Somatic yoga in Meath: slow moves you feel from the inside
Slow, mindful movement blended with classic Hatha poses. For bodies that feel tight, tense or wound up. Thursday mornings at 10am.
What is somatic yoga?
Somatic yoga is a slow, mindful way of moving. You make small, easy movements and notice how each one feels inside your body. The aim is to let go of tension you hold without knowing it, and to move with more ease.
Soma is an old Greek word for the body. In a somatic class you might tighten a muscle slowly, then let it go even more slowly. You roll, rock and breathe, often lying on the mat. It looks very simple. It is not about stretching as far as you can.
Hatha is the classic yoga most people picture: poses held for a few breaths, with rests in between. Together they make a class that moves slowly enough for you to notice what is going on, and enough to leave you loose.
When Fiona teaches, music sets the pace, and there may be a line of poetry before the rest at the end. The class is easy to reach from Athboy, from Ballivor, about 12 minutes away, and from Navan, about 20. See all our classes for the rest of the week.
What you get from Hatha and Somatic yoga
- Help letting go of tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw.
- More ease in everyday moves: bending, reaching and turning.
- Better body awareness, so you notice tension sooner.
- A slower breath and a calmer mind.
- Classic Hatha poses for steady strength and balance.
Is somatic yoga good for beginners?
Yes. The moves are small and slow, and there is no right way for a pose to look. You only need to notice what you feel. It suits people who are stiff, nervous about yoga, or coming back after a long break.
What to expect at your first classWhat to expect at your first Hatha and Somatic yoga class
Come a few minutes early. Tell your teacher if anything is sore, so they can suggest other ways to move. Fiona confirms the venue and sends directions when you book.
A mat, water and maybe a small cushion or folded blanket for your head. Fiona will tell you what to bring when you book.
Slow. Long, easy movements, poses held with the breath, and quiet time at the end.
Soft clothes that let you roll and lie on the floor, with a layer for the rest.
When Hatha and Somatic yoga runs
How booking worksHatha and Somatic yoga runs on Thursday mornings at 10am this term.
Thursday
Fiona sends the price with the term dates. Taster or drop-in available on request.
Who teaches Hatha and Somatic yoga
Thursday mornings are taught by Fiona or Amy. Fiona's classes are built on functional movement and music, with stillness at the end and no chanting. She has Irish and can teach in both languages, so ask her about a class as Gaeilge.
Amy's approach is warm and down to earth. She wants class to feel relaxed and welcoming, where everyone moves at their own pace and nobody has to be perfect.
What our community says
Read them all on GoogleStraight from Google. 5.0 from 32 reviews.
Fiona's Restorative Yoga classes are a special experience. She holds a beautiful, safe space with her calming presence, clear guidance, carefully chosen music and spoken word which allows the body to completely relax and the nervous system to settle leaving me feeling totally chill. Love them!
I would highly recommend Grá Wellness run by Fiona, an excellent professional yoga teacher, the best in Co Meath. Fiona creates warm, cozy, welcoming, and serene atmosphere. and is full of positive energy. I have only recently started Yoga, and I am delighted to have found Gra Wellness studio and Fiona.
I have enjoyed Fiona's class over the past 2 years. She brings a mix of gentle flow, stretching and relaxation time to her clases and varies this weekly. She is mindful of making the room space welcoming and calm for her clients and each person is made comfortable and invited to participate at their own pace and level of flexibility.
From the second you walk in the door the relaxing smells, sounds, lighting and Fiona’s open welcome envelop you before class even begins. Such a safe, peaceful, personal space to have those couple of hours to relax in each week. As a newbie to Yoga. Yin and restorative yoga have been the best experience I’ve done for me. I’m only sorry I had not discovered it years ago. Thank you Fiona
The best yoga teacher in Meath I found Fiona last year and haven't missed a term since. Whether you want to sweat, deep stretch or just relax, she's got yoga suitable for everyone. Every space she teaches in is made magic with her energy if you're thinking of trying yoga, definitely go to Grá Wellness
Highly recommend. Fiona plans her classes and terms so well and creates a beautiful calm space where everyone feels welcome. I always look forward to my class knowing that I'll leave feeling grounded and refreshed
Questions about Hatha and Somatic yoga
What is the difference between somatic yoga and regular yoga?
Most yoga classes work towards a shape. Somatic yoga works on the feeling inside the move. The movements are smaller and slower, and there is no pose to get right.
Can somatic yoga help with pain?
We do not treat pain or any medical condition. Somatic movement is gentle, and many people who feel stiff or tense find it a kind way to move. If you have pain or an injury, get advice from an appropriate healthcare professional first and message Fiona before you book.
What is Hatha yoga?
Hatha is the classic form of yoga most people know: poses held for a few breaths, linked by rests. It is steadier and slower than a flow class, which makes it a good partner for somatic work.
Is somatic yoga good for stress?
Slow movement and slow breathing help most people wind down, and that is a big part of this class. It is a movement class, though, not a treatment.
Do I need any experience?
None. You do not need to be flexible, fit or experienced. Your teacher explains and shows each move as you go.
What time is the somatic class?
Thursday mornings at 10am this term. Message Fiona for the dates and price, and to check there is a place.
Move with more ease
Tell Fiona how your body feels and she will tell you if Thursday mornings are a good fit.