Never tried yoga before? Start here.

Beginner Yoga in Birmingham | Yoga Really Works

Yoga for real bodies, busy minds and people who don’t necessarily feel like “yoga people”.

Maybe you’ve never tried yoga.

Maybe you’ve tried it once and felt like everyone else knew what they were doing.

Maybe you’re stiff. Or stressed. Or your back is playing up.

Maybe you’re living with a chronic condition and you’re not sure whether yoga is even suitable for you.

Or maybe you just feel like you need to slow things down a bit.

You’re welcome here.

Find your first class


You don’t need to be flexible.

You don’t need to be fit.

You don’t need to know the difference between a downward dog and a downward something else.

And you definitely don’t need to be able to touch your toes.

A review from a new participant:

Screenshot from Google Page, a person nervous about his first yoga class.

My classes are about moving in a way that feels useful, manageable and appropriate for your body, your life and your nervous system.

There are options.

There are pauses.

There is always the option to rest.

And you go at your own pace.


Maybe you’re coming because…

You’re stressed

Your shoulders are permanently somewhere around your ears.

Your mind doesn’t seem to switch off.

You’d quite like an hour where nobody needs anything from you.

Yoga can give you some space to breathe, move and notice what’s going on without adding another thing to your already-full to-do list.

Your back is bothering you

You don’t want a punishing workout.

You want to move.

You want to understand your body a little better.

And you want some options that you can actually use in everyday life.

You’re living with a chronic condition

Yoga doesn’t have to look a certain way.

Movement can be adapted for how your body is feeling in that moment

You can work within your own limits and needs, with plenty of options along the way.

I also run specific classes for people living with chronic conditions.

You’re worried about balance or falling

Balance isn’t just standing on one leg perfectly still.

It’s what happens when you trip, wobble, turn, reach, get up, sit down and move through everyday life.

We can work on that too.

You’re getting older and want to keep moving

You don’t need to become a yoga expert.

You might simply want to feel more confident in your body, maintain strength and mobility, and keep doing the things you enjoy.


What are my classes actually like?

Not Instagram yoga.

Not trying to make everyone look the same.

Not being told to push through something that doesn’t feel right.

Instead, we slow things down enough to notice what’s happening.

We explore movement.

We bring a curiosity to our breath.

We often wobble.

We sometimes laugh.

And sometimes the most useful thing you can do is absolutely nothing.

You are encouraged to work at your own pace.


“But I’m really not very flexible…”

Good.

Seriously.

You don’t need to arrive flexible.

Yoga isn’t a test of how far your body can go.

You might find that your movement changes over time, but that’s not the goal of every class.

We’re interested in how you feel.

How you move.

How you notice.

And what you can take from your practice into the rest of your week.


What happens when you come to your first class?

I know that walking into something new can feel like the hardest bit.

So here’s what you can expect.

1. You arrive.

No need to know anyone. No need to know what you’re doing.

I’ll help you get settled. If you’ve pre booked I will have sent you a New Starter’ email.

2. We start gently.

I’ll explain what’s happening and give you options as we go.

3. You listen to your own body.

You don’t have to copy me at all.

You don’t have to keep up.

You can stop, change something or rest.

4. You leave with a little more space.

Maybe your body feels different.

Maybe your mind feels quieter.

Maybe you’ve simply had an hour where you weren’t rushing around.

That’s enough.


What should I bring?

Something comfortable to wear.

A yoga mat if you have one although some of my classes don’t require a mat.

You don’t need expensive yoga clothes.

You don’t need to buy anything specially.

Just come as you are.


Who are my classes for?

Adults of all ages and abilities, including people who:

  • have never done yoga before
  • are returning after years away
  • feel stiff or out of practice
  • experience stress or overwhelm
  • have back or everyday aches and pains
  • are living with a chronic condition
  • want to work on balance and confidence
  • prefer a seated movement practice
  • don’t feel comfortable in a traditional fitness environment

You don’t have to be “good at yoga”.

There isn’t really such a thing.


A few words from people who’ve actually been…

Client with a chronic condition


Meet George

Hi, I’m George.

I’ve been teaching yoga for 10 years and Yoga Really Works has been growing since 2016.

Seated/ no mat yoga

I didn’t start teaching because I thought everyone needed to become bendier.

Quite the opposite.

I’m interested in what yoga can do for ordinary people living ordinary, sometimes very stressful, lives.

People with busy jobs.

People looking after children.

People getting older.

People whose bodies don’t always behave themselves.

People living with pain, illness, stress or simply too much going on.

My approach is slow, practical, compassionate and adaptable.

You don’t need to change yourself to fit into my classes.

The practice can change around you.


Find your first yoga class

I teach a range of classes across South Birmingham, including:

General yoga classes – yoga for health
Welcoming classes where you can work at your own pace.
For moving, breathing and slowing things down.

Yoga for chronic conditions
A smaller, adaptable class for people living with ongoing health conditions.

Yoga for balance & healthy ageing
Movement to support balance, confidence and everyday movement.

Seated / no-mat yoga
Accessible movement without needing to get down onto the floor.


Still not sure which class is right for you?

That’s completely fine you can message me.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you’re looking for and anything you’re concerned about.

I’ll point you towards the class that makes the most sense.

George@yogareallyworks.co.uk


Frequently asked questions

I’ve never done yoga before. Can I really come?

Yes.

You don’t need any previous experience. I’ll explain what we’re doing and give you options throughout the class.

I’m not flexible. Is yoga still for me?

Absolutely.

You don’t need to be flexible to start yoga.

I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up.

There’s no requirement to keep up with anyone else.

Work at your own pace. Rest when you need to. Take an option that suits you.

I have back pain. Can I do yoga?

Some people find movement and yoga helpful when living with back pain, but everyone’s situation is different.

Please let me know about your individual needs before class so I can help you find appropriate options. If you’re unsure whether yoga is suitable for you, speak to your healthcare professional.

I have a chronic condition. Can I join?

I offer specific classes for people living with chronic conditions, with adaptations and options throughout.

If you’re unsure which class is right for you, get in touch.

Do I have to sit on the floor?

No.

I also offer seated/no-mat yoga and there’s always options to find a posture that suits your body.

What if I can’t do something?

Don’t do it.

I’ll give you choices and you can always pause or go with what your body suggests!

What do I wear?

Whatever you’re comfortable moving in.

No fancy yoga wardrobe required.

What if I’m nervous about coming on my own?

Most people don’t know anyone when they first arrive.

I’ll help you get settled and you can simply come along and see how it feels.


Ready to give it a go?

You don’t have to become a “yoga person”.

You don’t have to touch your toes.

You don’t have to be flexible.

You just have to turn up.

Find a class

Yoga Really Works

South Birmingham
Yoga for real bodies, real stress and real life.