ground • breathe • release
Beginner’s Yoga - Where to Start
You are never too old, too stiff, too overweight or ‘too’ anything to begin Yoga. The only prerequisite for a group class is that you can get up and down from the ground and that you do not have any condition that prevents you from practicing. Props can be recruited to enable more comfort in certain positions and poses can be modified but it’s always best to have a conversation with Anneliese before signing up to ensure she can manage your condition.
Yoga can be a transformative practice, offering benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness. It can help manage stress, improve flexibility, increase strength, reduce menopausal symptoms and support overall wellbeing. However, finding the right approach to begin your practice can be challenging, especially if you’re dealing with specific concerns or conditions.
See below to find the right start for you…
It’s always good to learn something new or repeat something with a beginner's mind. It’s perfectly natural to want to begin lessons on your own, or with fellow beginners, so here are a few options available to you:
Private Tuition
Private tuition offers a tailored approach to Yoga, allowing for a personalised practice that meets you exactly where you are. Depending on your mobility and level of confidence, you can choose to work privately to complete a detailed Beginner’s Course (see below) or work intentionally with the body you inhabit now. Once you have gained confidence, you have the choice of continuing to work privately, or to join one of my small, weekly classes.
Personalised Attention: With private lessons, I can focus on your needs and tailor the practice to suit your current state, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, menopause or dealing with physical limitations.
Flexibility and Adaptability: If you struggle with getting up and down from the ground or cannot kneel for example, I can adapt poses and sequences to accommodate your abilities, ensuring you practice safely and effectively.
Focused Learning: For those who prefer this approach, private tuition can provide a more in-depth learning experience.
Pace Yourself: Take as long as you need to empower you to develop a sense of agency that can be applied in a class or as you continue working privately.
Prices
Initial Consultaion £75 allowing for up to 90 minutes.
Follow on Lessons £60 individually.
Block of 8 Consecutive Lessons £420.
“Finding Anneliese and Birchwood Yoga has been such a positive experience for me. Since I was new to yoga Anneliese suggested private lessons which gave me a good understanding of her teaching style and she immediately put me at ease. Not only have I become stronger in both mind and body, I have adopted mindfulness into my business.”
Beginner’s Slow Mindful Yoga Course
Very occasionally I offer a beginner’s course. However, if you prefer, you can take this course privately to develop confidence. You have the choice of joining a class after the first or second 8 week programme, or continuing with private tuition.
The first 8 weeks of the class will focus on foundational poses and breathing techniques encouraging you to improve.
The following 8 weeks delve into the 7 Attitudinal Foundations of Mindfulness woven through your practice and teach you how to meditate, empowering you to develop greater self awareness.
By singing up for my newsletter, you’ll also receive a free copy of the accompanying How to Meditate manual.
Through the weeks you will encounter ample repetition, ensuring you feel confident enough to participate in a regular class by the end.
Prices
Group Course £120 per 8 week block.
Privately - block of 8 Consecutive Lessons £420.
Recommendation: De-Stress Your Midlife Course
If you’re looking for a course specifically designed to address midlife challenges, my De-Stress Your Midlife course might be an excellent fit for you. This course is suitable for beginners and focuses on techniques to help manage stress and improve overall wellbeing during midlife transitions. The course delves deeper into techniques that progress you further and faster, enabling you to confidently join a regular class upon completion.
“The De-Stress your Midlife course really has changed my life for the better and inspired me to carry through Anneliese’s teachings into all areas of my life. I truly feel restored and more accepting of myself and I can’t rate Anneliese highly enough.”