enjoying movement whatever your ability
What's on offer
walking workshops
Get in touch for the next date available.
The venue can be Melbourne Chapel
or Seaton Ross Village Hall.
smartyoga and alexander technique
I offer yoga classes, workshops, and organise events to widen your understanding of movement of every kind.
My students benefit from one to one tuition as well as small classes.
Everyone is welcome at Smartyoga Yorkshire.
About Us
what to expect
I start by observing your movement in a selection of asanas so appropriate challenges are given.
You will probably be given different instructions from the next student to suit your flexibility.
Habits that may be unhelpful in your everyday life will be noticed so you may choose to change the way you move. It may be as simple as sitting or getting out of a chair.
You may be waiting for an operation hip, knee, hysterectomy etc and have been advised to keep exercising despite it being uncomfortable. Students come right up to the date of the operation and sometimes have delayed it as changes they have made have made their everyday activities easier.
Feel confidence you can work in your own time doing as much or little as you wish.
Often students come to me who have struggled with the usual class and would like to explore yoga with their own specific needs.
They want to be safe in their practice and seek advice.
The first stage is a one to one to make a start and discuss your needs.
Site Content
Classes
Spring Term begins on Monday January 5th
Mondays 2pm
Melbourne Chapel
2pm until 315pm
Thursdays 10am (75 mins)
Seaton Ross Village Hall
YO42 4LS
Our term begins on January 8th
10am until 1115am
£115 for 10 lessons
recent students say
13/09/2024
Thanks Marilyn, your classes and workshops are a joy to attend, your passion and enthusiasm for exercising in a safe but effective way are just amazing.
Having attended Marilyn's Smartyoga classes for 10 months, I quickly realised that her teaching is not only unique and special but her friendliness and encouragement are second to none! Marilyn will help you to achieve moves you thought were impossible, with seemingly little effort, but the results are amazing. If something doesn't work for you, Marilyn always has an alternative! Brilliant teacher and love going to her classes. Ann Marie December 2023
“I started Smart Yoga with Marilyn six months ago and went to my first class with some apprehension as I didn’t know what to expect. I now wish I had found her and the Alexander Technique earlier. I have done pilates for the last 25 years as well as the usual LTB and aerobic type classes BUT I have come to understand a great deal more about body awareness from Marilyn which I am able to put into practice in my other classes. Marilyn explains everything so well and whether you have done yoga for years or new to it like myself everyone can work at their own level and is accommodated in her classes,
I learned Smart Yoga with David and Caroline Blackshaw online in the Pandemic and have never looked back . We were invited to work alongside the course with a colleague ( buddy). I had the good fortune to work with Marilyn. She is a force to be reckoned with: an experienced Yoga Teacher AND Alexander Technique teacher! What a fabulous partnership. She is passionate about her work and in helping others and was an amazing support to me during the course and we continue to practise with each other
What a joy to attend this weekend Retreat, organised and managed so professionally by Marilyn, in Harrogate! And what a honour to learn and receive ' hands on' from the Guru, David Moore, as of course that was not possible online. David is the author of SMART Yoga and most importantly, SAFE Yoga. Why safe yoga? because it is underpinned with Alexander Technique, of course. David has devised a series of movements based on yoga that can be adapted to meet EVERY individual, no matter their ability or disability.
Thank you Marilyn for making this possible!
UK's next smartyoga workshop with David moore is in WALES
Trealy Farm from July 13th until 19th
More Feedback
“Great SMART Yoga workshop with Marilyn. Building core strength as well as learning about your spine and neck and how these actually work. This builds an understanding of how you move, stand and everyday movements which impact your spine – something we don’t often, if ever, give a thought to. I would highly recommend this workshop.”
I have been attending online zoom Marilyn's classes for a year now and am delighted by her simple yet direct style.
I love the way she underpins the asanas with Alexander Technique.
Marilyn breaks the asanas down into small achievable movements, that are possible for even the least flexible person. These small bite size moves accumulate into a whole , and before you realise it you are in a pose that you would never believe you could achieve.
Although simple you gain benefit whether you are experienced or completely new to yoga. Marilyn has the ability to adapt the asanas to meet your needs.
Because of her Alexander Technique learning, Marilyn will keep you safe, free from harm and able to move your body in the way it was designed. You will become stronger and more flexible.
I thoroughly recommend her small friendly online classes.
Thank you Marilyn for all your support on my Yoga journey.
I find it helps keep me supple, well balanced & very much aware of what my body can do without the need to push it. I feel stronger for doing yoga.
Hilary
Marilyn is an excellent teacher - skilled, experienced and perceptive. Classes are small enough for everyone to get some individual attention and encouragement. I am relatively new to yoga and am finding the classes varied and energising. I love the balancing and stretching exercises which are really helping my flexibility, balance and mobility as I get older.
Val
Since joining the Smart Yoga class my flexibility and strength has grown. I love the mindfulness part of Smart Yoga, and what is amazing is that at the end of the class I feel both calm and energised at the same time.
Highly recommended!
Kay, Seaton Ross
It is over 8 years that I have been regularly attending Marilyn's weekly yoga classes and reaping the
benefits of relaxation, flexibility and general wellbeing, within a group of friendly ladies.
Christine Reilly (aged 70)
Marilyn is an inspiring teacher who brings her vast experience from the world of Yoga and AT and creates a safe, healing space for the benefit of the mind body and soul....
Dr Kiran Kalsi
Leeds
“I disliked conventional exercise classes but Smartyoga is different. It’s very inclusive and as such is non competitive everyone gets something subtle and positive from the session and the relaxation at end is bliss. You won’t be disappointed.”
M.M Seaton Ross
“I have had sessions with other Alexander Technique teachers but Marilyn is exceptionally talented. She teaches in a well thought out, powerful language to help students experience every aspect of the body. She really knows her stuff”. Alison, Escrick, York
Marilyn's online classes are every bit as good as her in person classes. I always experience inclusiveness and interaction with Marilyn and the other online attendees. Alison, Escrick, York
“I was apprehensive about using Zoom at first but it’s easy to follow the link and I’ve really enjoyed meeting up this way - it’s been a great way to keep moving and helps you set aside time for yourself.”
Sherri
I have been very lucky to have had a number of lessons with Marilyn learning about and exploring some of the many aspects of Alexander Technique. It has been an incredible experience. Not only has it helped me in many practical ways, improving my range of movement for example and helping with my breathing, but I have also learned to let go of tensions I didn’t realise I had. I have discovered how to give myself some space and ease – both physically and mentally – and have begun to get to know my body in a new way. I still have a great deal to learn and I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with Marilyn (who is a lovely teacher) and to further explore this amazing technique which continues to surprise me with all the things it can bring to my life.
Sherri
My whole back and spine feels so much looser and truly connected to the ground and I'm loving all the work we're doing for the hips, quads and hamstrings which is really helping me.
Ruth