About classes: “I have attended Gary’s Monday night yoga class (at Stoke Bishop Primary School, 7-8.30pm) for nearly 10 years, a fact which is in itself a testament to the quality of the teaching!
As a busy secondary school teacher, I find it hard to switch off and relax, but the Monday night class certainly helps me towards achieving that goal; I always sleep better after the class.
Gary guides you through the yoga postures, differentiating each one to suit a full range of experience and ability. He also gives useful tips on how you can incorporate what you’ve learnt in the class into your daily life. I also like the fact that there is a different focus each week.
If you’ve heard lots about yoga but have never got around to giving it a go, I recommend try one of Gary’s classes.”
About workshops: “I have now been to a number of Gary’s yoga and meditation workshops and would thoroughly recommend them to anyone in need of a bit of stress relief or just a few hours of ‘me time’. I admit to initially feeling daunted by the length of the session but I needn’t have worried – Gary breaks the session down into small manageable chunks, so that the time flies by. The workshop is split into two sections: the first part focuses on a variety of yoga postures whilst the last part involves practicing a series breathing exercises, both of which Gary guides you through, step-by-step. I left the session feeling much lighter, both in body and mind!” – Lucy Cowles-Brooks, Sep 2014
“Having taken a 10 year break from yoga, I was a bit apprehensive about getting back into it. However, I really enjoyed my first session at one of Gary’s evening classes and even though I found it challenging I got quickly back into it with some helpful instruction from Gary. The evening classes are a perfect mix of yoga and breathing exercises and have become one of the highlights of my week. Gary is the best yoga teacher I’ve had and I really like the format of his classes plus his useful teachings and insights on both yoga and meditation practice. The weekly classes and workshops, which help to deepen both of these practices, have helped me manage back pain and stress much more effectively.” – Mel Randhawa, April 2014
“I have attended a few of Gary’s saturday extended morning workshops and have found them to be a really positive experience – being able to more fully engage and immerse oneself into the practice. Gary communicates really well on the subject and this is clearly from a deep interest as well as many years of experience practicing and teaching. I can definitely say that my own yoga practice has improved as a result of attendance.” – Myles Furr, March 2014
Today’s Breathing and Stress Reduction workshop was excellent. Wish I could bottle this and send it to my patients. Would make my life a lot easier.” – Dr Lynn Thompson (GP), March 2014
“I have been coming to Gary’s yoga classes for a while now, I suffer with frequent migraines and advanced arthritis in my hip due to congenital hip dysplasia. The result of these ailments is that I have taken over 2,500 strong painkillers in the last 5 years (possibly more). I’m 36 now and know that this is not a sustainable way to live. I was starting to get even worse headaches from taking the painkillers amongst other side effects!
“I recently attended one of Gary’s workshops which is a longer session of 3 hrs, so there is time to really focus on the breath and meditation practice. I can be a fidgety anxious person at times. A few days after attending the workshop I got my usual monthly migraine in the evening, I unconsciously reached for the painkillers and for the first time I stopped and decided not to. I lay down and concentrated on my breath, (something that was fresh in my mind from the yoga classes), I was able to observe my usual racing thoughts that come at a time like this. I watched myself stressing about the migraine. Was I going to feel sick? Was it going to be a really bad one with a thumping headache? Was one side of face going to feel numb? Will I feel like death tomorrow? Oh no I have so much to do tomorrow….. and so it goes on. I realised that none of this was going to help me and what will be will be. As I concentrated on my breath my anxiety came down and down until I had feeling of calm, this was physically tangible, not just psychological. All I knew after that was that the sun was coming up and the birds were singing and I had no headache, just a really good night’s sleep.” – Nicola H, Feb 2014
“I started attending yoga classes over 2 years ago. I have been practising yoga (on and off) for 15 years; I crawled into his first class recovering from broken ribs. I was unaware that the impact from my rib had misaligned the hip and I was astonished to find that I couldn’t sit cross legged without pain; something I have been doing easily all my life. Within a few weeks under Gary’s instruction I was soon sitting comfortably cross legged once more, the yoga postures quickly helped my body to realign.
“I attend Gary’s classes at work, my job is busy and stressful, I often arrive with my head full of thoughts and in a stressed state, within minutes my mind clears and I think only of the postures and breathing or simply nothing.
“Gary has a very authoritative way; I am very impressed with the way he commands a large mixed class (25-40 men and women), they listen and do exactly as he says, very impressive. I see some men come to his class for the first time, unable to move their muscled bodies into the basic positions, within weeks under Gary’s guidance they get there. Most keep coming back and I have seen his classes continually increase in size as word gets around; a testament to Gary’s ability as a first rate instructor.
“Gary runs longer workshops on Saturday mornings, these are a great way to start the weekend and to master the postures and breathing techniques.
“In our busy lives, we often say we don’t have the time to do these things; Gary’s classes give time and space back to ‘me’; essential in our hectic lives. My mind and body feel nourished.” – Beverley W, Feb 2014
“Gary has been my one-to-one meditation/life coach for nearly a year now and I am completely satisfied with the way it’s working. It’s great to have someone to talk to about meditation’s ups and downs and is a most valuable tool for me. Gary is very knowledgeable and I feel ever so slightly more enlightened after each one of our meetings! Thank you Gary!” – Jamie Bell, Sep 2013
“I had regularly gone to Gary’s workshops in previous years, but for about a year I stopped going. At some point I realised that something was missing in my life and I decided to renew my practice and came to this summer’s workshop. I cannot remember when I felt so good! After the workshop, I felt that I could do tons of work without being tired and exhausting my mental energy, I felt like wanting to do things, even mundane, even my admin, which I usually find tedious (does not everyone?). In short, I found that vital energy and love to life again. We all need from time to time to see a new perspective in life and Gary’s workshops help me to see my life at a different angle. All we do is yoga and pranayama, but this practice, actually, in combination with Gary’s inspirational teaching, help you to get rid of repetitive thoughts and old ideas, which seem to dominate your mind at times, such ideas become so unimportant and distant and your mind starts ticking in the more productive and positive direction.” – Maria G, June 2013
“Gary taught me yoga on a one to one basis and from the first meeting I felt comfortable and relaxed. I had pre conceived ideas of what yoga was and the potential benefits and through discussion, practice and meditation, I feel I was able to reach the relaxation and physically demanding element of yogic practice. Gary is patient, encouraging and will work at your pace, whilst helping you advance and reach the level of mental, physical and spiritual potential. I thoroughly recommend Gary.” — Charlotte S, June 2013
“Just wanted you to know that I haven’t deserted your Monday evening yoga class. I’ve had acute pneumonia and been in hospital for a week. Apparently if I hadn’t been fit this would have been a lot worse. So I thank you for your excellent yoga class, I’m sure it all helped. Also, when I had difficulty breathing I did some of your breathing exercises which helped to calm me down. So I won’t be along for a while, but will come back as soon as I’m able.” - Caroline, February 2013
“Mum and I have fallen in love with yoga and it’s totally changed both our lives not just physically, but emotionally/psychologically too. I didn’t realise how much it could change things. Your patience and passion for yoga is infectious and has given us both the determination to keep trying even when we find postures difficult. Many people have commented on us both looking healthier and happier and we certainly both feel it, so thank you! I would recommend you as a teacher to anyone looking to discover how much yoga can improve and help maintain a healthy mind and body.” – Ruth E, November 2012
“I’ve never experienced anything quite like Gary’s yoga and meditation workshops. It is for me a very rare opportunity to spend three hours completely switched off from the world. It’s difficult to describe the sense of total and absolute relaxation that I always reach by the end of the sessions. Any worries I may have about work, family or finances all seem to fade away. I can’t recommend the workshops enough.” - Lee D, November 2012
“I have dabbled with Yoga for years but never really ‘got it’. Gary is the first teacher I have met who actually teaches rather than just stand at the front of the class doing the poses. From one of the first classes when he went over and over how to actually do Down Dog properly , then how to do sun salutation correctly. Never rushed never trying to do too much. Holding the pose or the twist or the stretch long enough for the pupil to feel the benefit. I think I might finally be getting it! — Lynn Nov 2012
I wanted to share this experience with you. I do practice the breathing techniques you taught me, they help. Particular help was needed yesterday in the middle of my exam. I was not feeling well, I had a hay fever attack and took some tablets to stop me from sneezing during the exams, but of course, such tablets have got a side effect, I felt drowsy. I was beginning to lose concentration in the 3d hour of my exam, I went to the bathroom and did the breathing technique (with one nostril closed at a time). I came back, one must say, re-energized and calm and the symptoms of allergy almost gone (later re-appeared though). I was able to continue focused on my exam.
I have got another exam coming up, need to focus more. Feel like have got more control after some breathing exercises. Helps a great deal. — Maria G, May 2012
“I was initially rather daunted by a full 3 hour’s workshop as I have only been practicing yoga for around six months (and only 1 hour a week) but I wanted to take things a little further. I need not have worried – Gary made the time fly by very quickly and successfully managed to cater for the varying abilities of the people attending. I also enjoyed the meditation session far more than I was expecting as Gary broke this down into bite sized, manageable sections of ten minutes or so. I will certainly attend another of these workshops” — Tracy C, May 2012
Thank you for the blog on your website. You’ve answered my question on how much yoga one should do and The Guardian article was interesting.
I’m ever so grateful to have you as my yoga teacher. Your method is so precise and intense. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve benefited and continue to benefit from the practice.
— Renny, May 2012
I think your website is excellent – your writing on issues of yoga and philosophy in general are inspirational and informative. Your classes are also the best I’ve ever been to; I’ve practiced yoga for very many years, sometimes alone, sometimes in classes and although I’ve had some very good teachers (and a couple of mediocre ones), you are definitely the best. Your style is a perfect combination of teaching, the physical elements of yoga and the spiritual connection of yoga/Buddhism.
— Yvonne Holland, Feb 2012
Gary’s classes have become an essential part of my routine to manage and maintain my back since I was diagnosed with a lumbar disc prolapse (or ‘slipped disc’) nearly two years ago. With Gary’s style of adjusting and varying the poses I can always manage the class whether I am having a good or bad week and leave feeling like I have achieved something. It’s also obvious that my ‘bad’ weeks are less frequent and the days that my pain spreads down my leg are more and more rare. This is my fifth yoga class/teacher I have tried and the first I have stuck with long term. I am particularly impressed with his efforts to manage and adapt for injuries which takes the fear out of getting back into exercise without it taking over the class for the rest of the group. It remains the one day of the week I leave work on time!
— RF, Feb 2012
“Gary’s yoga class gives me the perfect start to the week. I’m a working mum with very little ‘me’ time. Going to Gary’s yoga class every Monday nourishes me with tranquility and restores my sanity. The physical exercises reward me with a sense of achievement. I’ve been coming to Gary’s classes for 3 years, but feel I’m still growing into the postures; each week that goes by, I get a little more out of them. I need the Monday yoga class as my weekly fix!”
— Mary Harrison, Feb 2011
“Having been left blind from a dreadful car crash I started to learn about yoga. Several years later I discovered a class at my old School and just up the road my house. I went along, explaining to Gary what had happened to me and how I had done a bit of yoga etc. As the positions are explained and performed its not too hard to follow, added to that Gary will always come around to check I, personally know what to do, if not he will position me correctly, likewise with others in the group. Myself and a friend also had a personal session at my house one time and again Gary gave very good instructions and guidance, making sure we were in the correct postures.
“I thoroughly enjoy Gary’s classes and feel yoga has given me a good posture, of which people have also commented on.”
— Jenny Hodges Feb 2011
“I have participated in many different yoga classes, most of which have been mediocre – either too ‘fitness’ based or too slow! Gary’s classes quite clearly derive from an extensive knowledge of what yoga really is. Classes with Gary are enjoyable as you learn the ‘whole’ asana, from a safe introduction, progressing to hands on adjustments (if desired) to attain a more challenging posture. If you want a yoga class which is authentic, precise and safe with a teacher using clear and concise instruction then Gary’s class is the one for you!”
— Sarah Claridge, Yoga Stars
“Gary gives excellent classes – well-explained and he manages to adapt the postures for all levels. I always look forward to them and feel energised afterwards.”
— Pauline Elkin Feb 2011
“I have had a problem with my right leg for years, but yoga helps me to stretch it out and it has been noticed by others how much better I walk since taking up classes with Gary.”
— Katherine Harrison Feb 2011
“I really enjoy your classes because you explain the movements and poses so well. I have attended other yoga classes, but yours always left me feeling like I’d actually had a proper ‘work out’. I would (and do) happily recommend you.”
— Angela G Feb 2011
“Gary manages to strike the right balance between theory and practice, lightness and seriousness. I always leave the Stoke Bishop sessions feeling stretched, relaxed and all warm inside.”
— Louise P Feb 2011
After a yoga workshop: “I cannot stop myself from expressing the joy I felt after today’s workshop. I wanted to come to the session and I feel so good after it. It feels like that I only truly live on the day when I go to these workshops.”
— Maria G Oct 2010
“I would like you to know that I felt the classes did me good, increased my strength and flexibility and awareness. I also enjoyed the workshop we came to – a good balance of the various elements of yoga – physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. Thank you!”
— Lynda N Dec 2010
“I like the classes and mainly the balance of exercise with a little meditation.”
— Pat P Dec 2010
“We tend to “do what we can” so building up the exercises in the way you do explaining that we can stop at a particular stage if the body won’t bend/stretch any more is good for us. Also I like the approach of getting the posture right rather than achieving the end position but not in the correct way.”
— Angela J Dec 2010
“I really enjoy the class, all the stretches, twists, warriors, and the fact that you come round and correct the position if necessary which is really helpful in feeling how the position should feel when done properly. I like the way you keep the poses going so we have to keep trying rather than give up as soon as we start to feel stretched.”
— Anita O Dec 2010
“I find the class is challenging and varied and thank you for your help and support, I am sure that I would feel lost without the stress relief of yoga practice.”
— Carole P Dec 2010
“Gary’s style of teaching is a perfect balance between explanation and giving you quiet space, between pushing you a little bit further and encouraging you to listen to your own body. No matter whether you’re a total beginner or quite experienced, you’ll benefit so much from his classes.”
— Susanne Frank
