About My Classes

In most Yoga 7 classes you will experience the benefits of proper breathing techniques such as deep abdominal breathing and alternate nostril breathing (anuloma viloma). The postures are tailored to suit all levels and so you would take the higher or lower option depending on how you feel on the day. The postures vary with a focus on different parts of the body, although the whole body is used within each class. Each yoga class always ends with a guided relaxation of 20 minutes.

About Claire

I qualified as a yoga teacher in 2012, but yoga has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Since being certified by the International Yoga Alliance, I can honestly say that I love going to work everyday.

I was introduced to the asana (postures) practise of yoga in the late 1970’s by my mother and, as a young girl with a talent for sport and enthusiasm for physical education, I found them relatively easy to do at the ripe old age of 10. However, one of things I love about yoga is that you can start at any age and the advantages are endless. It’s a lifestyle choice, and one that can drastically improve your quality of life, both physically and mentally, whether you start at 8 or 80.

It is the teacher foremost duty to give you back your intelligence, to return to you your heart, to encourage you to access yourself. They do this by being who they really are and by being completely honest and compassionate with you. – Richard Freeman

None of the styles of yoga I had practised before becoming a teacher had focused much on pranayama (breathing techniques). I was introduced to Pranayama by an Indian Catholic Priest when I was working as a Youth Officer for the Church. I have found the benefits of regular pranayama, especially the advanced breathing techniques such as Kapalabhati, to be astounding and I incorporate them into most classes.

I am not hyper mobile and so have a regular body and am and always will be unable to do certain postures. I had a fractured pelvis and torn ligaments in both knees to can empathise with any injuries as well as adapting postures to suit each body via accessible yoga training.

Yoga for me is a physical practise that uses the physical to go beyond the physical. I find like with most physical exercise I am calmer and more centred after practise. I tried meditation and mindfulness at various retreats in my 20’s and 30’s but instead of achieving a peaceful or blissful state, I just became more frustrated. I was encouraged to try walking as a form of meditation and to continue practising  postures which I have done ever since. Everyone is different, and you can only find out what works for you by giving things a try. Through a regular Yoga practise I am now able to comfortable be still and meditate for up to half an hour a day, given the time.

For me, the more I practice yoga, the more I want to do it.  I am committed to being on top of the latest developments in Yoga and annually participate in various yoga training to ensure my continued professional development. My most recent training has been in Accessible Yoga and Pregnancy and Yoga, Teen  and Kids Yoga and a teacher training refresher course which has equipped me with over 300 hours of Yoga Training as recognised by the Yoga Alliance International. It has been a privilege to have taught over 10,000 hours during the last 10 year, and  I am considered a Senior Yoga Teacher, not only in age, but teaching experience too.

Why don’t you see what yoga at Yoga 7 can do for you?