what is yoga?

Yoga can be different things to different people.  For some it is a system of physical fitness that encompasses aspects of strength and flexibility; for others it is a meditation, an essential antidote to the stress and hurry of a busy modern life.  

Yoga can be the thing that allows you to get a good night's sleep, or the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning.  Yoga can be the thing that reduces your anxiety, or the thing that lifts you out of a depression.  

Yoga can be the thing that takes your mind off your troubles, or the thing that helps you process your issues and alter your life so that the troubles don't keep happening.  

Feel Now Yoga's philosophy is inclusive, not exclusive. Debbie and Ross work with everyone from those with profound disabilities to professional athletes & Yoga teachers; from university students through to great grandparents. The principles of feel now yoga can be applied to anyone because we teach Somatic Yoga.

Somatic Yoga invites you to tune into how you feel and let that guide you how to move your body. Rather than trying to make a perfect shape, our classes are about improving movement and reducing pain.

The best way of finding out what yoga can be for you is to give it a try. 

For a more philosophical, poetic and personal interpretation of what yoga is by Feel Now Yoga Elder, Debbie Farrar click here.

On this page you will find the following advice:

• How to find the class that is right for you

• What to wear

• What to bring with you

• Common concerns

Finding the class that's right for you

We teach 3 types of Somatic Yoga classes; Therapeutic, Functional and Dynamic. These are not difficulty levels, they are styles of practice. Many people who have fast paced, high stress lives, struggle most with the slower Therapeutic classes. However, these relaxing classes might be just what they need. So if the Therapeutic classes do feel too slow for you, perhaps the Dynamic classes would be your beginners class, and the Therapeutic classes would be something to work towards? However, if you have any muscular, joint or medical issues, we recommend that you stick with Therapeutic yoga until you are back to full physical health, regardless of how slow you think it is!

If you are in any doubt about your suitability for any class call Ross on 07734 628278 or Debbie on 07940 594374.

Another option for getting started is to book a private yoga session.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

What do I wear?  Do I need to bring anything with me?

These are all friendly, down to earth, unpretentious classes where you are as welcome in your pyjamas as you are in designer clobber!   We tend to wear comfy lounge clothes ourselves.  Whatever you wear, you will need to be comfortable & unrestricted so leggings or joggers are ideal.  Layers are good as you can take them off when you warm up and put them back on for the relaxation at the end.  It is a good idea to bring a blanket with you for the relaxation too.  Due to covid, we are currently not lending out mats, so please bring your own yoga mat with you to in person and online classes.  

Common Concerns

Can I still do yoga if I am stiff?  Yes! Yoga is not just for bendy people. Indeed, bendy people often use yoga to strengthen their joints. Our beginners classes are not showy. They are not about making fancy shapes. They are about treating the body with respect and kindness. We start with gentle, small movements and gradually build upon these slowly and mindfully. That's what makes the classes so relaxing!

I have joint problems, will yoga be OK for me?  Yes! But be careful what type of yoga you choose.  Any style of yoga that places more importance on what shape you make than how your joints feel, will probably do your joints more harm than good. You need to focus on improving functionality & health rather than making fancy shapes, and will be better served by a slow paced somatic therapeutic class. The following therapeutic yoga classes with Debbie will be ideal for you:

Monday 12-1pm @ Brampton Community Centre or ONLINE

Tuesday 7-8pm & Friday 10-11am ONLINE

I’m new to yoga but I’m physically fit and active and have done mind / body exercise classes before. Do I need to start with a beginner’s class? No. You are welcome to join in with Debbie’s Dynamic Yoga Classes on Monday or Wednesday nights.

Monday 7.30-8.30pm @ DownAgate Community Centre, Warwick Bridge or ONLINE

Wednesday 7-8pm ONLINE

I get easily bored & distracted, I can't relax, do I need to stay for the relaxation at the end?  No. But the only way to get better at something is to practice it. We start the session with a short relaxation, and finish with a longer relaxation, so you get to try it a little at the beginning. If you find yourself fidgety, that is normal at first. All things will only improve with practice. You can always leave before the relaxation at the end if you ever need to. Actually, its always OK to walk out of any class (or anything you do for that matter) at any time. We all go through stressful periods, so we know what its like and no one will judge you if you fidget, leave or snore in the relaxation!  Please be yourself at all times.