Quercus Yoga Pitton

Calm, Strength, Flexibility and Alignment
Feel the difference.

Step on your mat and take it one breath at a time

Classes

Classes cost £14. Or you can buy a Class Pass for five or ten lessons (£60 or £120). You can use these in any class. They have an expiry date of 6 months/12 months respectively. Private lessons £70 (1hr).

Private 1:2:1 lessons, Introduction to Yoga workshops, and yoga in your workplace. Please email for further details of these.

Click here to register, view timetable and book classes

I'm a 1000+ hr yoga Yoga Alliance teacher. I don't teach in gyms or big commercial centres. I have my own small yoga studio, where the focus is on how you feel practicing yoga, not what you look like while you're doing it. I'm trained to teach the Baptiste style of Vinyasa yoga. The emphasis is on awakening and empowering. Whether you are a complete beginner, or prefer slow vinyasa (there is a lot to be said for a slower practice, it can be very powerful!) or a more energetic and dynamic vinyasa session, I encourage you to listen to your body and find what works for you. I am also a qualified Yin yoga teacher, and a member of Yoga Alliance Global.

The studio is in Pitton, Wiltshire, SP5 1DH. I offer classes in the morning, evening and live online. Private lessons by arrangement. I'm an experienced, approachable, empathetic yoga teacher and have a wonderful community of friendly yogis of all ages, from beginners to seasoned yogis with an established practice. No confusing terminology. Lots of modifications, rest when you need to, power up when you want to.

Introduction to Yoga

So often people are timid about coming to a yoga class because there is a misconception it's all about touching your toes or folding yourself up like a pretzel. Some may feel out of their comfort zone just turning up at a yoga class - I understand this. This class is for absolute beginners (or anyone wanting a technique refresher) and will start to build your confidence. It will include fundamentals like breathing, grounding, alignment and a handful of very common asanas which you will come across in almost every yoga class.

At the moment this class is not a regular one on the timetable, I tend to put it on every few weeks or months. You would get a heads up about it by email if you are on my database.

Yin

One the first Wednesday of each month. A luxurious pause in stillness, silence and a deep release of our muscles and stiff clunky bits. In Yin Yoga we focus on stillness. We find our "edge" and pause there for a length of time. The magic starts to happen with the time spent in our body in that position, not the depth to which we've moved into it. Held on the first Wed of each month.

It’s a low energy practice, mat based. Ideal if you’re feeling tired. Yin revitalises our chi (energy) by stimulating our meridians (energy pathways) and organs. We move gently into position and hold there for three to five minutes. We use props to support us (like bolsters, cushions, blankets). You can bring a blanket and an eye pillow, and we usually do this one by candlelight.

Vinyasa

Pause, ground down, settle on your mat. Switch off mentally and connect with your breath. We flow through a sequence of asanas, with our breath. Starting with warming sun salutations followed by asanas to strengthen, soften, balance, twist and stretch.. Tuning in to how our body and mind react as we hold. Designed to warm, stretch and align your body, to get you moving. You can take it slowly (slow can still be powerful) and use lots of props, or up the energy if you feel that's what you need. Rest when you need to. Ends with a deliciously relaxing savasanna.

The "feel" of this class changes with the seasons - in autumn and winter our focus and energy is different to that of spring and summer. And we honour this and respond accordingly.

Steady Strength Yoga

Suitable for anyone but especially good for older bodies, injured bodies or ones that haven’t been to yoga for absolutely ages. Or indeed, never tried it! Chair or mat options.

The emphasis is on functional strength, balance and longevity – while staying safe, and doing it in a supportive and empowering way. We practice all the really important aspects of yoga like breath work (which calms our central nervous system and relaxes us) and plenty of wonderfully detoxifying twisting and stretching. Taught in a way which is accessible yet physically engaging.

There will be the option to use a chair if you find getting down on the floor and up again challenging.. Although you will be moving your body in a different way to the people lying on a yoga mat, you are still accessing the same muscle groups.

Your Yoga Journey

Yoga is hugely beneficial physically, it’s a lovely way to get strong and flexible. But the physical movements in yoga (the “asanas”) are only part of it. Yoga helps us mentally and emotionally too. Even our breath control in yoga helps us to reduce stress levels. By breathing deeply and rhythmically it tells our brain we are safe, we are in control. Yoga means to "yoke" or to bind together - it's a holistic practice.

It’s important to find time to put yourself first and rest, relax and recuperate. You can do just that, or if you prefer, you can push your boundaries, create energy and see how you feel, see what happens. Listen to your body, talk to your body. Ask it what it wants. Then let it show you. Respect it enough to listen.

Know that what your body needs will vary hugely from day to day, week to week. Be kind to yourself, don’t stress about it.

“Yoga is a perfectly imperfect practice, and the very next day we may hit a plateau that can slow us down or even stall us indefinitely. You know you have flow in your practice when you reach such a plateau and don't automatically react with frustration and anger.” Baron Baptiste, Perfectly Imperfect: The Art and Soul of Yoga Practice

I believe kindness is key. As is compassion, empathy and making you feel safe and empowered. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or you're a seasoned yogi, we are all a work in progress. In fact, as a teacher I am still working on my own yoga practice so I’m able to share with you how I learned to approach the asanas I found challenging. And I can also share why I don't give a damn that my Crow doesn't fly :)

It’s not about how "good" you are at yoga, or how you look in a "pose". No, it’s about how yoga can make you FEEL and what you learn about yourself while you move into that asana. No judgement, just the opportunity to grow with like minded people. And have fun.

Yoga helps to calm the nervous system and can reduce stress and anxiety. Simply by doing breathing exercises, your “pranayama” (breath control) helps your mind to relax and become more focused. It can even help you develop a better quality of sleep.

What's holding you back? The most common statements I hear are:

I’m not flexible enough; I’m too old; I have a bad back/knee/wrist; It’s just for women; its just about stretching; I can’t switch off; I’m not good enough. I'm scared I'll make a fool of myself. It's really common to feel like this to begin with. BUT ... Whatever stage you are at in your life, there is a form of yoga for you.

I would love to meet you.

Nicky

My Yoga Journey

I spent years working on average 12 hour days in a corporate job in the legal industry. I had a very grown up job title and a good salary. A voice inside me told me I should be pleased, I should be chuffed at my “achievements”. I ought to be excited. But inside I was unhappy. I was permanently anxious, bored and very low. I felt like a fraud. I had imposter syndrome. But I carried on, too scared to step away from what I knew, and constantly wanting people I knew to be proud of me. I was so stressed out because none of this was the real me. I wasn’t being authentic. I now know that that’s unsustainable. The fallout can be awful. And what a ghastly way to measure myself that was!

My back hurt, I was overweight, drinking too much wine, grazing on sugary rubbish at my desk. I’d gone up three dress sizes and whilst I smiled and twinkled in my sparkly armour and my red lipstick, my confidence was actually at rock bottom. I was tired. Really tired.

Then I met a yoga instructor who I connected with …. I was struck by her kindness. And she exuded such strength yet gentleness. Her own story resonated with me enormously. The importance she placed on the mental and emotional elements of yoga really helped me to “get it” which enabled me to start a new journey myself by learning yoga – and I got hooked! Here was something I could do which made me feel better immediately. Not only did I feel a difference, but I could see a difference. Very quickly.

After practicing with her yoga sanctuary for a year, I signed up to train as a yoga teacher and become a Yoga Alliance Global instructor. It was the most intensive, exhausting, exhiliarating and wonderful experience.

I loved feeling my body grow in strength and flexibility, but the physical fitness was a by-product. I was doing something I really enjoyed and was really getting to know myself along the way. It helped enormously with head space and unclenching my head after years of stress, both work and life related. Yoga is something I will continue to practice for the rest of my life.

It also gave me the confidence to tackle painful lower-back issues which I’d had for years (caused by my lifestyle) rather than be ruled by them. It made me feel empowered. Made me realise that actually it was ok to step back and have a complete change of lifestyle. It helped me lose weight and tone up. It helped me to learn more about me, understand my gremlins and the newfound strength and flexibility improved my posture and alignment.

It’s called a yoga practice for good reason – we continue to practice. If you can't do a headstand or crow pose, or if you find downward dog difficult - it really doesn't matter. These physical poses are such a small part of yoga. It's much more important to show up. Show up consistently. Show up for yourself.

Click here to view timetable and book classes, both Studio or Online

Yoga in the garden

Testimonials

"I Can’t believe how much things change having a baby! My body moves so different and feels so different. Your class is exactly what I need to get me back and moving, the power of zoom is amazing letting me have the experience of your gentle nurturing class, I have missed your teaching!

It’s your voice and smile that is the tonic, you only needed to smile and say hello and I instantly felt more relaxed ..."

"... you are so good at explaining what we should be doing and taking time to ensure that we listen to our own body. I've always felt awkward and clumsy, slightly envying others for their gracefulness and poise and now I'm beginning to believe that, some day, I too could achieve poise. I am astonished at the controlled strength some positions require too."

"I've always wanted to try yoga but have felt a little intimidated about joining a class. I've never felt bendy enough or had the self confidence and belief to just try it. well now i'm doing it! ... nicky was lovely and offered me a free introduction to yoga class and it's completely transformed how i feel! what i love is the safe space that nicky creates within her classes, i do not feel self conscious and i can make the class my own depending on how if feel that day. i'm learning how to breathe properly and its very complimentary to my running as well.. Nicky is an excellent teacher, she has a great way of adaptng a session to the ability of the class and her encouraging soothing tones make for a really invigorating experience - i leave with a smile on my face and it resets me for the week ahead!

"You are a very good teacher …I so enjoyed yesterday and feel more physically relaxed and with fewer knots and sore bits than I have had for ages."

"The classes are fantastic, they set me up for a fabulous day by centering me and making me feel totally chilled, which in these weird times really helps. I am so grateful that you're Zooming Nicky."

"Just did my first yoga class with Quercus Yoga – I loved it. It was gentle yet powerful. Slow is brilliant – it’s much tougher and it gives you time to think. I would fully recommend Nicky for any of my clients who might be a bit nervous about starting yoga. She’s very precise and its all about good form!" (Ellie Burt, Postural Alignment Therapist)

"Thank you so much for another very enjoyable Yoga session today, you explain everything so clearly, given I have only done about four yoga classes before joining yours, that is so important!...I am feeling so much looser today In my muscle groups!...The stretching you are teaching had been really beneficial to me !

I feel more relaxed mentally also!

FAQs

I am a complete beginner, which class should I join in?

All of my yoga classes are open to everybody, regardless of ability/experience. However you may find it helpful to attend an “Introduction to Yoga, The Basics” session first. Slow Vinyasa is a wonderful way of getting used to a flowing class because you have more time to get into the pose and hold in it. Vinyasa is a more dynamic, pacier class and will be harder work. But in ALL classes you listen to your body, go at your own pace, and take rest when you need to. So you are absolutely welcome in any class.

Why do I need to arrive five mins before class starts?

I ask that you arrive early to get set up ready to practice. This is out of respect for others in the class, and me, so we can start and end our class on time and enjoy it without interruption.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothes you can stretch in ie. shorts, leggings, T-shirt, vest. Bare feet. Layers – you may get hot. Loose t-shirts can be annoying in certain poses because they slither about exposing your tummy and end up over your face! If you have a pony tail, you may want to take the band out at the end when we lie on the floor otherwise it digs into your head.

Why do I need to take my shoes and socks off?

Safety. We work on the floor, so it needs to stay clean. And you don’t want to slip – you need to be able to grip your mat properly.

Do I need to bring my own mat?

I have yoga mats, blocks etc but you are welcome to bring your own mat. If you use mine, you will be asked to wipe it clean after use so it’s clean for the next person.

How often should I practice yoga?

You will notice physical progression and changes to the way you approach things both on and off the mat if you practice regularly. Better to do little and often, rather than one 90 minute session a week and nothing else.

Should I practice yoga whilst pregnant?

There are enormous benefits, especially with pranayama (breathe control). The advice is usually to avoid physical yoga poses for the first 13 weeks. Thereafter I would recommend you attend specialist pregnancy yoga classes. This is because the disproportionate amount of care, attention and modification required by me to keep you safe in class can result in you feeling self conscious/awkward and the rest of the class feeling a bit frustrated. So nobody wins.

Can I practice yoga if I have a bad back?

Please seek advice from your doctor to see whether you should be practicing yoga. If you are told that it will be helpful for your injury by a medical professional I can help you modify in class.

Should I practice yoga if I have a cold?

If you are sick you should take rest. It is usually your body’s way of asking you to rest, and you want to avoid making other people ill in the class.

What if I have a heart or cardiovascular condition, can I do yoga?

Please seek advice from your doctor to see whether you should be practicing yoga. If you have any current or history of heart or cardiovascular conditions it is your responsibility to let me know, and to share a letter of consent to practice yoga signed by your doctor.