Yoga Classes

My mission is to provide a safe, nurturing space to give classes for all people, focusing on balancing their physical, mental and emotional well being, through breath work and postures.

Maybe like many beginning yoga students, you lack confidence in yourself, lack patience with yourself, or take yourself too seriously. Yoga is NOT a competition!
Maybe you have some pains or injuries, and you are afraid to exercise.
You want to feel good in your body and calm in your mind. (That’s what yoga is all about!!)

Yoga helps you to be patient, and realize that enjoying the journey is what is important and that there is no such thing as perfection, because every “body” is different.

Gentle Yoga

I teach gentle yoga classes that incorporate breathing, centering and meditative aspects. My students tell me that after yoga, they feel that the stress in the body has melted away, leaving them calm and relaxed, yet at the same time, recharged and energized. Some have told me that they feel expansive, even taller! Others say that they are breathing better, sleeping better, feel better about themselves and more confident in their abilities.

Zoom yoga classes are Tuesdays, at 11am. Practice yoga from the comfort of your home! Each class is just $15 or save $ by paying $40 for 4 classes at the beginning of each month! Please fill out the form below and I will send you info on payment methods and then send you the zoom link.

I teach afternoon classes at 4pm on Tuesdays at the Karma Thegsum Chöling Temple. Cost: $15 per class, which is a donation to the Center. Pay in cash or by check.

Starting the week of Jan. 20, 2025, I will teach Chair Yoga Thursdays 12:30-1:15 at GHF Women’s Center.

Aquayoga

And for students who struggle with Arthritis and other medical issues, that make land yoga difficult or painful, I also offer Aquayoga classes. The pressure of the water massages and soothes body muscles. The buoyancy of the water makes the poses doable, that otherwise would be impossible . Buoyancy can also help with balance challenges! Class is very light-hearted and full of laughter!

I teach “Gentle Joints” Aquayoga Thursdays at 10am at GHF in the warm hydrotherapy pool. And starting Jan. 23 (Thurs.) will have a class 6:30-7:15pm.

“Helene is a ‘gentle’ yoga instructor, and she has a gift that provides her students with a wonderful yoga experience. Helene’s approach is gentle and calming. She is creative in movement, allowing flexibility in her student’s participation. I always look forward to a class with Helene – because I know that it will be encouraging and creative and fun!”

—Leah Gibbs

Yoga for All

Working with me as your personal yoga instructor, you will find someone who can tailor the lesson to your needs. After the first session, you may notice subtle changes. Over time, you may notice that you are sleeping better, for example. Unlike yoga videos, I will also provide you with strategies that you can do during the day, whenever you experience certain tightness or other issues.

I am no longer teaching Chair Yoga at the 300 Club on Mondays and Wednesdays @10am. But from time to time, I may sub there.

Classes at the 300 club are $10 per class, paid in cash. If you join the 300 club, it is free. Click here for more info on joining:

https://300clubswimandtennis.com/

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Please fill out form for more info, email me at: helenelhammer@gmail.com or see my Helene Yoga Facebook page!

Which class is right for you?

For information on Zoom Yoga, Aquayoga or Yoga for All, please submit your name and email address below:

The Healing Power of Yoga

I have witnessed so much transformation in my students over the years. A few of my beginning students actually became yoga instructors, themselves. One of my students told me how my yoga class had started her on a path to wellness. I see changes in students’ strength, balance, and flexibility all the time.

I believe that it’s important to “check in” with yourself after class to realize how you feel, and I encourage that throughout my classes.

FAQs

Will I need props?

That depends. I recommend 2 blocks, a strap and a blanket. However, books can be substituted for blocks and a necktie or long belt could be used for a strap.

Kind words from my students

Approximately seven years ago, when I was 52 years old, Helene Hammer graciously volunteered to teach yoga after school at Lake Braddock Secondary School library. Since I had never taken yoga before, I was apprehensive about trying something new. I had just found out that I had arthritis on my right hip and had experienced pain almost daily after continuous walking. I also was sleeping on average a few hours a night. I arrived early and was greeted by a smiling instructor, Helene, who told me that she was so glad I came to try it out. She asked me to complete a health assessment and to mark on a diagram my areas of concern. She said that my feedback would help her plan her lessons.

By participating in her classes that she offered to all teachers, my flexibility improved over time. During the first class, I noticed that I couldn’t cross my legs for more than 15 seconds. I noticed subtle changes at first. After taking each lesson, I slept like a baby. I enjoyed hearing her calm voice, and I took advantage when she offered modifications. Helene is knowledgeable about her topic. I participated in these classes for a few years until Helene retired.

I credit Helene with starting my journey towards mindfulness, healthy eating, and fitness. I have since added swimming, biking, and running to my daily regime. However, my favorite exercise is by far YOGA!!

—Mary F. Beckett

I teach with the GET (Growing Education Training)Program in Alachua County. Our students have special needs and we work on all kinds of life skills. Helene has been coming to our program for the last 2 years. This class is great for my students mentally and physically. The students are excited to learn yoga with Helene, who has a fun, laid back and easy-going personality. Each student really feels they can be themselves during our yoga class. I have students of all different ability levels. Helene can easily show a pose that can be done on a beginner’s level all the way to a much more challenging level. The students can then see at what level they feel comfortable within the pose, so they never get frustrated. The class also has some very peaceful and relaxing moments, with soft music and sounds. I can’t say enough good things and would highly recommend a class with Helene.