Yoga means “union”, and refers to balance: when we are stressed and unwell, we feel disconnected and out of balance. This is where an appropriate yoga practice comes into its own, by offering the individual a range of options – yoga can be fairly physical using postures that improve our health and well-being, or yoga can be gentle with minimal exercise and more attention to restorative positions to help rejuvenate the individual.

Gary offers group classes as well as private tuition. See below details for group classes and private tuition.

Group classes

Gary’s style of teaching is based on the flowing style of Ashtanga Vinyasa, the anatomical detail of Iyengar’s style, the mindfulness of Buddhist meditation, and the traditional teachings of pranayama (the art of breath control).

He teaches in different locations around Bristol & North Somerset:

• Group classes: drop-in classes, JOIN THE CLASS ANY WEEK, see below
• Yoga at work for staff: (lunchtime and after-work) see below
• Private yoga tuition: one-to-one or small groups

Class timetable

Gary teaches public group classes in Long Ashton BS41 and Stoke Bishop/Westbury-on-Trym Bristol BS9
Full details and up to date information van be found on Gary’s yoga website at http://www.yogabristol.co.uk/classes/

BLOCK BOOKING OFFER:
Next block:
See yoga classes page at http://www.yogabristol.co.uk/classes/ . The block booking is for consecutive classes, and is non-refundable for non-attendance.

Feedback from some of Gary’s students:

“I’ve been attending Gary’s classes for about 10 years now, mainly in person but I’ve also taken his online classes as well. I find his tuition very clear and, even in the online sessions, he is quick to make adjustments to our (yoga) postures when he sees something isn’t quite right, which instils a lot of confidence. He always makes sure that whatever we are doing, we are doing it safely.
“I have also been to a few of his workshops, which have been great opportunities to extend my practice and try different postures, as well as a chance to take a deeper dive into meditation and breathing exercises. The pace of the workshops is just right: before the first one I was worried I might find a long session too challenging but the flow, and the variety, made for a really rewarding experience and I had no problem staying the distance.
“Gary has a lovely calm approach to all his teaching, and his insights into yoga philosophy always provide real food for thought – I highly recommend you read a few of his blogs. The best endorsement I can give is that by the end of his classes, I always feel better (both mentally and physically) than I did at the start.” – Libby D, Sep 2025

“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

“Your classes are the best I’ve ever been to; I’ve practiced yoga for very many years, 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 H, Feb 2012

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).

Private classes

Why have a private lesson?
It is important to find the type of practice which is appropriate and beneficial. This is especially important when we want to find a solution to our situation, but are unable to attend group classes, because it is too difficult physically or we do not feel confident enough to attend a group class.

The focus is on the client and his/her needs. The advantage of a private class is that you benefit from the individual attention and we can focus on your situation. A client can learn a lot about themselves and their practice in the one-to-one situation – and many clients have commented that they learn more than they do in a group class.

The classes can be used to help recover from an injury or sickness; or you might want to develop a personal practice, which is specific to your needs or lifestyle.

More details:
Go to my yoga website:
http://www.yogabristol.co.uk/classes/

Cancellation policy: Bookings that are cancelled/changed within 24 hours of appointment time will be charged at full price (special circumstances are considered).