Rise and Thrive Yoga
Yoga for Everybody and Every Body
Meet Mairéad
Hello, I'm Mairéad! My yoga journey spans over two decades, beginning with home practice and blossoming into a deep appreciation for the grounding and relaxing benefits of in-person classes. The dedicated time for myself, connecting with my body, breath, and a like-minded community, proved profoundly transformative. My true passion ignited in 2014 with my first hot yoga experience in Limerick, and by 2018, I was completely hooked. That same year, I embraced Yin yoga, discovering how its passive, meditative style beautifully complemented my more dynamic practice. This powerful combination significantly reduced anxiety, alleviated stress, and dramatically improved my energy levels. Witnessing these profound personal changes - a calmer mind, increased flexibility, improved body tone, and newfound confidence, inspired me to become a yoga teacher and share these gifts with others.
My scientific background guided my choice of a yoga teaching school focused on the functional foundations of yoga postures. This emphasis on the purpose and function of each pose, rather than just its aesthetic struck a chord with me especially alongside a deep respect for the tradition and philosophy of yoga. This approach empowers students to understand their own bodies and build awareness, fostering genuine growth in their practice. I strongly believe in the importance of balance, recognising that slowing down is just as crucial as speeding up. This belief was solidified through my Yin Yoga Teacher training - a truly transformative experience that, though passive, proved incredibly challenging and rewarding, leading to greater calm, flexibility, and serenity in life.
A significant revelation for me has been the immense power of the breath. Something we do continuously to sustain life, yet often overlook, I discovered its fundamental ability to transform the mind and body when harnessed effectively. To explore this further, I undertook breathwork instructor training, delving into the science behind various breathing techniques and their impact on energy, mood, mental focus, and physical performance. I've personally utilised breathwork to downregulate my nervous system, bringing focus and calm during challenging work situations, and to increase my stamina during strenuous mountain hikes and dynamic yoga practices.
Drawing upon all my personal experiences and comprehensive teacher training, I've developed unique yoga class sequences. These classes seamlessly integrate anatomy and breathwork, creating functional yoga experiences that acknowledge and celebrate individual differences in anatomy and movement. My teaching prioritises the practical benefits of each pose; think improved mobility, stability, and coordination over simply achieving a visually perfect posture. Ultimately, my aim is to empower and uplift every student, regardless of their current ability, supporting them in achieving their personal goals, whether that is cultivating calm, enhancing flexibility, gaining mastery over their body and breath, or boosting sports performance through holistic fitness.
When I'm not on the yoga mat, you'll find me applying my 19+ years of experience as a healthcare professional or indulging my love of nature and the outdoors - often conquering a mountain or even abseiling off one! I genuinely look forward to meeting you on the mat and supporting you on your unique yoga journey.
Yoga for Everybody
- • Inclusive Approach: Rise and Thrive welcomes practitioners of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds. It's not about conforming to an ideal; it's about working with your body and its unique needs.
- • Mental Health Focus: Yoga is used not only to stretch the body but also to clear the mind. Emotional well-being is as important as physical well-being.
- • Empowerment Through Movement: The practice encourages building a strong connection between body and mind, empowering individuals to feel capable and resilient in their daily lives.
Yoga for Every Body
- • Adaptability: The poses and movements are adaptable. Variations are provided for people with physical limitations, such as those with joint pain or chronic conditions.
- • Focus on Functional Movement: Movements are grounded in the functional use of the body, helping people move better in everyday life and sports.
- • Building Strength & Flexibility: A holistic practice that balances strength and flexibility, which is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining mobility.
Key Elements of the Practice
Accessible Sequencing
The flow of poses is gentle but effective, making yoga accessible for beginners and challenging for seasoned practitioners. Options for different levels of intensity allow students to adjust according to how their body feels that day.
Focus on Alignment & Safety
Instruction is clear and careful, emphasizing alignment to avoid strain and injury. The idea is not to push the body too hard but to meet it where it is, gently guiding it towards its fullest potential.
Breathwork & Mindfulness
Focus on breath is integral, as it helps to calm the mind, release stress, and facilitate deeper stretches. Mindfulness practices like body scans and guided meditations promote presence and relaxation.
Gentle to Moderate Poses
Poses like Downward Dog, Warrior Series, and Child's Pose, along with gentle backbends and hip openers, increase flexibility and strength without overwhelming the body.
Restorative & Yin Elements
Long-held postures target deeper tissues, helping participants unwind and promote recovery. Props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks facilitate a comfortable and restful experience.
Holistic Wellness
It's not just about the body—it's about nourishing the mind and soul. By creating balance between physical poses, breath, and relaxation, we promote overall health and well-being.
Why Rise and Thrive Yoga Works for Everyone
Physical Adaptability
By offering different variations for every pose, everyone, regardless of body type or fitness level, can participate in a way that supports their needs.
Mental Benefits
The mindful aspect helps reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and cultivate self-awareness.
Holistic Wellness
It's not just about the body—it's also about nourishing the mind and soul through balanced practice.
Why Choose My Classes?
Certified Teacher
I am a Yoga Alliance–certified teacher in both Hatha and Yin Yoga, with additional training as a certified breathwork instructor. You'll be guided with knowledge, care, and experience in every session.
Peaceful, Calming Environment
Our studio is intentionally designed to cultivate a serene and welcoming atmosphere, helping you disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with yourself.
Flexible Class Times
With classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it's easy to find a time that fits into your schedule; no matter how busy life gets.
All Equipment Provided
Everything you need for your practice is provided, so you can simply arrive and focus on your journey to wellness.
Our Class Schedule
Weekly Classes at Thurles Leisure Centre
Tuesday
6:30 – 7:30pm
Beginner Strong Roots
Develop balance, cultivate functional strength, and stay deeply connected to your breath. .
A gentle, beginner-friendly class designed to help you feel steady, supported, and strong from the ground up. Through slow, mindful movement and clear guidance, you’ll build strength, improve balance, and reconnect with your body, at your own pace. Perfect if you’re new to yoga or returning and ready to rise again.
8:00 – 9:00pm
Warm Breathe-Yin
Slow down, breathe deep, stretch and release.
The combination of Yin yoga postures and breathwork activates the body's parasympathetic nervous system often called the "rest and digest" system, promoting a state of calm, rest and deep relaxation. Yin yoga postures are held in stillness at a depth that feels appropriate for each individual, allowing the practice to target deep connective tissues gently releasing tension and stress from the body. Focused, slow breathing helps you stay present and relaxed as you hold the pose, allowing your body to gradually release tension.
Thursday
6:30 – 7:30pm
Functional 26+2 Yoga
26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, performed in a sequence that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Suitable for all levels.
This structured sequence of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises is designed to systematically work the entire body, supporting strength, flexibility, balance, and mental focus. With a functional approach to yoga, the emphasis is on the purpose of each pose rather than how it looks. You’ll be guided with clear, simple cues to help you understand which muscles to engage and which you can soften. Over time, this approach helps you build a practice that feels natural, safe, and well-suited to your body.
8:00 – 9:15pm
Warm Yin Mobility & Breath
Unlock your body, master your breath and elevate your game.
This class is designed for active individuals looking to enhance recovery, prevent injury, and improve overall mobility. This practice targets the deeper connective tissues (such as fascia, ligaments, and joints) through long-held, passive stretches that support muscular release and joint health. By complementing the high-intensity, repetitive nature of sports and training, this practice helps reduce tightness, increases flexibility/mobility, and restores balance in the body. Additionally, Breathwork is a powerful tool to enhance performance and speed up recovery. By practicing controlled breathing techniques regularly, one can improve oxygen intake and delivery to muscles, boosting endurance and reducing fatigue during training or competition.
What to Bring
- Comfortable clothing (i.e. fitted sports top and bottoms)
- Water bottle
- Small towel
- All Other Equipment Provided
Class Policies
- Please arrive 10 minutes before class starts
- Classes can be booked up to 7 days in advance
- All levels are welcome in every class
Workshops & Events
Upcoming Workshop on Saturday, 9 May
Finding Balance Workshop
Saturday, 9 May 10:00 – 1:00pm (3-hours)
Location: Thurles Leisure Centre, Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, E41 V6D6.
Book Your Mat Space (Now Fully Booked)The Experience
Step away from the noise and return to yourself with this 3-hour Yin Yoga, Breathwork, Myofascial Release and Reiki workshop. Suitable for all. Finding Balance retreat, designed to guide you back to harmony through slow paced Yin Yoga that targets and releases the deeper connective tissues in the body, breathwork for nervous system regulation, individual Reiki healing, and deeply restorative myofascial release. Each element flows seamlessly into the next, helping you dissolve tension, quiet the mind, and reconnect with your body. Leave feeling lighter, grounded, and restored – like you’ve exhaled something you didn’t realise you were holding. .
Location
Thurles Leisure Centre, Cathedral Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, E41 V6D6
Amenities
Post-workshop light refreshments. All equipment provided, just bring yourself.
Workshop Ticket Options
Finding Balance Workshop
Saturday 9 May from 10:00 - 1:00pm
- • Yin Yoga
- • Breathwork
- • Myofascial Release
- • Reiki
- • Light Refreshments
Rise and Thrive: Root to Rise Charity Workshop
In Aid of the Irish Cancer Society
Experience: Yin Yoga, Breathwork & Reiki
A 2.5 hrs charity yin yoga, breathwork, and reiki workshop in aid of the Irish Cancer Society this 2.5 hrs charity yin yoga, breathwork, and reiki workshop; held at the Secret Garden of the Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
We are delighted to announce that we raised €1,625.50 in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
We wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that participated in the workshop or donated. Your contribution made a big difference.
In Loving Memory of Denis Luby
