Hatha Yoga Teacher

About Hazel
Hazel’s Yoga teaching has grown from a love of Yoga, firstly as a teenager & later became vital after developing back pains. She has developed her Yoga professionally with Maarten Vermasse, both Foundation course and the British Wheel of Yoga Teaching Diploma. Since moving to Oxford in January 2004 she has built up classes both in gyms and privately in & around Oxford. She also runs weekend breaks and retreats. Previous locations were in Lanzarote, and Tuscany, Italy & a revisit is planned for 2006.
Other Experience Hazel has come from a teaching background, having taught Ceramics within Adult Education and privately for 14 years. She ran her own Ceramics business for 10 years, specialising in hand painted bone china and really enjoyed making pieces for special occasions and one off projects. Life brought changes and she moved into administration and office managing for 6 years. Hazel is now working as Yoga teacher and Reiki healer in the Oxford area. A wish for time to paint again, and fire the kiln with commissions, is in the not too distant future.           As a teacher I always remind students to “drop your shoulders, breathe and smile”, the theory being to loosen the tension we habitually hold in our shoulders; breathe and smile because if you are grimacing you won’t be breathing; smiling reminds the body and mind to relax and lengthen into the pose rather than strain or push. Breathing smoothly and evenly allows the mind, body and soul to reconnect.

“Yoga has made a big difference in my life. The benefits extend beyond the weekly class and I find I am much more conscious of my posture and breathing as I go through the day. I can also relax more effectively.” ~ Jan

“I have never done yoga before and it has been fascinating, and I feel I’ve been encouraged to try or do something different if I can’t.” ~ Sarah

“Feeling of well-being & relaxation afterwards” ~ Marlene

“I enjoy most Hazel’s approach to the class which has the right balance between serious and light hearted” ~ Nicola

When asked what they particularly like about their classes students gave the following replies:

“Everything! I like the mix of postures, relaxation and the (slow) pace of the class but I still feel I work hard.”

“very good explanation. Very well organised classes, flexible according to our capabilities.”

“Small comfortable group to learn in. The variation in poses from week to week help hold my interest… I find the meditation the hardest part of the session.”

“increasing flexibility, different approach to poses.”

"Yoga with Hazel has been great. She blends a good mix of routines with relaxation and is very clear and thorough. It's the only exercise class that's made me want to go back for more!" ~ Vicki