Q&As

I followed Swiss Covid-19 regulations during the Covid pandemic, and still maintain OFSP advice for yoga:

·      No physical contact between students

·      Wash or sanitize hands before and after class

·      Bring your own equipment (mat & block), or let me know in advance if you need to borrow and I will clean it thoroughly after each use.

·      Do not come to class (even outdoors) if you or a family member have any symptoms – you know the list

·      Inform me if you or a family member test positive or have been in the presence of someone who tested positive in the last 5 days.

Studio classes are in my home in Commugny, VD. Beach classes are held at Mies Plage April-Oct and SUP at Plage les Rocailles, Coppet May-Sep. In poor weather outdoor classes move to the Studio, continue online or transfer to another day.

You don’t take a French class if you already speak French! Needing flexibility to practice yoga is a HUGE MYTH - exacerbated by the uber-bendy Social Media ‘yogis’. But a regular yoga practice will improve your flexibility over time (along with your strength, balance and posture) and in fact those that start out as inflexible may gain more physically from a regular practice than those who already have high mobility. Mobile people should actually focus on building strength in their yoga since physical health requires balance of strength and mobility in both active and passive muscle ranges. My classes focus on this.

For a consistent practice you need to enjoy it and it needs to be adapted to your body by a teacher who encourages you to work within and respect your own limits. Week by week you will see improvements.

And of course, whilst yoga has huge physical benefits, it isn’t really about the body. It is actually the study of ourselves. Using the physicality of the body to journey inside, calm the mind and develop awareness. A flexible mind is way more useful than a bend body if you want to ‘be good at’ yoga ;-)

All physical exercise carries risk. Yoga can be safer than others as it encourages you to be mindful with your movement and avoid stressing your body – assuming you learn to listen!

Modern yoga teaching incorporates the latest anatomical understanding to help students practice safely and sustainably for the long term. Increasingly teachers understand that some traditional poses (e.g. lotus, headstand, shoulder stand) carry increased risks for many bodies and should be taught carefully if at all. I don’t believe any yoga pose is worth an injury – yoga should be the relief of suffering!

Under the guidance of an experienced teacher, if you listen to your body and pace yourself, most people should be able to practice yoga. As with anything new, take time to get used to it and NEVER practice through pain. The practice is accommodated to your body not the other way round!

Certain pre-existing physical conditions can increase the risk of injury or be exacerbated with yoga. If you have any of the following check with your physican/medical professional BEFORE starting yoga and share their instructions with your teacher: Problems/previous surgery in back, hip, neck, shoulder, feet, leg knee; muscular or joint conditions; disc injury; high or low blood pressure; intra-ocular pressure; asthma or respiratory difficulties; heart problems; diabetes; epilepsy; cancer; osteopenia or osteoporosis; migraine/dizziness; pregnancy (especially the first trimester), rectus diastasis. If in doubt, ask your teacher

I teach a breath-based vinyasa -  flowing through a series of postures following the rhythm of the breath. For a beginner learning the physical alignment of the yoga shapes (Asana), how to work with the breath and listen to your response can feel like a lot all at the same time. But if you pace yourself and take what you can from each class, most people will be fine beginning in a group class.

If you prefer to take time to ‘get the basics down’ before joining a group, Try Private Foundations (3 x 1-hour sessions) or Group Foundations (6 x 1-hour small group classes). Don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your situation and the best start for you

Practicing yoga in a group is special. We feel and benefit from the energy of those practicing around us. Like a choir - it feels great to belt out your favourite tune alone, but joining other voices in harmony can lift you to a whole different level – we become more than the sum of our parts.

In a Live group class I can better offer advice about alignment and accommodations (though not as much as in a private setting). I can also facilitate explorations of poses that I wouldn’t attempt online - we go further and explore more variations.

However I have been surprised at just how special the online classes have been. They are a beautiful ‘middle ground’ between a live group practice and a recorded class online. We maintain a strong community connection and really feel that we are ‘practicing together’ - with time for chat or questions at the end. And of course you have the convenience of being in your own home – in your pyjamas if you like! You can turn the camera off for privacy or set on Gallery to enjoy the group. There is no travel, no wasted time -  you simply log-in, practice, and continue with your day. Try it. See what you think!

Whilst you miss the flow and energy of a group, a private class allows the teacher to focus entirely on you. On your body, on how you feel and receive the practice. You have the time and space to work out accommodations that you might need and to really feel confident that your alignment is safe and you can practice sustainably for the long term.

It can be a great way for beginners to learn the basics and gain the confidence to join a group class. For this I recommend 3 x 1 hour Private Foundations sessions.

If you are returning from injury, pregnancy or carry specific physical restrictions it may just be a case of figuring out what is safe and right for you in a 1-hour Injury Management Session before joining group classes. It can also be helpful if you have a particular focus or goal.

Some people just prefer to work 1:1 under the guidance of an attentive teacher. You can also bring a friend or family member or two as you can have up to 3 people in a Private Hour class.

Outdoor yoga is wonderful. Rooting to the earth, reaching to the sky and feeling the breeze on your skin. It brings you very clearly into the moment and the sensations of your practice. The beauty of Lac Léman takes it up a level. The sound of the waves, the light changing on the sparkling water, feeling and receiving the very energy of the lake. It is truly sublime. Suitable for all. Join us.

The Stand Up Paddle Board class is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the lake. It also highlights the playfulness of yoga. Constantly surprising. – easy things feel difficult, difficult things feel easy – explore as much or little as you feel comfortable. And you will never forget your first Savasana rocked by the gentle ripples of the water. No previous experience – of yoga or SUP -  is required. I have never had a student who hasn’t raved about this practice. Try it and see!

You do need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable on a board away from the shore. You also need to bring/rent your own board and have a life jacket (flotation device) with you (Lac Léman Regulations)

I have taught many couples: together, separately and within group classes; and also many parents with a teenage child. It is a wonderful experience to share with your partner/tenn. In private classes you can also practice ‘partner yoga’ to deepen your connection. Contact me to learn more.

YES! Real men do yoga! Seriously, yoga is as great for men as it is for women, teens, kids, older people and everyone else. Many men suffer with less mobility in the hips, hamstrings and shoulders not to mention chronic back issues. Whether as a result of repetitive sport (without enough stretching!), too much sitting or just the way they are built, a regular yoga practice will improve all of these physical issues and is a great compliment to regular sports like running, cycling, tennis, golf etc. And of course you get the stress relieving, immune boosting and cardiovascular benefits. I don’t teach ‘men’s yoga’ because all my classes are open to any gender race, creed, sexual orientation etc anyway.

I LOVE teaching teenagers. The physical and mental stresses of adolescence means they need yoga as much as anyone. The underlying philosophies -  ‘no judgement’, ‘accept yourself as you are’, ‘’be here now’– are deeply reassuring in the midst of the pressure and flux in their lives. I also notice how quickly they sink into Savasana - how much they need to just stop and be. I wish someone had introduced me to yoga in my exam years!

I am delighted to welcome teens into my group classes with or without a parent. Usually from about 15 yrs. But each teen is different so do contact me to figure out what would work for yours.

I also LOVE to see children practice yoga, but making yoga accessible to children is a totally different practice. It is play with the tenets of yoga woven in. Whilst I encourage you to find such classes for your children, it is not something I can accommodate in my adult group classes and I don’t accept children.

If we are practicing at the beach you are very welcome to bring your child to play alongside us if you are comfortable with them being near the water. For online classes your children are welcome to join you.

I used to teach weekly classes at IUCN and the Office of the British Mission to Geneva. I am happy to consider other organisations within 20 mins drive of Commugny, with at least 8 people interested, a ‘lead’ contact on site and a place to practice.

I teach in English but I speak good French and can support those with some English in my classes.