In this section: Yoga | Pilates

We usually run two exercises classes a day; a yoga class in the morning and a Pilates class in the early evening.  These generally take place outdoors.  Classes are taught by well-qualified teachers and are suitable for all fitness abilities.

The weather is usually lovely so the classes are held outdoors, either on grass or by the pool.  The precise timing depends on how hot the weather is: the yoga class usually starts around 8:00 to 8:30am and the Pilates class is around 6:00pm. Suitable modifications of more difficult exercises are given for beginners and less-experienced participants. All equipment - mats, pads, bricks, blocks, bands, balls and straps are provided.

 

Our yoga classes can best be described as “General Hatha / Vinyasa”.   Our broad aim is to sequence a series of postures with interlinking transitional movements and synchronized breathing.  At some points we might focus for a few minutes on a single posture, at other times we will link together a series of postures into a more flowing sequence. 

This style is not as rigorous in respect to alignment as, say, Iyengar yoga, but it is also not as strenuous as Astanga.  Each class has a slightly different theme.  On some days, the aim will be to energize the body more by using flowing sequences; in other cases we might focus on an area such as hip openers or balancing poses; or our class might be more gentle and restorative. 

Each class typically last about for about 75mins, including relaxation time at the end. 

Our yoga classes are taught by either external teachers brought in for a specific week or by Jonathan.  Jonathan has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and took his teacher training course with Elena Voyce at “Teach Yoga” in London

We are pleased to announce that we will be joined for four weeks over the summer by Camille Litalien, an exceptional yoga teacher based in London. Camille will be teaching on the following breaks

w/c	June 28th	Chateau de Rodie, Lot and Garonne France
w/c	Aug 16th	Villa Treppie, Tuscany, Italy
	Aug 23rd
	Aug 30th

During these weeks, Camille will teach two yoga classes each day rather than our usual programme of yoga and Pilates (though Linda will also be available for Pilates one-on-one sessions) For more information on Camille’s yoga, visit www.camille-yoga.co.uk

Jonathan is also available for additional one-on-one yoga sessions on any other aspect of yoga that you might wish to explore.

 

We see Pilates as the ideal compliment to our yoga classes.  While yoga exercises a wide range of body areas, Pilates is more focused on the core areas of the abdominals and lower back, which is often put under particular strain by our Western lifestyle.  Pilates uses precise exercises to stretch and strengthen the body, and enhances the posture, strength, flexibility, balance and stability of the practitioner.

Each class will focus on core strength and stability, flexibility and muscle toning, improved posture and balance, with Linda ensuring that each exercise is performed correctly and that all participants receive suitable tuition.

Linda is a very experienced Pilates teacher and has taught over 1,200 classes.  She currently teaches over 350 classes a year together with additional one-on-one sessions.  Linda is a certified STOTT PILATES® instructor who trained with and works at Active Pilates, Oxford, the principal STOTT centre in Oxfordshire.  She is also a fully trained fitness instructor. 

Her own website is at www.linda-riley-pilates.co.uk.

Each class typically lasts for 60 minutes and is the perfect early evening activity prior to a leisurely dinner!

Linda is also available for additional one-on-one sessions each week.  These will include a full postural analysis and the design of an appropriate exercise routine based on the findings of this analysis.