About Me
Whether its Yoga, Meditation, Qigong, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra or Barre workouts you’re interested in, I would love to help you.
I teach mixed ability classes and private one-to-ones, in person or via Zoom, in the Hatha Yoga tradition in a warm bright studio in Richmond … but with a few extras. My yoga teaching is infused with gentle somatic and Quigong movements, restorative yoga postures and Yoga Nidra.
Somatic yoga movements are simple, slow and relaxing movements which help to release chronic muscle tension such that the muscles, once released, stay released. Unlike traditional yoga which involves stretching the muscles, with somatics we use pandiculation (contraction of the muscle, followed by slow release and a relaxation pause). In this way, there is no Stretch Reflex which would cause an overstretched muscle to recoil to a state even tighter than before.
Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) is a form of guided meditation practiced lying down. I have found it excellent to help alleviate insomnia, stress and anxiety. I’ve practiced it for many years to recover from broken nights when my children were very young. I still find it very helpful throughout the perimenopausal years. I am currently working on creating Yoga Nidra recordings -varying in length from ten minutes (for a quick pick-me-up) to longer one- hour sessions to help you drift off to sleep.
Quigong, is an exercise and healing practice which, like yoga, works to quieten the mind, correct posture to allow free movement of energy, regulates the breath and creates awareness. These mindful movements are fluid and continuous.
If you have health conditions which you think may prevent you from practicing yoga ( bad knees, a bad heart, a bad back, osteoporosis, arthritis, recovering from cancer are a few that come to mind) – please contact me. Many of my students thought so too. I can show you that there is a way for you to enjoy the benefits of yoga, meditation, qigong and pranayama (the practice of breath control).
Barre workouts are low-impact, high intensity workouts designed to strengthen, tone and sculpt the whole body. It’s a workout which is set to dance music and which combines the precision of Pilates, the alignment of Yoga and the Lotte Berk Method, which combines the elements of dance, yoga and orthopedic back exercises. The muscles in each major muscle group are fatigues via small, targeted movements, high numbers of repetitions and light weight/resistance. In addition to building strength, the full body workout also develops balance, posture, agility, mobility and flexibility. Even if your primary focus is on getting ready for a race, Barre is a great and fun form of cross-training to maintain strength and all-round fitness. Personally, my running and cycling have improved since including Barre into my weekly routine.
My Philosophy
I believe the purpose of Yoga is to enhance the union between mind, breath and body in order to find a greater sense of peace, health and happiness in life off the mat.
Finding the balance between a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual experience in each class, regardless of the style, allows a person to release tension and trauma and build strength with serenity in this crazy, beautiful, mad world we live in.
Testimonials
“The best Yoga class around! I love it! Diana is so knowledgeable and patient. She holds the class in her large, open-plan loft room which is perfect and you have the option to Pay as you go or book/pay online.”
“Diana’s class is the best yoga class I have been too. This is due to Diana as a teacher, the class is relaxing and full filling. Each class is slightly different and is adapted to the pupils who attend. Diana has a wealth of knowledge and shares this through out the class. “
“Diana’s classes are excellent. She’s a very good teacher and always keen to adapt exercises to those in the class.”
“Hi Diana – I am so enjoying your classes. They are fantastic. Many thanks.”
“Diana is a great Yoga enthusiast, teacher and communicator. As a Yoga novice I have learnt so much about the balance of the body and mind during her classes and well as now being able to touch my toes!. The pace and individual attention is outstanding and would wholeheartedly recommend her class.”
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend anyone to join Diana’s yoga classes. Being a regular runner and cyclist it is lovely to take the time to slow down the pace of my usual exercise routine and gently stretch the muscles that have been doing lots of the hard work during the week. It is one of the highlights of my week – I love it!”
“This is a delightful class – with an excellent, careful and intuitive teacher. Diana ensures that we all have a good stretch, exercise all our muscles and come out feeling 2 inches taller than when we arrived. What more could one ask?”
Somatic Yoga Flow
A blend of slow yoga and somatic movements to increase mind/body awareness through breath and movement with an emphasis on relieving chronically tight muscles and improve flexibility.
Read MorePower Flow
A more energetic yoga session for active people (including runners and cyclists) – the emphasis being on synchronising movement and breath to develop strength and flexibility.
Read MoreYoga/Qigong Fusion
An immune-boosting yoga and qigong fusion class to invigorate and ground you for the rest of the day.
Read MoreON-DEMAND YOGA
Can never find a yoga class that fits in with your plans? Download and save a yoga class for a time that suits you. Try one of our pre-recorded on-demand Yoga Classes online.
Simply choose the class you fancy giving a go, book it online and save the class for a time and place where you can switch off and enjoy! No fuss, accessible and progressive Yoga classes in the comfort of your own home.
YOGA ON DEMAND ONLY £4.99 PER CLASS or £15p/m for unlimited access to all pre-recorded yoga classes and other exclusive content.
BOOK ONLINE OR VIA EMAILING info@slowandsomaticyoga.com
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