Activate + release

Neck, shoulders and back

An online course containing 4 modules that you can work through in your own time and revisit as often as you like.

Cost: £19

Purchase course now

Are you sitting at a computer all day with hours hunched over in front of a screen? Or are you looking after a baby or toddler with the heavy lifting that comes with it? There are many reasons why shoulders are often tight, the neck stiff, and the back achy.

Our ways of moving – and also not moving – can result in postural pain, muscle tension, or strain from overuse. And muscles also often tighten in response to feeling stressed or worried…

To release some of this tension we need to activate as well as mobilise the muscles around neck, shoulders and back to create freedom of movement and flexibility. So, essentially we need to strengthen as well as release.

Each of the 4 modules of this course builds on the last. You can explore each module for a few days before moving on to the next, or you can move back and forth between modules at your own self-guided pace.

Key elements of the course

Active strengthening work for core

Active strengthening for the upper body including the shoulders, upper back, arms and muscles around the neck

Active strengthening for the lower back

Exercises to increase mobility and range of movement in the shoulders

Passive stretches to release tension in shoulders and neck

Passive stretches to release tension in the lower back

Module 1 — 67mins

An initial look at balancing stability and mobility in the shoulder, neck and lower back

Strength, mobility and flexibility are required to create balance.

We look at creating ease in the back and also strengthening back muscles through core work. We stabilise and mobilise the shoulders, and play with mobility of the shoulder blades.

We work with back strengthening from a prone position.

And we start to work with the neck in a targeted manner. 

We end with some deep shoulder releases.

Module 2 — 75mins

Shoulder opening and neck stability

We work particularly with the neck and shoulders in this session.

We continue our neck therapy. The neck is typically under-attended to and neck muscles are often weak (as well as tight).

We explore shoulder strength and mobility.

Here are some voices from previous course participants:

I have done many online yoga videos targeting the neck and shoulders but this is of a different level - Isabell has clearly studied the topic in depth and offers something way more knowledgeable and effective.

Activate + release, neck, shoulders back - course participant

The neck, shoulders & back course provided me with very useful insight into techniques that I could do myself to keep those muscles strengthened rather than the usual passive (& sometimes dangerous) stretches that I would have otherwise done. Isabell’s presence as the teacher added fun and joy to the course, which I have thoroughly enjoyed and am grateful for.

Activate + release, neck, shoulders back - course participant

Isabell teaches with a great deal of precision, but she is also warm and funny enough that you feel encouraged rather than intimidated. I feel inspired to take better care of myself.

Activate + release, neck, shoulders back - course participant

Isabell is a knowledgeable and inspirational teacher. Her courses are second to none and I always feel like I’ve learned so much, without being overloaded.

Activate + release, neck, shoulders back - course participant

This course is essential for home-workers! It really helped relieve and strengthen my neck and shoulder and gave me lots of tips to practise on my own. The 4 week format is just enough time to get in some practice and not too big a commitment.

Activate + release, neck, shoulders back - course participant

As always, an expertly curated course with plenty of consideration given to making the postures and exercises accessible for all, and having a bit of fun in a friendly group. Thank you!

Activate + release, neck, shoulders back - course participant

Module 3 — 73mins

Back and core strength, shoulder stability and opening

We focus on back strengthening and core work in this session. 

We also continue to stabilise the neck through strengthening the muscles around it. 

Module 4 — 71mins

Core connection and shoulder opening

We work on mobilising the spine.

We mobilise and stabilise the shoulders, and bring in some core work for front and back. 

We finish at the wall and use it for strength work as well as deep release.

What you will get

Almost 5 hours of recorded material in 4 videos

Longterm access to course recordings

– Individual support via email

This course is for you if you’re

Interested in strengthening, mobilising and releasing shoulders, neck and lower back.

Have mild to moderate postural discomfort or tension in these areas.

Looking to improve your overall posture and mobility.

Someone with a sedentary lifestyle.

Please read this additional information before purchasing the course

I’m delighted if you can benefit from these practices. And I also acknowledge that different things work for different people.

The course is suitable for you if you’re generally healthy, without acute injuries, able to move around and get to the floor easily (and get back up) and not frail.

Please keep yourself safe and always work within a pain-free range! 

You have the privilege and the responsibility to look after your own health and wellbeing. Rest whenever you need to. 

If you are at all unsure whether these practices are suitable for you, please speak to a health care professional before signing up to the course. By participating in these sessions you agree that you do so at your own risk, and assume all risk of injury to yourself. You agree to release me of any claims or causes of action known or unknown arising out of these sessions.

Always take care of yourself.

Cost: £19

 

Including unlimited course access, almost 5hrs of video material, and email support for questions – just get in touch with me.

Purchase course now

Different things work for different people. If you have any concerns, please speak to a health care professional before signing up to the course.

My practice and teaching

I started my teaching journey in 2009 and now teach yoga, meditation and related modalities privately and at studios around London at a senior level. I also train new teachers. My teaching is inclusive, accessible, and infused with warmth, care and humour.

I’m interested in movement and pain science and how insights from contemporary science can inform postural practice. Alongside teaching weekly yoga classes, I develop courses and workshops to develop the physical tools to move through the ageing process in the most comfortable and pain free way.

In my private sessions I create bespoke sequences tailored to my clients’ needs, whether exploring some challenging asanas, guiding restorative sessions, practising mindfulness or working with injury or illness. 

I also give talks on wellbeing, managing stress, building resilience, and offer regular mindfulness and meditation courses.

Every year I lead several retreats in the UK and abroad.