wonderful person who has created a real community of new mums. ♥️”
Nat, attended Pregnancy Yoga in Loughton
“I loved attending Amie’s pregnancy yoga classes in the build up to my birth, it was such a relaxing, informative class. It really helped give me confidence ahead of my birth and I pick up some great tips and methods I could put into practice on the big day! Amie is such a lovely person, always willing to offer advice and makes the class such a welcoming and friendly space!”
Faye, attended Pregnancy Yoga in Loughton