Feedback from Portugal Retreat 2023

It’s been a long time since I wrote anything here (I’m really not a social media buff!) but I wanted to share some of the feedback from the recent retreat I held at the beautiful D’alijo Yoga Retreat Centre in Portugal. This was my second year taking a group there, having been several times with my own teacher, Esther Ekhart. Next year I will be taking another group back to D’alijo as well as running a retreat more locally in Goudhurst. See HERE for more info and read below is what participants have been saying about this recent trip:

“D’alijo makes me happy. I take the essence of it home with me and have it as my ‘happy place’. I feel close to nature and I want to be the best ‘me here’ by contributing to my health and body through exercise and amazing healthy food. Jo is the icing on the cake with her easy way and gentle teaching. I would definitely book again!”

“I cannot believe there can be anywhere more idyllic or welcoming, than D’alijo”

Julie

“The surroundings are awesome…..I’m not a foodie but the attention to detail of freshly created themed cuisine, lovingly prepared, feeds and nourishes your body after Jo has helped you explore it. She introduces you to, and guides you through a range of yoga techniques for the body and mind and transforms you to a place of peace with yourself. This you take home to practice and revisit when life gets challenging. ….I will certainly be returning.”

“The peace and simplicity of the day is like a balm”

Ali

“Thank you for putting on such a wonderful retreat. You manage to cater for every individual, from meditation and relaxed stretching through to stronger flow. The focus on tuning into what I need (both physically and emotionally) was empowering.” Caroline

“A combination of adaptable yoga, amazing food, stunning scenery and then you have the necessary ingredients to feel recharged and revitalised.”

katrina

“The most wonderful few days and the most amazing setting….A fantastic variety of classes and something for everyone….What a lovely way to start the summer period.” Hannah

“Come here and enjoy the present and have something to take forward into the future – being here is like being given a hug from a special friend!”

Debs

Finally, a good compromise I hope…

It seems to have been a very long time coming but in person classes are back from September 2020 and I just wanted to share what I’ve been doing to help keep classes safe. Since the Covid-19 lock down I introduced pilates and yoga classes to the world of delivery online via Zoom. Some have loved, some have hated and for some it simply just hasn’t been possible. With the warmed summer weather I was lucky enough to be able to deliver socially distanced classes in my garden as well as online – a bit of a challenge but at least it meant that more were able to continue their practice.

Now we come to the cooler months this isn’t always going to be practical or possible so I’ve hired two halls that have ample space to allow 2 meters spacing between students but also have kept one class as online only. Classes in halls will also have extra cleaning measures and one way systems in place to help reduce contact risk. One class will continue to be delivered at my home as well as via zoom but with smaller numbers if the weather doesn’t allow us to go outside. Full details of each class, prices, and how to book can be found on the Classes tab HERE as well as on my facebook page HERE.

I hope you’re able to find what you’re looking for in a yoga or pilates class but do get in touch HERE if you can’t find what you’re after. Here’s a summary of my classes as they stand for September:

Monday Yoga – Walmer Parish Hall

Tuesday Pilates – Zoom only

Tuesday Yoga – The Astor Theatre

Thursday Pilates – Walmer Parish Hall

Saturday Yin and Meditation – My home and Zoom

Standing Strength Workshop – new date!

Sadly, maintenance works at the upcoming workshop venue have run over schedule so I’ve had to move the date out to the 9th December.  This does mean that more spaces are now available so please email or call me if you’d like to book a place.

More information about this and the Relax and Unwind workshop in January can be found HERE.

What’s on offer….

I’ve been making a few changed to my yoga class times so thought I’d just do a quick update on what I offer where at the moment.  Some classes will stop during the summer holidays but I’ll post a few videos on Facebook so you have something to work on if you want while school’s out for the summer 🙂

Monday 6:30pm – hatha flow yoga – a stronger class combining postures with movement and breath designed for yoga practitioners or those doing regular exercise.  See Classes page for more info.

Tuesday 7:15pm – gentle hatha flow yoga – a slower hatha class with some flow elements that’s suitable for all.  See Classes page for more info.

Thursday 6pm – mat-based pilates – an all ability class focusing on increasing strength with a core focus as well as improving range of movement.  See Classes page for more info.

Friday 6am – outdoor sunrise yoga – breathing exercises, hatha flow and meditation to kick start the weekend.  See Facebook for updates.

Feedback from Ruth

“Jo is and positive and brilliant PT.  She is always looking for new and fun things to do, always with your goals and limitations at the fore front.  I have been training with Jo for overall fitness and weight loss before I get married.  I would recommend Jo 100%, she is always on hand for advice or a gentle shove in the right direction :-)”

Hatha Flow Yoga Coming Soon!

From mid-March 2017, hatha flow classes will be running on Monday and Friday evenings in Deal.

These are beginner classes suitable for newcomers to yoga as well as those who have an established practice but simply want to try a different style of class.

Flow yoga is a dynamic form of yoga that brings together different yoga postures with movement and breath to improve strength, posture, balance, body awareness, flexibility as well as the many other health benefits yoga practice brings.  The classes include some time for reflection and relaxation so are a really great way to start and finish your week.

For more information about the class click HERE or to reserve your place in a class please contact me HERE.

Feedback from Fiona

Jo Hammond is a wonderful personal trainer!  She is thoughtful, a delight to be with, highly knowledgeable and each session comes prepared with a programme that feels personal, is different every time and really supports my progress.  I didn’t have any specific goals when we began other than a vague “wanting to be fitter” but Jo has gently stretched me to go way beyond where I thought I could be.   I feel fitter than I’ve ever done before.  One really important indicator of how good Jo is and how interesting she makes the sessions is that since we started training together four months ago, I have never woken up – even on those cold, grey, windy Deal days – not wanting it to be “a Jo Morning”.

Postnatal – places still available

Monday 11th April a new block of 6 Mum and Baby Yoga classes starts and there are still a few places left!  Call if you’d like to book on 01304 728828.

The class will take place for 6 consecutive weeks (excluding 25th April) between 12-1pm at St Andrews hall, West Street, Deal.  The block costs just £36 or you can simply pay as you go for £7.50 a class (you will need to bring your own mat if you prefer to PAYG).

Come along and take a little time for yourself…….

Postnatal Yoga – new block, new day and new venue!

Starting 11th April I’ll be starting a new 6 week block of postnatal Mum and Baby Yoga.  The class will take place for 6 weeks excluding 25th April, where there is no class, at 12-1pm at St Andrews hall, West Street, Deal.  The block costs just £36 or you can simply pay as you go for £7.50 a class (you will need to bring your own mat if you prefer to PAYG).

For more info about the class take a look at the classes page HERE.

To book your place just drop me an email HERE or book directly through Paypal via the link below (NB a £1 admin fee applies to Paypal bookings).




Antenatal Yoga Course – March 2016

Ease the discomforts of pregnancy, learn breathing techniques and postures to help through labour and find time to relax deeply.

These yoga classes are suitable for ladies in trimester 2 onward and provide a safe and enjoyable way of exercising through pregnancy.  They are provided by a fully qualified prenatal yoga and fitness coach and all equipment is provided.

Places are limited for the comfort of everyone in the class so please book early to avoid disappointment.  Email me for more information or book your place.

Classes will run each Friday in March from 6-7pm in Deal and cost £30 for the block, payable in advance.