Gary’s style of teaching is based on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: a traditional approach with a focus on asanas (postures), Gary teaches the classic postures with attention to the anatomical detail based BKS Iyengar’s approach plus the sequencing of postures based on the flow of Ashtanga Vinyasa, he also teaches traditional pranayamas (breathing exercises) and how to meditate (based on yoga traditions and Buddhist meditation practices). Want to know more? See his Testimonials page, go to https://www.yogabristol.co.uk/testimonials/
Gary has been teaching since 2002 and practising yoga since 1995 – see his biographical information, go to https://www.yogabristol.co.uk/teacher/

Classes in Bristol & North Somerset:

• Drop-in public classes: Monday (Stoke Bishop), Tuesday (Blagdon-Yeo Valley HQ), Wednesday (Winford) and Friday (Long Ashton/Westbury-on-Trym). See details below
• Yoga at work for staff: Close at hand at work, perfect! See classes below, or contact me if you want a class at your work. See page for details, right
• Private yoga tuition: one-to-one or small groups: see link right

Class timetable

MONDAY – Southmead Hospital – staff
5.15pm to 6.15pm (90 mins)
Staff only – if you work at Southmead Hospital North Bristol Trust (NBT) this is for you
Cost: The classes are run in 10-week blocks = £55 for 10 classes (£5.50 per class).
Blocks: Current block of 10 classes from September 23 to December 2.
Want to join the yoga classes? If you wish to join the classes contact me via email or phone, and I will add you to the waiting list for next block.
Venue: Seminar room (most weeks no. 5) at Learning and Research building, Southmead Hospital (NHS North Bristol), Bristol BS10 5NB.
Contact me gary@yogabristol.co.uk

MONDAY – Stoke Bishop – general public/drop-in
7pm to 8.30pm (90 mins)
Drop-in: £10 (no booking – join the class any week)
Blocks: £8 per class, length varies according to school term, see below. Payable by BACS in advance (email me for bank details) or at first class of block (cash/cheque)
Venue: Stoke Bishop Primary School, Main Hall, Cedar Park, Bristol BS9 1BW.
Timetable: November 4 to December 16 (7 weeks): Block cost = £56
Off-street parking available: entrance to right of main building, use lower gate and park in playground – hall entrance from playground not school’s front entrance. Google map link: Stoke Bishop school location
Picture of hall:

TUESDAY – Yeo Valley Blagdon – general public/drop-in
9.30am to 10.30am (60mins)
Drop-in: £9
Block: £7 per class, length of block varies with terms
Timetable: November 5 to December 17 (7 weeks); block cost = £49.
Venue: Yeofit Studio, Yeo Valley HQ Canteen, Rhodyate, Blagdon, Bristol BS40 7YE – parking one site, plus bonus of great restaurant above studio (coffee after class?)
Google maps link: Yeofit at YeoValley location
Picture of hall:

WEDNESDAY – Winford – general public/drop-in
9.45am to 11am (75 mins)
Drop-in: £9 (no booking – join the class any week)
Block: £7 per class, length varies according to school term, see below. Payable by BACS in advance (email me for bank details) or at first class of block (cash/cheque)
Timetable: November 6 to December 18 (7 weeks); block cost = £49
Venue: Winford Village Hall, Felton Lane, Winford, Bristol BS40 8AD – car parking available in streets nearby (usually plenty of space)>
Google maps link: Winford Village Hall location
Picture of hall:

WEDNESDAY – DAC Beachcroft LLP – staff
5.30pm-6.30pm (60 mins)
DAC Beachcroft staff only – staff classes run in 10-week blocks – contact Gary for details
Venue: Portwall Place, Portwall Ln, Bristol BS1 6NB

THURSDAY – David Lloyd Leiure Club South Bristol – members
10.30am to 12pm (90 mins)
David Lloyd (South Bristol) Health Club Ashton Rd, Bristol BS3 2HB. Tel: 0117 953 1010

THURSDAY – DAC Beachcroft LLP – staff
5.30pm-6.30pm (60 mins)
DAC Beachcroft staff only – 10-week block of classes – contact Gary for details
Venue: Portwall Place, Portwall Ln, Bristol BS1 6NB

FRIDAY – Long Ashton – general public/drop-in
10am to 11.15am (75 mins)
Drop-in: £9 (no booking – join the class any week)
Block: £7 per class, length varies according to school term, see below. Payable by BACS in advance (email me for bank details) or at first class of block (cash/cheque)
Timetable: November 8 to December 20 (7 weeks); block cost = £49
Venue: Long Ashton Community Centre, Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton, BS41 9DR –free car parking available; located just 4 miles from Bristol city centre. Google map link: Long Ashton Community Centre location
Picture of hall:

FRIDAY – Westbury-on-Trym – general public/drop-in
12.15pm to 1.15pm (60mins)
Drop-in: £9 (no booking – join the class any week)
Block: £7 per class; length varies according to school term, see below. Payable by BACS in advance (email me for bank details) or at first class of block (cash/cheque)
Timetable: November 8 to December 20 (7 weeks); block cost = £49
Venue: Scout Hall, Northcote, Great Brockeridge, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3TY; parking available on site. Google map link: Scout Hall location

Prices: offers and block booking

BLOCK BOOKING:
See above for details.
Note: Payment can be made at the class (cash or cheque) or by bank transfer contact Gary for details.
Block bookings are for consecutive classes, and is non-refundable due to non-attendance.

Feedback from some of Gary’s students:

“I would like to say thanks for introducing me to yoga, a subject I never took seriously until I attended your classes. Your in-depth knowledge of the topic meant that you were able explain the different postures, to a level of detail that allowed me to understand how they worked on the body and where the benefit lay. You are an excellent teacher, much thanks.” – Andy Connell, December 2018

“I’ve done yoga with a number of teachers over the years in Bristol and elsewhere, and Gary is up there with the best. Here’s why. Firstly, he uses a consistent routine which which means that after doing his class for a few years I know the poses so can concentrate on the important stuff such as breathing, noticing what changed from last time I did a particular pose, being in the moment. Having said that, Gary also makes sufficient changes week by week to keep things interesting.
Another key thing that Gary gets right (and is not easy) is to speak the right amount. So in terms of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, he doesn’t talk too much, or too little; he gets it just right.” – Jim R, August 2018

“The yoga classes focus on fundamental moves which I feel are safely within my comfort zone whilst still pushing me enough to progress my strength and flexibility. I really enjoy having a focus on both my physical and mental health. The weekly sessions keep me injury free so that I can keep up my other sports commitments, along with the added bonus of feeling refreshed at the end of a long Monday!” – Dr Kim Hannam. Musculoskeletal Research Unit, University of Bristol, Jan 2015

“The 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.” – Mel Randhawa, April 2014

“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

More feedback on Testimonials page at https://www.yogabristol.co.uk/testimonials/

General information about yoga classes

• All levels of experience welcome: Yoga classes are open to everyone, from beginner to experienced, as Gary offers options with the difficult exercises, so everyone can take part and those with more experience can also enjoy the classes.
• Each class begins with a warm up (downward dog/upward dog, and sun salutations). Each week Gary focusses on themes (eg: standing, seated hip openers and forward bends, twists, backbends, and inversions). The class ends with meditation (and pranayamas) and relaxation (you get to lie down!). Gary combines detailed instructions with a flowing class of exercises.
• Gary teaches a mindfulness-based yoga practice, with emphasis on developing our self-awareness, by establishing a connection between our body, breath and mind.
• The basis of yoga is learning to breath efficiently and healthily – Gary places a lot of emphasis on our breath and how to cultivate it.
• If you want to learn and also challenge yourself, yet feel relaxed and revitalised… come along to a class and see for yourself – you can join the general public classes any week an come as often as you like.

More information about classes:

• Equipment (mats, blocks and belts) provided.
• Most of the classes are run as drop-ins, where booking is not needed.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for exercise; bring something warm to wear or a blanket for relaxation at end of each class; and ideally, do not eat meals before session – allow 4 hours after large meal, and about 2 hours after light meal.
• The best way to know if his way of teaching yoga is for you, is to come along and see for yourself (and you have any questions, contact Gary).

“If we really follow one direction in yoga as far as we can go, then it will lead us along all paths of yoga.”
—TKV Desikachar