Build strength, flexibility and mobility in body and mind

About Me

I am an RYT-200 certified instructor based in Marin County, California. I trained at Nest Yoga, Oakland, under the tutelage of Leslie Howard, Annie Carpinter, Ann Dyer, Richard Rosen, Yoko Yoshikawa, Margi Young, Jodi Hahn and Baxter Bell MD. I am also certified in Pelvic Floor Yoga by Leslie Howard.

My instruction focusses on alignment and flow at a pace that’s right for you so you can safely build strength, flexibility and feel good. My classes are calm, highly instructive (no guesswork while you’re head down in down dog!) and pose options are given to meet individual abilities, levels and requirements.

Our bodies are unique. We are anatomically amazing, but our current lifestyles often do not allow us to use our bodies in the way they were designed. We spend an unnatural amount of time sitting, often in front of a screen, which can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Even if we exercise regularly, the repetitive nature of many activities can lead to muscle tightening and shortening and loss of mobility. Yoga is a great way to bring flexibility back to our bodies.

I practice at Nest Yoga in Oakland, Sukha Yoga in Novato, Metta Yoga throughout Marin County and with Jo Lewzey (Yoga Precision).

Class Schedule

I teach at Sukha Yoga, Metta Yoga and Nest Yoga. Join one of my classes listed below or contact me if you would like to discuss private or corporate classes.

WhenClass TypeWhereMore Info
Mondays, 6-7amHatha Flow (All levels)Sukha Yoga, Novatohttps://www.sukhayoga.com/schedule
Mondays, 10:45-11:30amChair (All levels)Sausalito Parks & Rechttps://sausalito.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=198
Friday, 5-6pm (ad hoc)
Sunday, 9-9:45am (ad hoc)
Gentle Flow Community Class
(All levels)
Nest Yoga, Oaklandhttps://www.nest-yoga.com/class-schedule

Corporate Classes

I teach yoga classes onsite at corporate client locations. Whether it is a slower, enriching morning wake up class or a faster paced lunchtime class, all classes can be tailored to employee needs.

Many companies are now implementing “wellness” options on site for their employees. Yoga is one such option which many employees feel immediate benefits from. Whether this is Pranayama (breath work) or Asana (pose/physical practice), the benefits can reach farther than the time spent on the mat. Yoga can help improve focus, increased ability to positively handle pressure or deadlines in the workplace and clarity of mind.

Would you like to introduce Yoga at your workplace?

Private Classes

Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable in a group environment. Perhaps you wish to deepen your practice but need one on one attention to do this. Maybe you’re getting back to yoga after a long break due to injury, an operation or pregnancy and want to ensure you can modify poses to suit you!

I offer 1 to 1 yoga sessions in your home or at a studio location near you. We can address any hurdles, injuries or issues specific to you in our practices.

I also specialize in pelvic floor issues for both men and women and as this is perhaps an area of the body that is tricky to talk about, you may feel more comfortable in a one to one environment.

What equipment do I need for yoga practice?

Comfortable clothing and a mat! That’s it folks, that is truly all you need.

There are some optional extras (props) that may help for some positions. Many yoga studios have these available for anyone to use in class, but if you would like your own then I’d suggest 2 x blocks, a yoga strap/belt, a round bolster (mainly for Restorative and Yin styles of Yoga), and a blanket/towel or similar to sit on or place over the body in Savasana.

Many people feel that using a yoga prop is a sign of weakness or it signifies they are somehow incapable of practicing yoga, but this is 100% a myth. As a yoga teacher, I use props all the time to help with my alignment, to ensure I’m bending or moving in the right place and to also help deepen my practice. You’re in good company if you choose to use props!

Recordings & Links

Yoga Nidra (guided meditation) recording

A yoga ‘Nidra’ is a guided meditation that induces deep relaxation and awareness. In this state, you remain consciously aware while your body rests, helping to release stress, promote healing, and achieve a profound sense of inner peace. Typically practiced lying down, Yoga Nidra involves following a series of verbal instructions that guide you through body awareness, breath observation, and visualizations.

Short, free, class recording

Below is a short slow flow sample class I recorded for some of my students. Find a space and try it out!

Music Playlist

I don’t always use background music in my classes, but when I do I often get questions about the music so below are a few Spotify playlists for you to discover new tunes!

Ready to start yoga?

rebeccahandyoga@gmail.com

Copyright 2024, Rebecca Hand