Yoga Cotswold

Yin vs Restorative Yoga: What’s the Difference? . When students arrive at the studio and read Yin or Restorative on the timetable, they often assume the classes are interchangeable. After all, both move slowly. Both involve long holds. Both invite stillness. However, although they may look similar from the outside, the experience — and the intention — differ in meaningful ways. At YOGA COTSWOLD , I often guide students who feel unsure which style will suit them best. Therefore, in this guide, I will explore the key distinctions between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga , explain the benefits of each, and help you decide which practice aligns with your needs. Understanding the Foundations First and foremost, both Yin and Restorative sit within the wider landscape of modern yoga. However, their origins and physiological focus vary. What Is Yin Yoga? Yin Yoga targets the deeper connective tissues — ligaments, fascia, and joint capsules. Rather than strengthening muscles, Yin encourag...

  Core-Building Yoga: Plank Variations and Boat Pose Progressions.  A strong core does far more than sculpt the midsection. In fact, it supports posture, protects the spine and improves balance in everyday life. At YOGA COTSWOLD , I often remind students that true strength begins deep within the body. Therefore, in this guide, I will explore core-building yoga , focusing on plank variations and boat pose progressions that develop stability safely and progressively. Whether you are new to yoga or refining your practice, these structured steps will help you build confidence without strain. Why Core Strength Matters in Yoga Many people associate core work with sit-ups or gym machines. However, yoga approaches strength differently. Rather than isolating muscles, it integrates breath, alignment and awareness. The core muscles include: Transverse abdominis Rectus abdominis Obliques Pelvic floor Lower back stabilisers When these muscles work together, they c...

  Yoga Nidra for Deep Sleep: 20-Minute Script . At YOGA COTSWOLD , we often hear the same quiet confession after class: “I’m exhausted, but I can’t switch off.” Modern life pulls the nervous system in every direction. Screens glow late into the evening, thoughts loop endlessly, and sleep becomes shallow or broken. However, there is a practice that gently leads you back to deep, nourishing rest. That practice is Yoga Nidra for deep sleep . Guided by NAZUNA YEO , this 20-minute approach does not demand flexibility, strength, or even prior yoga experience. Instead, it invites you to lie down, stay still, and listen. And yet, within that simplicity lies profound transformation. What Is Yoga Nidra? Yoga Nidra , often called yogic sleep, is a guided meditation technique designed to bring the body into deep relaxation while keeping the mind softly aware. Unlike traditional sleep, where awareness disappears, Yoga Nidra allows you to hover between waking and dreaming. As a result, th...

 Yoga for Grief: Gentle Restorative Practice . Grief arrives quietly for some and crashes in like a storm for others. It may follow the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a change in health, or even a shift in identity. However it appears, it reshapes daily life. At YOGA COTSWOLD , I, NAZUNA YEO , hold space for those walking through sorrow. Through Yoga for Grief , we use a gentle restorative practice to support the body and soothe the heart. While nothing can remove loss, the right practice can help you breathe again. Moreover, it can steady your nervous system, soften physical tension, and gradually restore trust in your body. Understanding Grief in the Body Grief does not live only in the mind. Instead, it settles in the chest, tightens the throat, and weighs heavily on the shoulders. Many people notice shallow breathing, fatigue, headaches, or digestive changes. Therefore, when we address grief, we must include the body. Restorative yoga for grief focuses o...

  Yoga for Men Over 40: Mobility for Hips, Hamstrings, and Back . For many men, turning 40 feels like a quiet turning point. You might still feel strong, capable, and active, yet your body starts giving subtle warnings. Perhaps your lower back feels tighter after sitting too long. Maybe your hamstrings complain when you bend down to tie your shoes. Or your hips simply don’t move like they used to. However, ageing doesn’t have to mean stiffness, discomfort, or a gradual loss of mobility. In fact, with the right approach, your 40s can be the beginning of better movement, better posture, and better long-term health. At YOGA COTSWOLD , yoga teacher NAZUNA YEO specialises in helping people reconnect with their bodies through practical and accessible movement. Her focus is not about perfect poses. Instead, it’s about improving everyday function, reducing pain, and building resilience through yoga for men over 40 . So, if you want healthier hips, looser hamstrings, and a stronger back,...

Yoga for Seasonal Blues: Light, Breath, and Movement . As the days shorten and winter settles over the Cotswolds, many of us experience a dip in mood, energy, and motivation. Commonly referred to as seasonal blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) , this shift can affect daily life, productivity, and emotional wellbeing. Thankfully, the practice of yoga offers gentle yet powerful tools to combat these seasonal lows. At YOGA COTSWOLD , yoga teacher Nazuna Yeo integrates light, breath, and movement to uplift spirits and restore balance during the darker months. In this article, we explore how yoga can help alleviate seasonal blues, incorporating practical techniques, postures, and mindful practices to brighten your winter days. Understanding Seasonal Blues Seasonal blues, often mistaken for typical winter tiredness, involve feelings of sadness, lethargy, irritability, and low motivation . They are linked to reduced sunlight exposure , which can disrupt our circadian rhythms an...