Benefit from my experience of teaching a large variety of classes such as:

• Les Mills Body Combat & Body Pump
• Hatha Yoga
• Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi
• Keiser cycle (studio spin)
• Aqua aerobic/ fit + circuit
• ETM (LBT, Aerobics, FAB Abs, Body Conditioning etc.)
• Circuit classes
• TIDE sessions (training in different environments, i.e. running or walking groups, outdoor circuits, boot camp etc.)
• Scientific core conditioning scientific back training with “Swiss Ball”

Doing too many classes without being able to take regular recovery breaks will cause over-training in anyone, even the guys that consider themselves invincible. Is that you? 😉

Yes, classes are great fun and the adrenaline rush you get from moving, music and an enthusiastic instructor is addictive. But over-exercising will get you nowhere on the road to your dream body, I have learned that the hard way. I now love practicing tai chi to balance my hard-core exercise classes.

Balance is the basis of great health and a fully functioning supportive body that is with you in all life situations.Below you’ll find a bit more info about my privately held tai chi classes and the format I like to teach.

From my experience tai chi class formats vary greatly from instructor to instructor. Many teachers take “form” so seriously that the relaxing effect is null and void by trying to be as perfect as possible.

I had to become a teacher myself to be able to deliver the class in a way that tai chi is accessible, enjoyable and relaxing for even the most meditation-resistant person.

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Privately held Hatha Yoga classes open to everyone, no membership necessary!

NEW regular courses in Castleford!

www.castleford-yoga.co.uk

Yoga for every BODY

Benefits of Hatha Yoga

• time to relax and revive
• improve flexibility and strength
• helps calm and steady the mind
• improve energy levels
• develop happiness and contentment
• improves mind- body relationship
• yoga can help you in sport and fitness pursuits

Each class starts in Savasana with Pranayama (breathing) to help you arrive on your mat.

You continue into a mobility sequence (Pawanmuktasana) to prepare the joints for your yoga practice.

We further warm the body with a few rounds of classic Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara), there will always be a modified version offered.

From here we will move into individual Asana (postures) practice with the focus on, strength, flexibility and balance.

Each main posture (Asana) will be followed by a counterpose (Pratikriyasana) to ensure the body stays in balance. For example we might follow a Bhujangasana/ Cobra pose, which is an extension pose with a flexion pose such as Balasana/ Child’s pose.

After the main asana practice we take time to let the body assimilate the practice in Savasana with guided relaxation before we finish of with calming and enlivening Pranayama (breathing techniques to direct energy), this can be assisted by using Mudras (seals) usually hand gestures.

Namaste

Feedback from a Happy Yogi: 

Today I had one of the best yoga classes at the Edge, taught by Marie, replacing Alison.

It would be great if you could add Marie’s yoga classes to the normal programme. Together with Isabel and Sam she’s a true yoga expert.

All yoga classes are regularly overbooked, so adding some (S/P/A in particular) would make a lot of sense.

Also, a yoga class need to be 1-hour long. Back to back 45-minutes slots, that end up being 35-38 minutes long, are not a great idea in general, and certainly unsuitable for yoga.

Best regards 

Emanuele, participant from The Edge gym, Leeds- West Yorkshire

Bring a mat and a small pillow.

It’s good to also have a blanket for relaxation at the end of each session.

There are only a couple places available now due to the size of the room, if you are interested please contact me via email marie@mpower-fitness.co.uk

Location: Leeds and Castleford

Cost: please check Castlford-yoga page for details on course fees.
Monthly membership: £24/ Attend as many of the classes I offer privately, get in touch for other times.

Please email to book your place.

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Evening class:

Body Flow Movement Meditation

– based on tai chi qigong shibashi

Get into the flow! 19:15 to 20:15 on Monday nights,

Location: Beechtree Steiner Initiative, Old Tetley Hall, Moor Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS6 4BJ

This gentle class focuses on relaxation through movement teamed with breath. If you’re under stress, injured or sore, this class will help restore your mind and body.

This approach to relaxation is great for everyone that finds it hard to get into traditional still meditation but is looking for the benefits of meditation.

No experience is required.

We start with a short tai chi warm up followed by the Shibashi sequence with flowing moves and the deep breathing. Then there is time to look at individual movements such as the 8 Brocades, well known sets of chi gong exercises, or the  animal forms.

We follow on with deep breathing practices such as alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhan pranayama).

After that we will spend time practicing Paul Chek’s Zone Exercises as a means of Working-In, which will show you how to use movement to create energy and cultivate the life-force needed to effectively express creativity and Work-Out! Zone Exercises positively influence digestion, circadian health, stress and much more.

To finish off we will have a 5-10min guided meditation.

Bring a mat or a blanket and a small pillow.

I have limited places available due to the size of the room, if you are interested please contact me via email marie@mpower-fitness.co.uk

Cost: £8.50/ single session
Monthly membership: £24/ Attend as many of the classes I offer privately, get in touch for other times.

Please email to book your place.

Sign up for my newsletter to hear about classes and events.

Privately held tai chi classes open to everyone, no membership necessary!

NEW morning class:

ZONE Class

Movement meditation exercise

Gentle, flowing, healing movement

10:00-11:00am on Friday mornings

starts on 12th September!

Location: Cardigan Centre, 145-153 Cardigan Rd, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS6 1LJ

This approach to relaxation is great for everyone that finds it hard to get into traditional still meditation but is looking for the benefits of meditation. No experience is required.

We use Zone Exercises as a means of Working-In and helping the body heal itself. I will show you how to use the movements of the different Zones to build energy and cultivate abundant life-force for every day life challenges.

Zone Exercises positively influence mood, digestion, sleep, stress, overall health and much more.

If you enjoy Tai chi, Yoga or Pilates style classes you will really enjoy this class.

Tony, one of the participants said: “a Zone class is Toning for mind & body”

• gentle Zone exercises as movement meditation
• wake up your metabolism gently, energise body & mind
• brings the body into a state of harmony and balance
• simplicity allows everyone to practice together
• no memorising of moves
• moves can be adapted to your specific needs
• develops mobility and flexibility gently

Bring a mat or a blanket and a small pillow.

There are only a couple places available now due to the size of the room, if you are interested please contact me via email marie@mpower-fitness.co.uk

Cost: £8.50/ single session
Monthly membership: £24/ Attend as many of the classes I offer privately, get in touch for other times.

Please email to book your place.

Sign up for my newsletter to hear about classes and events.

Evening class:

Body Flow Movement Meditation

– based on tai chi qigong shibashi

Get into the flow! 19:15 to 20:15 on Monday nights,

Location: Beechtree Steiner Initiative, Old Tetley Hall, Moor Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS6 4BJ

This gentle class focuses on relaxation through movement teamed with breath. If you’re under stress, injured or sore, this class will help restore your mind and body.

This approach to relaxation is great for everyone that finds it hard to get into traditional still meditation but is looking for the benefits of meditation.

No experience is required.

We start with a short tai chi warm up followed by the Shibashi sequence with flowing moves and the deep breathing. Then there is time to look at individual movements such as the 8 Brocades, well known sets of chi gong exercises, or the  animal forms.

We follow on with deep breathing practices such as alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhan pranayama).

After that we will spend time practicing Paul Chek’s Zone Exercises as a means of Working-In, which will show you how to use movement to create energy and cultivate the life-force needed to effectively express creativity and Work-Out! Zone Exercises positively influence digestion, circadian health, stress and much more.

To finish off we will have a 5-10min guided meditation.

Bring a mat or a blanket and a small pillow.

I have limited places available due to the size of the room, if you are interested please contact me via email marie@mpower-fitness.co.uk

Cost: £8.50/ single session
Monthly membership: £24/ Attend as many of the classes I offer privately, get in touch for other times.

Please email to book your place.

Sign up for my newsletter to hear about classes and events.

WELLNESS CLASS for Vitality.

Total Relaxation!

Easy Tai Chi

Saturday 10am to 11am,

Start date TBC- likely to be September 2014

Location: TBC

Cost: £8.50/ single session
Monthly membership: £24/ Attend as many of the classes I offer privately, get in touch for other times.s

Bring a mat or a blanket if you can.

Easy Tai Chi can help with:

• arthritis
• circulation problems
• high blood pressure
• multiple sclerosis
• chronic problems
• back/ neck and shoulder pain
• hypertension
• insomnia
• weight loss
• mental and emotional problems
• and much more… ask me for details!

Easy Tai Chi is a combination of standing (or sitting) Qigong – Shibashi exercises.

You do not have to memorise the moves, everyone moves together to music like in a group fitness class. I have a particular interest in rheumatic and arthritic conditions because I suffer with the inflammatory condition Ankylosing Spondylitis myself.

All moves can be adapted to your specific needs.

Tai chi and Zone exercise practice has made a huge difference to my quality of life, I feel vital and mobile with minimal pain.

Let me show you how I did it!

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What happens in the Tai Chi Qigong Shibash 60min class?

Shibashi is a simple 18 move sequence to music that creates a holistic work-in that brings the body into a state of harmony and balance.

The essence of Shibashi is to perform each move with several repetitions in a fluid, continuous way combined with good posture, a rooted stance and deep abdominal breathing.

The simplicity allows novices as well as the advanced to practice together.

The emphasis is on mindful, slow flowing movements that are performed with intention rather than tension, the moves are performed in combination with abdominal breathing techniques, this helps to connect the mind to the body allowing the generation of qi (energy), all of which has the potential to give deep relaxation as well as helping the body heal itself.

Qigong balances energy deficiency or stagnation and harmonises the Qi, bringing health and vitality.

The gentle rocking motions and stretching movements help to improve circulation and digestion.

The chest exercises and controlled breathing are good for lung conditions and asthma.

The overall effect of the exercise is to reduce mental stress and physical tension carried in the muscles of the body.

Shibashi practice can settle the emotions and clear the mind giving a calm feeling throughout body and mind. In Shibashi, you can find this stillness within movement as well as movement within stillness.

The different section of the class:

The class starts with a 15min warm up/ toner where the body is prepared for the Shibashi sequence through deep meditative breathing practice. Following this, the Shibashi sequence is performed with flowing moves and the deep breathing pattern. Then there is time to look at individual movements and further breathing meditation.

The last 20min are spent practicing Paul Chek’s Zone Exercises as a means of Working-In, which will show you how to use movement to create energy and cultivate the life-force needed to effectively express creativity and Work-Out! Zone Exercises positively influence digestion, circadian health, stress and much more.

No experience necessary. Suitable for all physical abilities as it can be performed seated and adapted for injuries and medical conditions.

By attending my class you can experience the following benefits:

• Improved joint flexibility, range of movement and balance
• Relief and reduction of stress levels
• A lasting sense of well-being and calm
• Better breathing for more energy in day to day life
• Focussed mind and raised level of consciousness through controlled breathing improving overall ability to concentrate
• Gentle exercise that can comfortably be done even with physical impairment, can be performed seated
• More confidence
• Rejuvenation of body, mind and spirit
• Improved emotional wellbeing

I hope this give you an idea of what to expect in my class. I run this class format in several Gyms and it is very well received.

I look forward to seeing you in my next class….

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