ABOUT
A little bit about us
Yupa Yoga Studio was established in 2020 by Yupa and Leyla, with a mutual love for yoga and well-being, and the desire to share its many benefits with others. Based in the in the heart of Wollaston, Stourbridge in what used to be an old corn mill, the studio provides a warm, charming and welcoming environment in which to learn and practice the ancient art and science of yoga.
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We offer a wide variety of classes and workshops, so whether you are looking to try yoga for the first time or to build on a solid foundation, there is a class for you. We encourage you to try classes from all of our teachers, as they each have their own unique teaching style. Find the classes that you like and create your own personal combination, whether it's to wind down after a stressful day at work or to energise you for the rest of the week.
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We take care to ensure that each class is small enough so that you get the space and attention you need. Our fully trained teachers provide direction and guidance to help you honour your practice and find your path. We respect and understand the variety of individual needs and work hard to ensure your yoga experiences are positive and enriching.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you, from the team at Yupa Yoga Studio and look forward to seeing you on your mat.
OUR TEACHERS
YUPA BEASTALL
Hatha, Tai Chi, Yin, Pilates, Meditation
Yupa is a well loved teacher, known for her inspirational and playful classes which focus on the healing power of the pranayama or breathing and it’s ability to create space in the body and mind. With more than 10 years holistic experience, Yupa has a vast range of knowledge
KATHERINE BENNETT
Hatha, Restorative, Somatic movement, Flow
Yoga has so much to offer, not just physically but spiritually and emotionally; my aim is to share my experiences with you and take an alternative approach to the traditional, moving intuitively with anatomical guidance and a focus on wellbeing, to get the most from your practice. I discovered yoga 10 years ago whilst looking for ways to deal with stress and a slipped disc and later decided that I wanted to share the wonderful benefits of yoga
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BETH LEWIS
Hatha, Yin
I initially came to yoga to manage stress and anxiety, but it has since evolved into something much deeper as I developed my connection to the practice on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
In my classes, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment where you can move at your own pace and honour your unique experience. My teaching is rooted in curiosity and compassion, encouraging you to tune into the sensations and emotions that arise during your practice while exploring how each movement feels in your body, fostering a deeper connection within
HELEN GRICE
Hatha, Vinyasa
I've been practicing yoga for around 10 years now. Initially it was purely a physical practice - I wanted something to compliment the strength training I was doing at the time, but after becoming a Mum in 2014 and experiencing a massive awakening, yoga become something much more.
I started to explore the philosophy behind yoga and the way it can be applied to all aspects of our lives, not only to enhance the good bits but also to support us through the not-so-great bits of life that we experience from time to time.
I decided during lockdown V1 back in 2020 that I wanted to help other people discover how useful a regular yoga practice can be, not just as way of moving your body, which of course is beneficial to our wellbeing,
but also as a way of soothing the mind, and equipping us to deal with the lemons that life can throw us!
KATE SEXTON
Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Childrens yoga
Kates yoga journey started in 2011 like most people she needed an outlet for modern day stress and anxiety. Already being in to fitness one yoga class a week fitted her lifestyle and training. But the curiosity and passion became so strong after furthering her own practice over the years that in 2017 she obtained her 200hr Hatha yoga teacher training.”Yoga opened my mind to a whole new world, the realisation that its not just the physical practice we need to focus on but the mental wellbeing also, how we conduct ourself and treat other is part of the practice” She has furthered her knowledge by training in Vinyasa, Yin, Hot Yoga and Children’s Yoga.
“I truly believe that yoga can be found in everything we do, including your Saturday night G&T. The yoga journey is truly endless and a life long practice that teaches us dedication to ourselves, self love is underrated these days and something we need to focus on more now then ever”
KAT GIBBY
Hatha, Vinyassa
I started a regular yoga practice when I was at university, finding it helped me relax physically and mentally. As I continued to practice, I realised how my inner dialogue became less critical and more compassionate.
I completed my 200hr training in 2023 and enjoy teaching a wide variety of styles of yoga, having a balanced personal practice of energetic vinyasa and deliciously mindful hatha.
Regardless of the style, I weave mindfulness, philosophy and a supportive environment for students to connect with their bodies and calm their minds.
I aim to foster a safe, nurturing space for personal growth, with a focus on accessibility so that students can experience the benefits of yoga whether they are complete beginners or experienced practitioners.
GOWREE SHEPERD
Ashtanga
As someone whose heritage stems from Mysuru in India (the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga!), I sought enlightenment through yogic practices as early as the age of 10.
Yoga became a regular part of my life all the way through to adulthood. As I continued on my path to Samadhi (enlightenment), I was fascinated by all aspects of Raja Yoga, not just the physical practice.
I then made the decision to complete my 200 hour yoga teacher training in Mysuru, the home of Ashtanga Yoga, to not just develop my physical practice but also deepen my understanding of yogic philosophy. I'm keen to share the ancient knowledge from my ancestors with others here in the West
LYNN GRIFFIS
Beginners, Hatha
I was introduced to yoga 26 years ago following a whiplash injury, seeking relief for chronic neck and shoulder pain. What began as a physical pursuit quickly transformed into something far more profound. I experienced a deep sense of peace after each session—an experience I had never encountered through other forms of exercise. This initial discovery led me to incorporate Hatha Yoga into my weekly routine, helping me navigate the daily demands of my full-time role as a District Nurse while raising four children.
In 2015, I semi-retired and transitioned into a role as a Health and Wellbeing Adviser in a retirement village, where I was eager to share the transformative benefits of Hatha Yoga with my clients. To deepen my practice and teaching, I approached my yoga mentor of 24 years and embarked on a 200-hour Hatha Yoga teacher training, completing it in January 2021. During this time, I also facilitated weekly relaxation sessions and Laughter Yoga at the village, a modality I became certified in July 2018.
While the pandemic temporarily paused in-person classes, I adapted by teaching yoga online through Zoom, continuing to support my students. Upon retiring from nursing a year ago, I expanded my teaching to include Seated Yoga, bringing yoga to students of all abilities.
Though Hatha Yoga is my primary focus, my personal practice has been enriched by experiences in Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga, and I became a Reiki Master in 2024. I enjoy incorporating teachings on Prana energy, chakras, and healing energy into my sessions, culminating in long, guided meditations that promote deep relaxation and inner peace.
Sharing the practice of yoga with others is a true privilege. Witnessing the growth and transformation of my students brings me immense joy and fulfillment.