“Home is a feeling of being whole.”
— Unknown
For me, yoga is part of a bigger picture. A way of feeling more connected and supported through life’s changes, whether that’s moving home, recovering from a setback, or needing time for yourself.
Yoga is a practice from ancient India that brings together body, breath and mind to support awareness, balance and resilience. It can help improve posture, flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness – which can be especially useful when life feels uncertain.
I teach Hatha Yoga, a slower, steadier practice that focuses on balancing sun (‘ha’) and moon (‘tha’) energies. Poses (asanas) are held for a little longer than in faster flow styles, helping to calm the nervous system and create more mind-body awareness. My classes are mindful, moving with the breath to gently build strength and flexibility over time.
Whether you’re new to yoga, returning after time away, or need a greater sense of calm, you’re in the right place. The course I’m currently running is themed around the chakras to support a holistic sense of wellbeing, and also includes elements of yin yoga to support release and relaxation.
“The quality of Tessa’s work and teaching is exemplary, and I can see how much heart she puts into it.”
— Lucy Leslie, Course Director, Sussex Yoga Training
Options
Yoga is not a core offering but can be included where relevant (for example as part of a local class, moving home support or in addition to our coaching sessions). I offer it only when I feel I have the capacity to prepare well and bring value.
If you’re interested in weaving yoga into our work together (whether in person or by video call), or attending a future session or course, please ask.
Current options
- Mindful Hatha Yoga for Wellbeing, a course running at two venues on multiple dates: Long Ditton Village Hall, Surbiton (Fridays 9.30am-10.45am) and Studio 366, West Molesey (Sundays 9.30am-10.45am)
- Yoga can also potentially be included as part of home moving support or in addition to coaching sessions.
I also hope to start some regular classes from late February / early March 2026 for Mindful Yoga for osteoporosis and wellbeing, and also for Mindful chair/desk yoga for wellbeing.
I have equipment to teach nine people, including mats, bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps.
“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock.”
— Paraphrased from Lao Tzu, circa 6th Century BCE
A personal path
Like many people, my experience of yoga deepened through personal challenge. In my case, it followed a spinal compression fracture at T8 caused by Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis.
While I still experience some effects from the fracture, recent scans show my bone density has improved. I no longer have osteoporosis and am now in the osteopenia range following the end of breastfeeding, medical treatment and personal rehabilitation.
This experience informs the way I approach practice. It’s one of the reasons I value steady teaching that encourages awareness, choice and a connection to how things feel in the moment, whether that’s strength, stillness, resistance or release.
Core principles for safe yoga are below. For safe yoga for osteoporosis and recovery specifically, read this blog.
Core principles for safe yoga
For strength, ease, and confidence – at any stage of life.
If you’re recovering from a fracture or have osteoporosis or osteopenia, check with a medical professional before starting or resuming movement. Also see ROS guidance. Extra precautions may help protect healing bones.
These principles help support safe, mindful movement:
✔ Keep your back long and flat, or if controlled, gently curved
Avoid hunching or deep rounding. When required only, use gentle back curves in poses like passive forward folds with bent knees to reduce strain.
✔ Be gentle with bends and twists
Skip strong forward folds or deep twists. Gentle, passive and supported versions are usually safe. Never push into backbends and engage core first.
✔ Move slowly and with control
Transitions (like sitting to standing) are key – take your time to stay steady.
✔ Use props to support your body
Blocks, bolsters, straps, cushions, and walls help with comfort, stability, and alignment.
✔ Engage your core as you breathe
On each exhale, gently draw your navel toward your spine to support your lower back. On each inhale, lengthen your spine, feeling space between your vertebrae.
✔ Move with your breath
Let movements flow smoothly with slow, steady breathing. Breath supports focus, calm, and tissue healing.
✔ Balance active and passive movement
Combine gentle muscle engagement with supported, relaxed stretches to safely improve mobility, release tension, and build strength.
✔ Pay attention to how your body feels
“Unknotting” sensations can be a sign of fascia loosening or joints adjusting, usually a good thing if it’s not painful. Mild stretch is okay, but stop if you feel sharp, pinching, or deep discomfort.
If you’d like to explore how yoga might support you during life’s transitions or others in care or community settings, or have questions about the practice, please feel free to get in touch.
Please note: I am a certified yoga teacher (training accredited by Yoga Alliance), not a medical professional. These sessions are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. They are intended to support wellbeing in a steady, respectful way and may complement other forms of support where appropriate.
Tessa Spring 