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about
“Improve strength and flexibility of the body and mind through live classes, one-to-one and online sessions”
Hi I’m David AKA Yoga Dave, a yoga teacher in Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK. I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation for over 20 years and teaching for the past decade. When I first started doing yoga I had tight hamstrings, lower back issues and I was stressed, looking for a way to relax. Yoga and meditation really helped me in all these areas.
And it opened my mind to other weird and wonderful practices like Shamanic Healing for Power and Soul Retrieval.
Thinking about trying yoga and meditation for the first time?
The first thing that people tell me when they come to their first class or one-to-one session is that they are the least flexible person ever and / or they are stressed out. After the first session they tell me how relaxed and energised they feel and how well they slept that night. Over time, flexibility and strength improves and they feel more relaxed generally.
People also say that the sessions are fun because although I do serious yoga, we don’t have to be precious about it.
Here’s my epiphany after reading loads of yoga philosophy, religious text and self-help books looking for answers: the main thing is to live a relaxed life.
Yoga offers a tool bag full of ways to help keep the mind and body relaxed. Stresses will come – that’s life – but you’ll find that you will be able to cope with them much more effectively.
Get in touch to find out more about live classes, one-to-one and online sessions, I’d love to hear from you and see if there is any way I can help.
classes
Friday 6pm - Hatha Yoga
Venue
Stockport Quaker Meeting House, 2 Cooper Street, SK1 3DW
Time
6pm - 7:30pm
Mixed ability Hatha yoga class every Friday from 6pm until 7:30pm
Hatha yoga combines yoga postures with breathing and meditation. The class is designed to improve strength and flexibility, and the meditation followed by a final relaxation helps to relax the mind. People say it is a challenging class, but they keep coming back for more.
Doors open at 5:30pm for a quiet sit and stretch, or simply relax and unwind.
Maximum class size is 12 people. Book now to reserve your place.
Contact me for further information.
Wednesday 6pm - Midweek Meditation - sorry this isn't happening right now
Venue
Online courses available
Time
Anytime!
Ask me about the guided meditations on my YouTube channel…
Most people tell me their mind is too busy and meditation isn’t for them. They have maybe tried it in the past and got frustrated because they see the full extent of their overactive mind.
Actually noticing the thoughts in the first place is a good place to start. And eventually with practice, space develops between the thoughts. Training the mind is all about regular practice and if there is any goal associated with meditation, it’s about being able to understand how your mind operates and be less reactive to the day-to-day stressors when they arise. I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but meditation helps you to be in the “present moment”. There, I’ve said it.
The Wednesday night session involves a 30 minute guided meditation. We also have a chat because we’re sociable like that…
The sessions are suitable for anyone including complete beginners.
If you would like to come along please get in touch
Online Restorative Yoga
Venue
Online
Time
Any time - you choose
Purchase a bundle of 4 classes and schedule a time to do these at home at any time you choose.
The classes involves gentle movement to help get the joints moving and to improve strength and flexibility. It’s about spending some time with the breath and really connecting with the body. Simply doing that dramatically improves your sense of well being.
Thursday 6:30pm - Hatha Yoga
Venue
Stockport Quaker Meeting House, 2 Cooper Street, SK1 3DW
Time
6:30pm - 7:30pm
One hour of Hatha Yoga suitable for complete beginners. If you are looking to increase flexibility and strength and also relax or de-stress, then come along.
Maximum class size is 12 people. Book now to reserve your place.
Contact me for further information.
Online courses
Venue
Your house
Time
Anytime!
Interested in trying yoga and meditation but don’t fancy coming to a class?
Or have back issues and heard that yoga is the answer?
Get in touch and find out more.
Click the ‘Book now’ link below which will take you to online courses.
One-to-One Sessions
Venue
Dialstone Lane, Stockport / or Zoom
Time
Availability - Fridays
The advantage of one-to-one yoga tuition is that the sessions are tailored specifically towards individual needs. They are suitable for those new to yoga & meditation and people who are looking to deepen their practice either physically, mentally or spiritually.
In advance of the first session, a full health questionnaire is completed which includes a section on what you want from the sessions – improved core strength and flexibility, helping with backache and improved relaxation, are common requests.
During the first session, we will make a more thorough assessment of your level of fitness and flexibility and introduce a few basic yoga postures. This helps to design a specific individual programme.
Sessions last 60 minutes and are priced at £45. These sessions take place at my home on Dialstone Lane, Stockport or through Zoom. I can also offer home visits and would need to add travel time and mileage costs to the above price.
Availability right now is Friday daytime (9am – 4pm: last session to start at 3pm). There is also limited available on Saturdays. Get in touch for more information
back pain?
Around 80% of people suffer from lower back pain. If you are one of these people you’ll know it is both painful and debilitating, stopping you leading a normal life at both work and play. It is also the cause of depression and anxiety, creating a downward spiral.
The good news is that yoga can help. Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs (YHLB) is a clinically proven method designed to teach people simple yoga and relaxation techniques to help them manage and cope with their low back pain.
The programme has been extensively studied by the University of York in a trial funded by Arthritis Research UK (now Versus Arthritis) and the results have been widely published.
Testimonials
“It’s been life-changing. There’s nothing I want to do now that I can’t!”
“I had thought my life would never be the same again after my back condition was diagnosed, but I cannot say how much this has helped. I have a new lease of life and have no back pain now.”
The YHLB programme is recognised by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), Public Health England and the NHS. That’s why health professionals such as GPs, physiotherapists and osteopaths and are now signposting to this specific evidence-based YHLB Yoga course.
Research has also shown that it reduces absenteeism due to bad backs by 70% which makes it the ideal choice for employers and HR professionals wishing to support workplace health and wellbeing.
Contact me if you would like to learn more about this course and take part in a free online introduction.
Become one of the 1000’s of people who have benefitted from this empowering programme to take back control of your life.
“At last I feel able to return to work, as I do not feel dragged down by my back pain.”
“I would never have believed the difference the yoga has made.”
“This is such a revelation. Why isn’t everyone doing it?”
new to yoga?
All classes are suitable for complete beginners and those looking to improve flexibility and strength
Can’t touch your toes?
Well, that’s a great place to start. By practicing yoga you will soon start to feel the benefits, including:
- Stress relief
- Builds core strength and flexibility
- Improves posture
- Helps back pain and stiff joints
- Tones the body
- Sleep better
- Increases stamina
- Improves health and wellbeing
- Controls weight
- Helps to recover from injury
- With practice, you might even be able to touch your toes….(hint, bend your knees….)
What do I need for my first class?
- Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before the class to settle in
- Drink a couple of glasses of water before each class
- Practice on an empty stomach – no food for at least
2 hours before a class - Wear loose fitting clothing
- Yoga mats are available to borrow
- Most importantly, come with an open mind!
blog
“Thoughts, musings and ruminations.”
Yoga for Backs
Around 80% of people suffer from lower back pain. If you are one of these people you'll know it is
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What is yoga about, really?
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