Deeside Yoga Institute is the professional home for education, therapeutic practice, and community based yoga programmes.
The institute exists to support safe, ethical and evidence-informed approaches to yoga. Its work spans professional teacher training, one-to-one therapeutic services, and specialist programmes for older adults and people living with dementia.
All work delivered through the institute is grounded in clear scope of practice, ongoing education, and respect for the realities of health, ageing and nervous system regulation.
A professional institute for training, therapeutic practice and community wellbeing
About Deeside Yoga Institute
Why Deeside Yoga Institute exists
Over the past decade, yoga has grown rapidly. At the same time, many teachers report burnout, unclear professional boundaries and limited preparation for working with complex health needs.
Deeside Yoga Institute was created in response to this gap.
The Institute prioritises:
Depth over volume
Safety over performance
Clarity over branding
Sustainability over speed
Its aim is to support teachers, practitioners and communities through work that is practical, responsible, and grounded in real life contexts.
Areas of work
Training and professional education
Deeside Yoga Institute delivers in depth teacher trainings and continuing professional development for yoga teachers and allied practitioners.
Training programmes focus on:
Nervous system awareness
Yin and restorative practices
Trauma-informed and accessible teaching
Working ethically with diverse populations
These trainings were previously delivered under Gem Maryan Yoga and continue with the same depth and teaching support, now held within a clearer professional framework.
Community and older adult programmes
The Institute is developing specialist programmes for older adults and people living with dementia.
This work is informed by:
Predictable and consistent session structures
Chair-based and accessible movement
Safeguarding-led delivery
Collaboration with care staff and organisations
These programmes are currently being piloted and documented, with the intention of forming a dedicated charitable arm of Deeside Yoga Institute.
Therapeutic Practice
Alongside education and community work, Deeside Yoga Institute offers one-to-one therapeutic services.
This includes:
Yoga Therapy (in training and supervised)
Yoga Informed therapeutic massage
Case-study based work within professional boundaries
Therapeutic services are delivered with transparency, referral awareness, and a clear understanding of scope of practice.
About the founder
Deeside Yoga Institute was founded by Gem Maryan, a senior yoga teacher, educator and yoga therapist in training.
Gem has over 20 years of personal yoga practice and more than a decade of professional teaching experience. Her background includes advanced teacher training, long-term study of nervous system health, and ongoing therapeutic education.
Her work is shaped by:
A strong emphasis on safety and accessibility
Experience working with adults across all ages
A commitment to ongoing learning, supervision and ethical practice
You may still see references to Gem Maryan Yoga across parts of this website and in older materials.
This reflects a gradual transition as all work moves under the professional umbrella of Deeside Yoga Institute. All current and upcoming trainings and services are delivered through the Institute.
Working with Deeside Yoga Institute
Deeside Yoga Institute works with:
Yoga teachers and trainees
Health and wellbeing practitioners
Care homes and community organisations
Individuals seeking therapeutic support
If you would like to discuss training, collaboration, or community programmes please get in touch.