Welcome to
Yoga Tree with Elaine

Hi!

I’m Elaine, I’m based in Cobham and I would love to be your yoga teacher.

My aim is to share the many benefits of yoga, and to help you on your own journey to achieve greater flexibility and increased strength, to relieve stress and create inner calm.

With my expertise and personal approach, I provide balanced, mindful and varied yoga sessions suitable for all abilities, from absolute beginners to those more experienced.

Yoga classes

I’ve developed a range of classes that are adapted to every level of ability and experience.

All classes focus on building strength, stability, and flexibility through floor-based movements.

As well as improving balance, mobility and other physical benefits, these easy-going sessions also encourage mindfulness and relaxation, and cover breathing technique too.

View the classes

Class times

My current range of yoga sessions:

GARDEN STUDIO

Monday & Thursday 6pm - Strong Yoga

Tuesday & Saturday 9.15am - Gentle Yoga

UNITED REFORM CHURCH, COBHAM

Thursday 11.00am - Gentle Yoga

OXSHOTT VILLAGE CENTRE, OXSHOTT

Tuesday 11.00am - Chair Yoga

HERSHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE

Thursday 3pm - Chair Yoga

COBHAM VILLAGE HALL

Friday 10.30am - Chair Yoga

FAQs

These are questions I’m asked all the time, but please drop me a line if there’s anything else you’d like to know about my classes.

  • If you’ve never done yoga before and are not sure what to expect from a yoga class, there are two great places to start: chair yoga if you struggle with moving from sitting to standing; or gentle mat-based yoga if this is not a problem for you.

    All classes are adapted to suit individual needs often with the use of props to make the postures more accessible. In a gentle mat class the pace is slower, postures are explained and demonstrated fully, and help is provided if needed.

  • Not at all! A common misconception is that you already need to be flexible or fit to start yoga.

    Yoga is about moving the body and finding stillness in the mind. It’s not about trying to do challenging yoga postures that you see in the media, but instead embracing the body we have and practicing flexibility, relaxation and calmness.

  • Strong and gentle mat-based yoga classes are held in my quiet, cosy garden cabin in Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham with a maximum of 4 people. Classes are often more personalised with essential oils and a light head and shoulder massage as an option.

    Chair yoga classes are held at Cobham Community Centre, Hersham Community Centre and Cobham Village Hall. A very gentle yoga class is also held weekly at Cobham Community Centre (membership required).

  • There is no need to get kitted out in the latest yoga gear for classes, but stretchy bottoms or shorts and a t-shirt or long-sleeved top is suitable.

    Often layering is best and making sure you are warm enough, especially at the end of the class where we are often in stillness. 

  • Blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets are provided in my mat classes in my garden cabin, with the option to bring your own. I usually provide blocks with my chair yoga classes but using a block is an option and not essential.

  • Yoga is safe through pregnancy providing you have checked with your midwife, doctor or consultant. Certain postures are not accessible and are to be avoided during pregnancy.

  • It’s always best to consult your medical practitioner before starting any type of fitness class.

The many benefits of yoga

  • Improves flexibility, balance, strength

  • Chance to slow down and relax

  • Increased energy

  • Better sleep

  • Stimulates the immune system

  • Improves posture

  • Enhanced breathing techniques to promote a sense of calm

About me

I fell in love with yoga in 2002 and have been practicing it ever since. It helps to keep my body fit, my mind focused and more importantly feeling less stressed.

I began teaching in 2021 when I realised I wanted to share the benefits of yoga with others. Yoga is more than just the physical postures – with breathwork and meditation it can play a positive role in everyday life.

When I’m not teaching yoga I love running, going to the theatre, watching a good film, reading, exploring new places, taking photographs, being with friends and family and my two Persian cats!

My yoga journey

As an active person with a successful photography business I needed to find a way to relax and help with the strain on my body from such a physical job.

I tried Pilates, however I felt a connection to Yoga – the postures, the philosophy as well as the breathwork. I found a class with the renowned and inspirational teacher, Barbara Currie.

I attended classes at least once a week for over 20 years and absolutely loved feeling calm, balanced, energised and knowing I had moved every single part of my body.  It gave me focus and positivity – I felt less stressed and able to balance juggling work and family life.

In 2020, and no longer being able to attend in-person yoga classes, I realised how much I missed it. I wanted to learn more, pass on that knowledge to help other people – and look after myself and my body as I get older. Yoga inspires me just as much as my career as a photographer.

In 2024, I qualified as a Chair Yoga Teacher. Due to increasing interest in health and wellness, nearly half of my classes now focus on Chair Yoga.

Yoga is a constant learning journey and I’m currently training on two further courses to extend my teaching.

Fitness should be fun!

For many of us, exercise can sometimes feel like a bit of a chore. But creating a consistent routine is much easier if it’s enjoyable as well as rewarding.

This is why I focus on creating a comfortable, relaxed environment for my classes, so you can feel at ease with no pressure to attempt any posture – if you turn up and just want to relax, that’s fine with me!

Elaine

My qualifications

Yoga Alliance 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)
Yoga Alliance 40-hour Chair Yoga Teacher

Kind words…

  • "Elaine is the most kind and thoughtful instructor. She always makes the classes diverse and interesting and somehow has a way of making each class feel tailor-made to my needs! Thank you for being there and for all your support Elaine!"

    Tina M

  • Elaine’s personalised approach makes her classes perfect if you’re a beginner or experienced. Her classes are in a comfortable & supportive environment. Every class leaves you feeling more flexible & relaxed.

    Claire P

  • "I have thoroughly enjoyed my yoga sessions with Elaine. Since attending her classes I have seen a massive improvement in my flexibility and long standing aches and pains.

    Maria

  • "I love the personalised approach Elaine gives. The classes are well paced, enjoyable and supportive. The space Elaine has created provides a comfortable, friendly atmosphere."

    Cathy N

  • “Highly recommend Elaine, classes are well paced for all levels, classes are fun, supportive and calming. I come out feeling well-centred and stronger. Elaine is my weekly therapy!! Thank you so much!

    Sarah

  • “Elaine’s classes are really enjoyable and have definitely made a difference to my flexibility and general stiffness. Thank Elaine.“

    Susie

  • “I would say as a ‘non-yogi’ I found Elaine’s small and friendly classes perfect, lovely atmosphere and Elaine is great at providing adjustments to whatever level you are”

    Deena

  • "Elaine’s yoga classes are a wonderful retreat from fast-paced life, taking place in a beautiful environment in her garden cabin in small and friendly groups. Elaine herself has a lovely way of approaching teaching yoga and her classes exude warmth and humour and are non-judgmental. Despite an ongoing chronic back condition, I feel totally at ease in her classes and able to push myself as hard as I want or just to rest quietly when I need to. We also all love the five to ten- minute relaxation at the end! I highly recommend her classes."

    Amanda M

  • “Thanks for keeping your sessions so varied and personal to each of us, I love coming to your studio!"

    Sue

It’s always a good time to start

Over time our joints start to stiffen – but yoga can help to regain movement, strength and flexibility.

Living in a busy world there is often the need to slow down and create balance in our lives.  Connecting our body and our breath, provides a sense of calmness and relaxation.

Not sure it’s for you?If you have any questions about my yoga classes, please get in touch.

Contact Elaine