Ahimsa Yoga – Classes and Training Courses in Hertfordshire
Seasonal Yoga
Yoga aligned with the changing seasons.
Hello everyone…
I’m Rachel, a Senior Yoga Teacher, and I’ve been teaching Seasonal Yoga classes in Hertfordshire for more than 15 years. Many of my students have been with me for most of that time!
I’m based in Letchworth and teach classes, courses and workshops around the towns of North Hertfordshire.
I’m passionate about Yoga, health, wellbeing and living in harmony with nature… and I hope to share this with as many people as possible so I can make a difference in the world.
While I’m very serious about Yoga, I have a well developed sense of humour, so expect some giggles in our sessions!
Yoga isn’t just about physical postures so my classes always include breathwork and relaxation; and often meditation too.
Expect a warm welcome – whatever the Season!
What is Seasonal Yoga?
Seasonal Yoga is a “yang” style practice which is designed to align you with the changing energies of nature and the seasons. It combines Yoga and Qigong with traditional Chinese ideas about balancing energy and living in harmony with nature. What is practised in the classes changes each season.
In this context “yang” means a more active and movement oriented practice rather than stillness for long periods, though how much we move varies on a Seasonal basis.
The concept was created by Julie Hanson and Sue Woodd in 1995 as an antidote to the stress and anxiety of modern life.
I came across Seasonal Yoga a few years after starting teaching and became increasingly fascinated with this amazing practice – something clicked! It also fitted seamlessly with my previous trainings. Seasonal Yoga now informs all the classes, workshops and courses that I teach.
Weekly Class – Timetable
| Tuesday evening | Seasonal Yang class – Letchworth | In person |
| Wednesday morning | Seasonal Yang Gentle class – Letchworth | In person + Zoom |
| Thursday morning | Seasonal Yang Gentle class – Hitchin | In person |
| Thursday evening | Seasonal Yang class | Zoom Online |
| Friday morning | Seasonal Yang class – Baldock | In person |
| Sunday morning | Seasonal Sunday class – one Sunday each month | In person |
Seasonal Yoga Courses
As well as the weekly classes, Rachel runs courses throughout the year
Yoga Teacher Training Course…
Build on the knowledge you already have. Learn about the Chinese 5 Element system, anatomy, asanas and much more.
If you want to take the next steps in your Yoga journey, I run a 200 hr Seasonal Yoga Teacher Training Course, accredited by Yoga Alliance (int.)
Whether you want to teach or just become confident in your knowledge, this is the course for you. Next Course starts September 2025
Student’s comments…
“Surpassed my expectations by a mile!… What an absolutely life-changing experience! I’m so pleased I made the decision to sign up. Worth every penny. Such dedication of Rachel and Melissa, absolutely could not have done it without their support and encouragement… Such interesting lectures, good structure, resources and interesting, thought-provoking Personal Evolution Assignments”
S.K.B – Teacher Training Graduate – Hitchin
Foundation Course…
This course teaches you exactly what you need to build a solid knowledgeable home practice and integrate yoga into your life.
The sessions run over 5 modules, 1 weekend per month.
News and Info
Find out about the yoga in season, the fundraising from Yin classes and the benefits of a regular practice
Classes
Seasonal Yoga classes run throughout the week at various times and locations in North Herts…
Newsletter
Here’s the latest Seasonal Yoga newsletter with helpful tips and info about yoga and more…
Benefits of Yoga
Some of the many benefits of regular yoga are physical, such as improving strength, flexibility and balance, but…
Fundraising
One of the highlights of teaching on Zoom has been the charity fundraising Yin Yoga class…
“I was thinking about yoga today and the difference it has made to me. I really look forward to your class and always come away feeling calm and relaxed.For me, yoga has given me space to breathe and learning to breathe properly’ has helped me put the brakes on my anxiety. My own practise is intermittent at home and yet I find myself doing random bits of yoga during the day and it works. I can breathe more deeply and slow down more easily. So, thank you for that.”
(JH, Baldock)
Online Studio
We have a Seasonal Archive of video classes available to watch
As well as the live classes, Rachel has a video library of recorded classes for each season, mainly yang classes and some yin classes. More recently Rachel has started a short series of Seasonal Qigong classes which run about 30 mins. These are available separately from the Online Studio.
The Online Studio started in 2020 when the Covid 19 Pandemic hit, everyone went into lockdown and no live ‘in person’ classes were being taught. Rachel started teaching ‘live’ classes on Zoom and made a few videos for students to practice at home. As the lockdowns continued, more videos were made until we have a year’s worth of seasonal videos.
“I went to two of Rachel’s classes at the IYN festival in 2017. Amongst many impressive teachers, her classes stood out. I found my mind calmed and my body opened by one yin and one hatha session, both of which were taught with compassionate and generous spirit. Thanks Rachel.”
(T. L., Norwich)