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Mill River Yoga

Passionate about challenging stereotypes and introducing the benefits of yoga to every body.

MORE ABOUT me

Classes

Join my popular Yoga for Men "Bendy Blokes" classes at Shine Studio, Belper, and The Breathing Space, Derby. For those looking for gentler sessions or if you have restricted mobility, Every Body Moves and Chair Yoga are available at Shine Studio and are open to all.

Corporate / Other

With over 40 years of experience navigating the corporate jungle in both the private and public sectors I can bring a unique and entertaining insight to your event

Private Sessions

If a class is not your thing I can come to your home and deliver sessions tailored to you exact requirements for you or you and a partner. A single session is £45 with generous discounts available for regular bookings

Class Info

Get in touch

Get in Touch

Meet Graham

I came to yoga in my late 40s at the suggestion of my GP. I enjoyed it so much I spent some deepening my own knowledge and practise and then training as a teacher.

I have a passion for challenging stereotypes and particularly introducing men like me to the benefits of yoga.

Based in the beautiful and historic Derwent Valley in Derbyshire I also enjoy walking both locally and the Camino de Santiago routes in Spain (check out some of my favourite local walks in the resources section)

I usually teach a mix of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga styles but also enjoy Ashtanga (For an explanation of yoga types see below). I am really excited to be introducing more men to the benefits of Yoga through dedicated classes and sessions

Feedback

"....supported a patient to the job centre today, when he was there, he said the men's yoga has been the best thing to happen to him this year, and helps his mind and body." (Belper Primary Care Network Social Prescribing Class)

"This is the first time I have ever attended a class with Graham but he was so amazing he spoke through every move that we did. He made it really interesting and there was lots of different things I've not done before"

(Hot Pod Derby)

"X called in to say hello after the class today and you have transformed her!! She is so pleased and got a new zest for life so well done for making a difference"

(Chair Yoga - Belper)

"Graham's classes are great fun even though he makes us work hard! I have increased flexibility and lost many of those niggling aches and pain. His approach to teaching men of a certain age is spot on"

(Yoga with Men in Mind - Belper)

"Great instructor, felt completely relaxed and at ease, suffering with stress day to day, this has really set me up for the day."

"Extremely firendly, professional and even if you can't manage some of the positions there was no pressure. Graham was so nice and there was a fabulous calming feel to the class"

(Hot Pod Chesterfield)

Choosing the right yoga class

What is yoga?

Choosing the right yoga class can be confusing. It's a bit like trying to choose a bottle of wine or beer- there are loads of different options and flavours. If you do not know your Asana from your elbow then read on.......

Yoga is old, really old. It is an ancient system of physical, mental and spiritual practices that have been passed down through the generations from teacher to student. Yogic practices include breathing techniques, postures, relaxation, chanting, and other meditation methods. The western version of yoga tends to focus on movement but there are many different types and styles of yoga, each with their own unique focus and approach:

Hatha - this is a bit of everything and the most common style taught in the UK

Vinyasa - a bit more physical and faster than Hatha - expect to get a sweat on!

Ashtanga / Ashtanga Style - a bit like Vinyasa but focuses on a prescribed set of poses which are repeated in each class

Yin - slow and steady with more focus on breathing to get into the poses. Expect to do fewer poses but hold them for 3 - 4 minutes each

Nidra - only a few poses and a focus on building a meditative state. Nidra means sleep

Gentle - usually a mix of yin and hatha styles but slower with more time for breath. Can be better for people using yoga for rehabilitation

Whatever style you choose, classes should incorporate a range of adaptations so that everyone can participate. Do not be afraid to explain to a teacher what you want from yoga and ask them what style they teach so that you have a positive experience

Yoga is continually being adapted and reinvented - as your experience develops you might like to try Hot Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Rave Yoga or even Goat Yoga!

Yoga designed for men

Often men feel unable to access classes where they may feel they are the odd one out or too inflexible to do yoga. My classes are designed for the male body with a focus on improving flexibility, developing balanced strength, increasing stamina, and relieving stress.

What to expect

Improved Flexibility. Stretching those parts of the body where men most often experience tightness and tension such as the hips, hamstrings, neck and shoulders.

Balanced Strength. Strengthening and lengthening muscle groups, such as in the mid-body, to avoid overloading or under-utilising muscles that increase the risk of injury.

Increased Stamina. Developing techniques for slower, deeper breathing and synchronising breath through movement to help relax, concentrate, and support muscle release.

Reduced Stress. Relaxing through an integrated set of movements that help develop greater awareness of how the body and mind can be used to manage stressful situations.