Hello from Sarsha

Hello 

I know some of you know me, but let me introduce myself again for those that are new here and don't know me. 

I'm Sarsha - I've had 54 trips around the sun and feel no age at all. 

I am the Yoga teacher/guide and proud custodian of  the space I named Yoga Movement Studio. 

Yoga has been in my life for many years, nearly 30 years. I have been teaching/guiding yoga movement for nearly 20 of those years - in and around Gainsborough.

I came to yoga because of back pain. Thanks to my yoga practice I no longer have back pain.

Yoga guides me everyday - simply to be and know that is enough - self acceptance. 

Yoga has also supported me through menopause. 

Yoga has given and continues to give me vitality and a zest for life. And I want to share that with you. 

I have studied Yoga, Pilates and movement with many different teacher/mentors over the years. And now teach my own eclectic mix of yoga, Pilates, movement and mindfulness. 

I love sharing yoga with those who think yoga isn't for them, those who think they are not flexible enough, zen enough, those who have been other classes and left feeling "inadequate" - I know that feeling and aim to deliver classes that support and empower you on your yoga/movement journey. 

I believe that Yoga doesn't have to be about advanced poses, it can be about self exploration and acceptance through thoughtful sustainable movement (that fits you) and mindful rest/stillness/relaxation. 

I created Yoga Movement Studio - YMS -  A bespoke yoga/wellness space in the loft at 54 Bridge Street Gainsborough. For those who want to take time to nurture and nourish themselves with movement and rest. I aim to be a guide to help you find healthy nourishing movement that suits and works for your body. And mindful calmness to help you flourish mentally and emotionally. 

YMS will be 8 years old in July 2025. I am so proud yet humbled by how YMS has grown and what it has become. An urban sanctuary for sustainable movement and mindful rest.

Away from yoga classes I am a mum to two teenagers, a wife, a daughter, a friend and a horse guardian.  

My life is a routine of yoga, school runs, horse chores, occasional camping indoor bouldering (yoga on a wall) and nature walking.

Yoga helps me find balance, calm and stability in this busy world. 

Let me help you find the same. 

Sarsha 

 yogamovement.studio

 

Gurus & Guides - Off the mat

When I first came to yoga it was purely on a physical level, I wanted my body to feel better
and move better.
I didn't want to have to live and be defined by my back pain. 

But along the way I became interested in the whole of yoga, physical, spiritual, mental
and ethical.
Some of this made me feel like I was failing as a yoga practitioner and at times I felt like
I was compromising either myself or yoga as I thought it should be. 

Through my journey as a human being I have had several teachers, influencer's, guides,
gurus (whatever word you choose to use here) some well known some just everyday
people who have no idea the impact that they have had on me and some who do know.
Some where yoga related and some where not.
We are all teachers, influencer's, guides, gurus in our own way. I believe we should grow
through and with many teachers and not be totally dependent on one.  I truly believe
we should take the teachings we need and that resonate with us and make our own path.
You don't have to agree with everything or believe everything a person says to benefit
from some of their teachings/offerings. Sometimes we may wonder far from a particular
teaching/lesson that did resonate with us only to return to that teaching sometime later
and realise that the path of life has prepared us more fully for the deeper resonance of
that teaching.
Life is about circles. Sometimes with have to come around a second, third,
fourth or more times to fully understand a teaching. I believe the best way for this to
happen is to have many teachers, to see the teacher in everything. And do not hold someone
else's value/belief as your own, especially if you have your own unanswered questions/doubt
about that belief.

I am constantly a student and I seek new teachers all of the time, some I stay with longer
than others, some I keep returning too, but I keep my mind open to new ideas and new teachers.
Some of my most valued teachers show up in my classes week after week, for this I an eternally
grateful.
It is great to have someone who is wise and offers wisdom when you most need it. It is also
great to get more than one perspective on any situation, Having many teachers will provide
that for you. And I have found the best of all teachers never give you answers anyway, they provide
with the knowledge to know your own answers and offer a straight forward non-judgemental view on
life.

I am authentically me, I evolve and grow constantly.
My back pain is gone and my mind is my own.
I am secure of my yoga journey now.
Through all of this I now believe that that there is no compromise when you are truly being
the best you, you can be.

Sarsha 💖

Late Summer/Autumn Term at Yoga Movement Studio 2025

Late Summer/Autumn classes at Yoga Movement Studio. 

Yoga with Sarsha.

Yoga as sustainable movement & mindful stillness. 

Classes to promote ease of movement, reduce stress & improve sleep quality. 

20 years of sharing yoga in Gainsborough.

 12 years in a bespoke yoga space - Yes there's a bespoke yoga space in Gainsborough - It's in a building on the riverside walk - 54 Bridge street.

No yoga experience needed. 

All classes suitable for beginners.

All weekly scheduled classes are 75mins.

Reasons people attend classes at YMS - 

Friendly/welcoming groups - 8/12 places.

Experienced yoga teacher.

Safe space/Calm energy.

Improves movement ability.

Calmness of mind. 

Sleep better.

Sense of wellbeing & belonging.

Community.

I know that some times class times don't suit or you prefer/need that more bespoke session. 

 

 1-2-1 & Private small group 

Bespoke Movement & Wellness packages tailored to suit your needs. 

Using Yoga & Pilates for movement and Sound, Reiki & Yoga Nidra for relaxation/wellness. 

  www.yogamovement.studio

      https://linktr.ee/yogamovement_sash

 

     Click here for to contact link to Sarsha

What's on offer at YMS - Descriptions of the classes and sessions available at YMS

 Yoga Movement Studio/Sarsha - YMS

YMS is my passion

YMS an urban sanctuary for sustainable movement and mindful stillness.

YMS a place where I will hold space for you to explore the potential of your body, mind and soul. 

YMS a place where you can be you without judgement or expectation. 

YMS a modern practice of yoga. 

YMS a space to be.

I have studied yoga and movement with many different mentors over the years. And now teach my own eclectic mix of yoga, Pilates, movement and mindfulness. I love sharing yoga with those who think yoga isn't for them, those who think they are not flexible enough, zen enough, those who have been other classes and left feeling "inadequate" - I know that feeling and aim to deliver classes that empower you on your yoga/movement journey. 

Yoga Movement classes - weekly timetable classes description.

The practice I share is not about advanced poses or technical sequences. It's about becoming aware of you, honouring you, where you are at! Yet also being open enough to explore the capacity and potential that we each hold. Knowing it's about how it feels and not how it looks. 

I often hear people say I'm not flexible enough for yoga - flexibility is a side affect of yoga - not a pre-requisite. You can not run a marathon with out training/practice.  So why do we expect ourselves to need flexibility at the beginning of our yoga journey. The benefits of moving the physical body can also have a positive affect on mental wellbeing too. The only flexibility we need to start a yoga practice is within our belief system - the flexibility to start something new and embrace being a beginner. Trusting yourself in the process.

At YMS all yoga movement classes are suitable for all levels especially beginners - 

* Weekly timetable classes

*Yoga Movement

I take a modern approach and layer the movements and poses, so everyone can explore what feels good for their body on that day and in that moment. 

This class finishes with a space for stillness - you get comfy and spend time in non-movement as a contrast to the movement practice. The stillness is a practice. It's a space where you can tune into you notice without judgement or analysis the impact the practice has had upon you. The breath is weaved through the movement practice and is a key part to the stillness practice. The whole practice is guided. 

*Yin Yoga

Slow floor based yoga practice where poses are held for a while (a few minutes to several minutes) this practice gives the connective tissue of the body time to release and become more pliable. It's not about how it looks it' about the target area we are working with and how it feels. 

A session to gently stretch away the stresses and strains of life. A class that helps to improve joint function and overall wellbeing. this session finishes with a short relaxation. 

The practice is guided with pockets of quiet time for that inner reflection. 

*Yoga flow-ish

Slow flow-ish because I'm pants at fast flow. Linking one pose to the next with the option to add a weighted stick. This session is great for adding a stronger sensation to the practice. Guided with options. Using the principles I apply to yoga movement. This session finishes with a power pause - a space of stillness to let the mind and body absorb the impact of the flow practice.

*Pilates & functional movement.

Mat Pilates & Functional movement patterns to improve posture and body awareness. Functional movement patterns lunge, squat, push, pull, twist.

Serenity Sessions - pop up sessions - 6/9 weekly

These sessions are well-being sessions and little longer than a timetable session. 

In these session I share - 

Yoga Nidra - yogic sleep this is a guide deep relaxation, where you get comfy and immerse yourself in nervous system replenishing rest. 

Crystal singing bowls - you get comfy and allow the vibrations and frequencies of the bowls to soothe your being. 

Yin or restorative yoga is often included in these sessions. 

Restorative yoga - floor based poses fully supported with yoga props to ensure maximum comfort. Spending several minutes in each pose allowing time for the body and mind to find deep release and relaxation. 

Serenity sessions can be a combination of one, two or all of the above practices. 

These sessions compliment the timetable classes or are great as a stand alone practice - attend as and when feels right for you. 

No Yoga experience needed - come as you are. 

Sarsha ✨

Visit www.yogamovement.studio for more information or contact via yogamovementstudio@gmail.com

Classes not for you! Well that's ok as I now also offer 1-2-1 & private small group packages - Tailored to your needs. 

Remember to Breathe - Off the mat

Remember to breathe. 
Breathing is the most important thing that we do.
Our own breath is the most present thing we have.
We take it with us everywhere.
The way we breathe effects how we feel.

When all around is falling apart remember to breathe. 
It should be our go to place when life feels overwhelming.




Breathing Techniques 
We don't need to learn any fancy techniques. 
There are just a couple of things we need to remember:
1. Breath through the nose. 
2. Aim for the exhale to be slightly longer than the inhale.

Breathing through the nose helps us to be connected to the parasympathetic nervous system - this is the part of the nervous system responsible for rest and recovery, it aids the digestive system to work more efficiently too. 

Longer exhale this just encourages the breathing rate to slow down and steady - this simple act itself helps to make you calmer and improves concentration.  

Time with your breath 
How long you spend with the breath is your choice. 
10 breaths can be a great starting point stay with the breath for longer if you have time. 
Sitting or laying is fine which ever feels best for you and also suits where you are. 

If you can open a window and breath in the fresh air. 

If you are in a social situation or just feel overwhelmed in company even with your family during this lock down situation. Just go the bathroom (people tend to not follow you in there!) and take 10/20 breaths it can make a massive difference.  

If you are struggling to sleep, try the breath count technique (this is as complicated as my offerings here will be). Count the breaths in rounds of 4,  make the count at the end of the exhalation, when you get to the 4th breath, next breath return to 1 and keep repeating. if you loose count return to 1, if you over-count when you notice return to 1, if you become distracted when you notice just return to the breath and return to 1.

May the breath connect us. 💫

Sarsha 💖

Grounded by your FEET. - Body

Our feet. 
Our connection to the earth.
Our grounding.
Our support.
Our source of moving about in this life.



The feet and ankles contain:
26 bones
33 joints
Over 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Most peoples feet spend a lot time encased in shoes. Most shoes are not foot shaped and our feet pay the price by being squeezed into an unnatural shape while in the shoes. This can lead to aches and pains in the feet. 

Our feet are amazing yet we often lock them up in shoes that limit their capacity to move and give us feedback. 

Shoes often restrict the movement of the 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The joints in our feet can become tight and stiff when trapped in shoes. Our feet are designed to move, flex and be supple. Along with that restriction is also sensory deprivation.  Our feet are our connection to the ground, if we can't feel the ground beneath us, we can't connect to our feet. Feeling what is beneath us through our feet connects us to our feet. If we can't connect to our feet this can have a huge impact on how we move in general and how we balance. 

How often do you walk barefoot? 

Do you ever walk barefoot outside? - in the garden for instance. Walking on grass and earth has a very grounding and calming effect on us.  

Textures a sensory workout for your feet.

Go barefoot give your feet a chance to talk to you. 

Barefoot allows our feet to spread and to move more efficiently.  This can relieve a multitude of daily aches and pains from the feet. And remember we have reflexology points in the feet so walking barefoot can have a positive effect on the systems of the whole body too.

Barefoot not only gives out feet chance to move freely but if we incorporate moving over different textures this helps us connect to the sensations through our feet - it can help to wake up the feet and it can maintain that awake-ness. Understanding our feet can help with moving better and feeling better. 

The feet are a small part of the whole, Sometimes it's the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Sometimes simply taking your shoes off and having a walk barefoot can be a small step to bigger things. 

Have you tried barefoot shoes? 

I found that the more often I go barefoot, the more I feel the restriction of certain shoes. My feet now ask for feet shaped shoes (Barefoot shoes). There are some great barefoot shoes out there just google barefoot shoes. But nothing out weighs natural "actual" barefoot - when and where safely possible. 

I particularly like the feel of sand on my feet.

Give your feet some love. 

Give yourself a foot rub. Get some massage oil or even some hand, foot or body lotion and just rub all over feet including your toes, spread the toes rub the top and bottom of your feet, pay attention to any achy bits. Maybe even give your feet a soak in warm water first. 

LOVE YOUR FEET 👣


Sarsha 💖

  

Why Movement matters.

Movement is life.

Life is movement.

We move we live.  

How we move can affect our whole being! 

Movement does not have to be complicated. 

Move and explore as many ways to move your body as possible. 

Move in ways that you don't normally move. 

The more ways we move the body the more vitality we bring to our whole being. 

Move with intention and awareness - this is what a movement practice at YMS is all about. 

With movement - it is a use it or lose it situation, that doesn't mean that you can't regain mobility because you can, but it is much easier to maintain it than regain it. 

Timetabled classes at YMS are planned to help you move better and feel better. 

To help you maintain/regain ease and freedom of movement as you age. 

Yoga at YMS is about sustainable movement, mindful stillness and self care. 

Think of it as body and mind maintance. 

Sarsha ✨