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Yoga Classes,Workshops and Holidays with Sam Gilmour (BWY dip)

Hello there, my name is Sam and I am a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher with more than 20 years experience of teaching Hatha and Restorative Yoga classes on zoom and in-person in the Sawbridgeworth, High Wych and Ongar area.

My daytime classes are held at Redricks Lake Studio, High Ongar Village Hall, Great St Mary’s Church House and Ongar Leisure Centre as well as evening classes at High Wych Village Hall, High Ongar Village Hall and at Waltham Abbey Leisure centre.

Once a month you can also join in weekend extended (two and a half hours)Yoga Workshops at High Ongar Village Hall, and in the summer season, Sunday morning Yoga and Wild Swimming sessions at Redricks Lake. 


To see my current Yoga Class and Workshop calendar please check on the menu. If you would like to reserve a place at one of my weekly Hatha Yoga classes please get in-touch on 07740 464196.


If you would like to know more about Private one-to-one Yoga Tuition, Sunday morning classes and Workshops, Yoga holidays to Italy, India, Morocco, and Turkey or generally find out more information about the benefits of Yoga, Relaxation and Meditation for all kinds of health issues, please message me on 07740 464196, samanthagilmour@msn.com

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My Latest News

Home Zoom Restorative Yoga Wednesday 6pm - 7pm

Sunday workshops for 2023 once monthly Sunday workshops and Sunday morning extended classes.

New yoga class time table for 2023

Upcoming Yoga Retreats

Book now for 2023 retreats  in Morocco in May and September, Italy in June and India in October

Private group Yoga Classes

Monday evening class @ High Wych, Sawbridgeworth.
Tuesday evening @ High Ongar.
Thursday afternoon @ Great St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Sawbridgeworth.

Yoga Retreats

Currently booking for next year 2023

Tigmi Morocco
Saturday 29th April to Saturday 6th May 2023

Tuesday 2nd May to Saturday 6th May 2023

Saturday 16th September to Thursday 21st September 2023 

Abruzzo Southern Italy
An all-inclusive Walking and Yoga holiday Southern Italy
with Sam Gilmour (BWY dip)
Monday 29th May - Saturday 3rd June 2023


Karala Southern India
October 2023 dates and details TBC





Yoga Classes

Yoga Classes

Hello there, my name is Sam and I am a qualified British Wheel of Yoga teacher with more than 20 years experience of teaching Hatha and Restorative Yoga classes on zoom and in-person in the Sawbridgeworth, High Wych and Ongar area.

My daytime classes are held at Redricks Lake Studio, High Ongar Village Hall, Great St Mary’s Church House and Ongar Leisure Centre as well as evening classes at High Wych Village Hall, High Ongar Village Hall and at Waltham Abbey Leisure centre.

Once a month you can also join in weekend extended (two and a half hours)Yoga Workshops at High Ongar Village Hall, and in the summer season, Sunday morning Yoga and Wild Swimming sessions at Redricks Lake. 


To see my current Yoga Class and Workshop calendar please check on the menu. If you would like to reserve a place at one of my weekly Hatha Yoga classes please get in-touch on 07740 464196.


More info and dates

Yoga Workshops

Yoga Workshops

Sunday Yoga Day with Sam Gilmour (BWY dip) Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga


The morning practice will be primarily a flowing 'vinyasa' style session followed by an afternoon of 'restorative' yoga.The theme of this day of yoga will be to embrace the complementary opposite styles of yoga practice which together create a truly holistic approach. First the dynamic, muscular and stamina orientated 'vinyasa' and after lunch, a deeper, calmer, more relaxing 'restorative' practice focusing on connective tissue and devised to create mental balance.


We can provide straps and blocks, but please bring along your own blankets, Yoga mat & yoga bolster or to make your own bolster a bed pillow and two blankets or large bath towels for the restorative practice in the afternoon. A vegetarian lunch and refreshments are included in the price of £ 45.00.


More info and dates

Zoom class, practice from home

Zoom Class

Wednesday Evening 6pm -7pm


Restorative yoga from home via Zoom

Bolster and strap required.


Please text to get involved 


More info and dates

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga

Sunday Yoga Day with Sam Gilmour (BWY dip) Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga


The Benefits of Restorative Yoga in a nutshell


Enhances flexibility. Deeply relaxes the body. Stills the mind. Improves capacity for healing and balancing. Balances the nervous system. Boosts the immune system. Develops qualities of compassion and understanding toward others and self. Enhances mood states.


So if the idea of Restoring, Relaxing and Revitalising yourself appeals to you, then please sign up and come along to our Once Monthly Friday Evening Restorative Yoga Class at Waltham Abbey’s Places for People.


More info and dates

One to One Yoga

One to One

Private yoga tuition is ideal for you if you have a busy lifestyle and are unable to commit to my regular classes.

 

I would particularly recommend one-to-one sessions if you have a specific physical issue or injury and if you are recovering from an operation or serious illness. 


However, most of my one-to-one students just prefer a private class because the yoga practice is specifically taylored to their needs, aims and requirements on the day and in the longterm.


If you would like to practice Yoga in the comfort of your own home, or you would like to arrange a class at your place of work, please call me on 07740 464196, samanthagilmour@msn.com me to arrange a suitable time.


One- to-One Testimonials

"I have been traveling this yogic path for almost 4 years and perhaps being a slow learner it took almost a full year to make any meaningful progress. Sam,from the start, made it abundantly clear that in yoga there is nothing to achieve outside doing your best. She added that yoga is a light that once lit will never dim. The more you practice, the brighter the flame, and although I found many of the postures difficult in the beginning her lessons were always great fun.


However, after four years of making steady, if slow progress, with Sam encouraging and carefully adjusting me, I know I am much improved and now find that I can self correct myself in certain postures for better alignment. More recently I have been receiving 1-2-1 lessons at home from Sam. These sessions have assisted me in seeing and feeling so much more in terms of depth and I now feel that I move seamlessly and without effort into and out of postures. And, always at the end of the class, I have a wonderful relaxed feeling.


Her passion for yoga is matched with a serenity and modesty that gives her a brilliant and unique teaching style. There is not a single thing that I would change about the way that Sam teaches. She has all the things that one looks for in a teacher. Sam is undoubtedly the finest teacher I have ever had and has truly lifted the shadows from my eyes."


Paul, Epping (1-2-1, Classes in Ongar and Yoga Days

Yoga really does help heal you - body and mind! I meet Sam at a difficult time in my life and found that learning Yoga, strengthening and stretching my body gently, focusing on my breathing and being guided into relaxation (my favourite part!) helped me greatly at a time of huge stress and anxiety. As well as the mental and emotional benefits, my 'bad back' completely disappeared and the symptoms of menopause eased tremendously. I live in Devon now but I have continued to do Yoga and attending local classes was a great way to meet people. Yoga is an integral part of my life these days and I am ever grateful to Sam for introducing me to the practice - Not only was Sam caring and understanding, but she really 'showed me the ropes' and I feel that those 1-2-1 sessions formed a very strong foundation to my Yoga practice.

Ellen

I had been an avid 'gym bunny' all my life! I probably wouldn't have even tried Yoga had I not been pregnant, but something just clicked during our first 1 to 1 session, and I automatically felt more connected to my body, and to my baby. I went on to have a lovely pregnancy and a wonderful birthing experience! The interesting thing is, being introduced to yoga at this time, has changed long term how I exercise. I still run three times a week and use weights but I respect and listen to my body more. And I love my new shape!! Longer leaner muscles in my legs and arms which I definitely put down to my weekly Yoga sessions with Sam - I feel at my peak! 

Zoe, Bishop Stortford



Prenatal Yoga Classes

Prenatal Yoga Classes

Prenatal Classes with Sam Gilmour (BWY dip)


You may already have heard about how beneficial yoga can be for the expectant mother and her baby.


Yoga is the ideal exercise during pregnancy because it.


• can keep the body supple without straining.


• can boost energy.


• can relieve stress and anxiety.


• can promote relaxation and restful sleep.


• can be used to relieve pain in labor and childbirth


• can relieve common minor ailments during pregnancy like swollen joint, heartburn and constipation.


• can help the expectant mother bond with her unborn baby.


The aim of Yoga in pregnancy is to help maintain/improve suppleness and strength in preparation for the safe and healthy delivery of your baby.

During the 2nd and 3rd trimester it is important to use additional support, so please bring along a couple of cushions, a bed pillow, small blanket or a pashmina. I will provide blocks and a chair so that we can support and accommodate your changing shape and capabilities.


So to recap, please be extremely careful. Take responsibility for your own body and don't do anything that feels uncomfortable.


For any further details and the suitable classes please refer to the soft yoga classes or contact me via the contacts page


Finally, I wish you good health and happiness during your pregnancy and the safe birth and a lifetime of joy with your baby.




For further information on Dedicated Pregnancy Class in Ongar and Private 1-2-1 and Small Group Pregnancy Yoga tutuion please call Sam on 01279-863167

Yoga in pregnancy is helpful for lymphatic drainage (fluid retention), cellulite, posture, weight control and hormonal balance. It will help you stay in shape and the breathing practices will be very useful during labor.


Keeping fit and healthy during pregnancy, both physically and mentally, will benefit you greatly after the arrival of your baby.


If you are a newcomer to yoga, it is absolutely crucial that you only do what feels right for you.


Be gentle to body at this special time. You must, at all times, ensure that you feel relaxed and comfortable. Please do not exert yourself beyond your limitations.


Although yoga is often recommended during pregnancy,please speak to your Doctor and Midwife before you engage in any yoga practice.


It is also vital that you keep me informed of any medical problems such as an increasein blood pressure, heartburn, excessive water retention, breathlessness, back problems (lower back, upper back, sciatica), pubis symphisis pain (SPD) etc. If you have any show of blood you must stop immediately and seek medical advice.


To reserve your place please contact me via my contacts page or by email: samanthagilmour@msn.com or call 07740 464196

Thai Yoga Massage

Thai Yoga Massage

Discover the delights of Thai Yoga massage.


Imagine your spine lengthening, your hips opening, your shoulders releasing,all without you doing a thing. This is the bliss of Thai yoga massage, an ancienthealing art that is said to date back to the time of the Buddha. Often referred toas 'lazy man's yoga', the popularity of Thai Yoga Massage has increased world-wide for no other reason than it's effectiveness in treating injuries and conditions, combined with a sense of very deep relaxation and well-being. Unlike traditional western massage Thai Yoga is a combination of the following techniques: Pressure Point Stimulation * Assisted Stretching Positions * Specific Treatment foridentifiable conditions.


Traditional Thai Yoga Massage


Legend has it that the practice began in India more that 2,500 years ago, then migrated to Thailand along with Buddhism, where it was performed in temples and regarded as a spiritual practice. An integral part of the Thai Healthcare system over the centuries, the roots of Thai Yoga massage come from Indian Ayurvedic medicineand Yoga philosophy, but it has also been influenced by indigenous forms of massage and Traditional Chinese medicine too.


The Treatment.


Thai massage has been proved to heal many physical ailments and mental emotional tensions such as Headaches and migraine, shoulder pain, back pain, stress, depression, insomnia, and general fatigue.


Your session


In a 90 minute treatment, the massage begins with the receiver lying on afuton on the floor face up and fully clothed.


The Energy Lines (Sen) of thefeet and legs are worked using both palm and thumb pressure. From there,the hips, stomach, shoulders, arms, back and neck are worked, finishingwith the head and face.



The Treatment.


Unlike traditional western massage Thai Yoga is a unique blend of massage, breath work, acupressure and gentle assisted stretches. Energy line work is the foundation of the treatment and balancing the body's energy systems is the main focus of the practitioner. This is based on the eastern understanding that energy (prana) forms the basis of all life and that this energy travels along invisible pathways within the body. In Yoga these pathways are called Nadis and in Thai Yoga Massage they are referred to as the Sen lines.


The Benefits.


• Improves muscle tone, flexibility and posture


• Stimulates internal organs, aids digestion, circulation and respiration


• Boost the immune system


• Recipient feels both relaxed and energised


For further information please contact me via my contacts page or by email: samanthagilmour@msn.com or call 07740 464196