Hello curious person
January was a joy! I might be one of the few people who didn’t feel that it dragged, and that’s probably because of this theme. The new class titles have helped me step into my own. Each class is finding its own unique rhythm, while honouring the theme we’re exploring. The classes may not be as smooth, but I feel like the options, particularly on Wednesdays, have already enriched your practice. (Big shoutout to using a chair in relaxation to rest your feet on.)
Finding Your Foundation naturally became a theme that focused a lot on our connection to the ground, particularly through our feet. Once we found movement through the feet, ankles, knees, and hips, we gained the ability to refine our stance and stride in major standing poses. In a pose like a high lunge, the length of the stride can really change the experience. But there’s one constant: we need a solid foundation to build from. High lunge often transitions into a twist, a forward fold, or perhaps a completely different shape. We spent the month locking in that first connection between the feet and the ground.
In YAYA, we moved into the shortest poses we could produce. It was a humbling moment to realise that a high lunge with the smallest distance between front and back foot could be quite challenging. I can tell you that January was a month of achy legs every damn week. We applied the same concept to Warrior 2 - shortening the stance and really focusing on grounding through the feet. Finally, with the help of a wall, we explored Warrior 3 (my favourite) to think about how we ground down while standing on one leg. Pulsing the back leg was a quick way to realise how much work the standing leg really does.
In FYYP, we went in the opposite direction. We produced the longest stride we could, using a chair for support. This was the first time I’d introduced a chair into the practice for a weekly class, and it was an excellent addition. I can honestly say that anyone thinking a chair makes a pose easier might be mistaken - particularly with high lunges, Warrior 2 or Warrior 3. We moved through a short sequence twice, sitting on the chair and creating big shapes, while focusing on our feet. Can you ground down in these poses? Can this give you a moment of familiarity, so when you practise without the chair, you know how it might feel?
The chair was a fantastic addition, but it made things harder. It required a lot of flexibility and length (so if you’re a teacher reading this thinking the chair is the easy option, think again!). I barely had the flexibility myself, but it did remind me that I can push myself when I want a physically demanding challenge to get out of my head.
Over time, this work was designed to reinforce the poses we take on a weekly basis. This wasn’t about foundations in a beginner’s way - it was about refining and truly feeling what’s going on in your body. The use of chairs in FYYP was excellent, and I enjoyed it so much. As I mentioned earlier, I believe they added something a little extra to the practice.
The purpose of these classes is to help you find a practice that works for you. It doesn’t have to look or feel like anyone else’s. We’re here to move. We’re here to breathe. We’re here for yoga to work for us.
If you’re looking to revisit these themes or practise at your own pace, remember that all of this series is available through my on-demand area. If you’re already attending, you have free access to the entire collection—so feel free to dive in whenever you need. For those of you who've joined us this month, our new theme, Casually Core, is fully underway! We’re diving deep into core movements and spinal focus, with plenty of options to suit every level. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue refining your practice and explore what feels right for you.
You’re the best
Sam
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