Wednesday Morning Yoga
A gentle, welcoming class for beginners and those returning to yoga, in the heart of New Barnet.
What is yoga?
Yoga is a practice that brings together movement, breath, and awareness. Originally developed in ancient India, it has evolved over thousands of years into many different forms, from dynamic and physically challenging styles to gentle, restorative approaches focused on stillness and ease.
At its heart, yoga is about connection: between body and breath, between movement and rest, between effort and letting go. It’s not about being flexible, looking a certain way, or achieving a particular pose. It’s about showing up, paying attention, and by doing so, finding a little more ease in your body and mind.
“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” — Sakyong Mipham
Regular practice can gently improve flexibility, balance, and strength. It can also support mental wellbeing, helping to ease stress, anxiety, and fatigue. For many people, it simply becomes something they return to week after week because it helps.
What to expect from this class
This is a gentle, accessible yoga class, deliberately paced, with plenty of time to settle in and move at your own speed. It’s suitable whether you’ve never tried yoga before or you’ve practised in the past and are coming back to it after a break.
Each session runs for an hour and will typically include:
- A short settling practice to arrive in the body
- A breath awareness (Pranayama) practice
- Gentle warm-up movements focused on breath and awareness
- A sequence of standing and floor-based postures
- Modifications offered throughout so you can work at your own level
- A final relaxation (Savasana) to integrate the practice
Because I also teach mindfulness meditation, you’ll find that this class weaves in a quality of attentiveness: noticing sensation, working with the breath, and moving with curiosity rather than effort or strain. You won’t be pushed. You’ll be invited.
There’s no expectation to do anything that doesn’t feel right for your body on any given day. Resting is always an option. Modifications are always available. You’re welcome exactly as you are.
Practical details
Class Information
Introductory period: 10 weeks, 2nd Sept–4th Nov 2026.
£10 per session as a drop-in thereafter.
About Ruth
I’m Ruth McDonald, a mindfulness teacher and yoga teacher in training based in Barnet, North London. I’ve been teaching mindfulness since 2018, and I’m currently completing my yoga teacher training with the British Wheel of Yoga.
I come to yoga with a background in mindfulness, which means I’m particularly interested in the quieter, more attentive side of practice: using the body as a place to come home to, rather than something to push through. My teaching is warm, unhurried, and grounded in genuine care for each person in the room.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be flexible to do yoga?
Absolutely not. This is probably the most common thing people worry about, and it’s a bit like saying you need to be fit before you go to the gym. Yoga is for the body you have right now, not the body you wish you had. Flexibility often comes gradually over time, but it’s never a starting requirement.
I’ve never done yoga before — is this class suitable for me?
Yes. This class is specifically designed with beginners in mind. We’ll take things slowly, I’ll explain each posture clearly, and I’ll always offer alternative ways of doing things so you can find what works for your body.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in. There’s no need for special yoga wear. Leggings, joggers, and a loose top are all fine. We practise in bare feet, so no shoes are needed once you’re on the mat.
Do I need to bring a mat?
It’s helpful to bring your own mat if you have one. If you don’t, please get in touch before your first class and I’ll do my best to arrange one for you while you’re getting started.
I have a health condition or injury — can I still come?
Please do let me know before your first class if there’s anything going on with your body that I should be aware of. Yoga can often be adapted well for a range of conditions and injuries, and I’ll always suggest modifications so you can participate safely and comfortably.
Is this a spiritual or religious class?
Yoga has ancient roots and some teachers bring a spiritual dimension to their classes. My approach is open and secular, but whatever you find meaningful in the practice is welcome. You don’t need any particular beliefs to practise here. Everyone is welcome.
What if I need to miss a week?
Life happens, please don’t worry. This is a drop-in, so there’s no obligation to come every week. Each class stands on its own, and you’re welcome whenever you can make it.
Why is the class currently free?
I’m in the final stage of my yoga teacher training and need to deliver and be assessed on a series of classes. Offering these sessions free is my way of inviting people to try yoga with no financial barrier, and I genuinely hope you’ll find it valuable enough to want to keep coming. Once the introductory period ends, sessions will be £10 as a drop-in.
Ready to give it a try?
Drop in any Wednesday at 10am. Get in touch if you have any questions before you come.
Get in touch