Birdsong Yoga classes come to Peebles.

The sessions will be held at the Breathe Yoga & Wellness Studio, Old Church Road and will be taken by Yvonne Whitehouse, a physiotherapist with nearly 20 years of experience.

The ‘Reconnect Together’ and ‘Move for Men’ classes involve some breathing work, gentle movement in a chair, some balances in standing, holding onto a chair for support if preferable, standing exercises to improve posture and strength, stretches in lying (on a massage plinth or a mat) and relaxation in the women’s class.

Yvonne told us: “I moved to the Borders a year and a half ago, and realised that even before COVID, there was a difference in the services available for people with palliative illnesses here, compared to in Edinburgh where there are two hospices that offered inpatient and community-based support programmes.

“Having worked in palliative care for more than 10 years and seeing the benefits that movement-based therapy and group support can give people, I decided to bring some of that to the Borders and trained as a yoga teacher and set up Birdsong Yoga Physio last year.

“I understand how important movement, physical activity, breath work and relaxation are for people with health conditions and illnesses. Throughout my physio career in hospices, people told me how much they wanted to keep active and stay as strong as they could, but often didn’t know where to go or how to begin.

"‘Whilst the first classes are taking place in Peebles, if you are an organisation elsewhere in the Borders who would like to run these classes for your members please get in touch." 

Members of the Move for Men class in Dalkeith were quick to praise the benefits of the sessions

Alastair Fraser, who has secondary prostate cancer, said: Yvonne combines knowledge, skill and her practical experience with a lovely warm and friendly personality. I always leave the class feeling better and walking taller than when I arrived.”

Dalkeith rugby club member Jim Morgan added: “A postural problem over 20 years of playing rugby resulted in a chronic and acute pain in my back. The highly professional care at Birdsong Yoga Physio, (Move for Men) has not only relieved the pain but has allowed me to enjoy a posture and flexibility lost since my sporting days. If you have gone a scrum too far I can only recommend it. One hour a week and you will start to feel the difference.”

Tom Crawford added “I attend Yvonne’s Birdsong Yoga Physio Class. At the age of 70 and recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I’m learning the importance of the breath and the positive impact that has on my physical and mental wellbeing. The class is also helping with my flexibility and balance. I leave class feeling energized.”

Classes start on February 23 and full details can be found at www.birdsongyogaphysio.co.uk