Functional Moves
Rediscover how your body is meant to move. These coached classes build better movement patterns, improve skeletal mechanics, and help you move with more ease in everyday life and sport.
New clients begin with a Beginners Workshop or 2 x 1:1 sessions before joining classes.
What is Functional Moves?
In these classes you will rediscover functional movement patterns, relearn how to move with ease, and embark on a journey towards improved skeletal mechanics.
No matter what your background is or your current fitness level, this class welcomes individuals who are motivated to improve their skeletal mechanics and overall well-being. Whether you are an athlete seeking to optimise performance, someone recovering from an injury, or simply interested in enhancing your movement quality, these classes offer nurturing environment for growth and transformation.
To access any of the classes you will need to attend a Beginners Workshop or have done at least 2 1:1s beforehand.
Athletes
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Post Surgery
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Injury Recovery
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Everyday Aches
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Athletes • Post Surgery • Injury Recovery • Everyday Aches •
Who is Functional Movement for?
If you’ve been searching for yoga or pilates because you want to feel looser, stronger, and less stiff, you’re in the right territory. The difference is the approach.
Functional Moves is mechanics-focused and principle-led. Rather than stretching or “doing exercises”, you learn how the structure of the body creates movement, and how to restore natural range of motion through patterns that the skeleton can actually organise.
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If you often feel tight, restricted, or like your body is always compensating, this is where you rebuild ease. We work on movement patterns that support better posture, smoother joints, and more comfortable daily movement, things like walking, stairs, getting up and down, lifting, and sitting for long periods.
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If you’re returning after an injury, surgery, or a period of reduced movement, Functional Movement helps you reconnect with your body safely. The focus is on control, stability, and gradual progression, so you can move with more confidence again rather than pushing through and hoping for the best.
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If you train regularly, play sport, or simply want your body to feel more capable, this class helps refine how you move. Better mechanics often means improved efficiency, fewer recurring niggles, and a stronger foundation for strength work, conditioning, and sport-specific training.
Also ideal if:
You’ve tried yoga or pilates for flexibility or mobility, but still feel limited
You want a coached approach that explains the “why,” not just what to do
You’re looking for long-term progress, not a quick fix or a random workout
What to expect in a session
Each class is structured to support both movement learning and nervous system regulation.
Guided relaxation (10–15 minutes)
A ‘non-sleep deep rest’ phase to relax the body, calm the nervous system, and shift into a parasympathetic state before moving.
Awareness and feedback training
Breath, sensation, and awareness to improve how your body takes in feedback. This is a major part of long-term change.
Functional pattern retraining
We retrain foundational movement patterns that restore joint health and natural range of motion, so joints can be used to their true capacity.
Integration and reset
You leave feeling organised, clearer, and more connected, rather than overstimulated or tense.
What you’ll notice over time
Movement feels less forced and more natural
Better control and coordination
Improved joint confidence and usable range of motion
Stiffness often softens as patterns change
More ease in everyday movement, walking, stairs, lifting, training
Ready to transform the way you move?
To find out more about how to join and take advantage of this unique movement method. Explore The Stirland Approach today.
Explore our other classes
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![A woman in green athletic wear performing a downward dog yoga pose in a room with wooden flooring and white curtains.]()
FLOW
Best for: Mobility, joint health and nervous system regulation
Format: Coached group classes
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![A woman with blonde hair in a ponytail practicing yoga in a plank position on a wooden floor with a plain light-colored background.]()
Loaded Motion
Best for: Strength, conditioning, functional fitness
Format: Bodyweight strength and conditioning with mechanics focus
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![A woman in black activewear performs a handstand against a brick wall with graffiti, her body arched with her feet resting on the wall.]()
Performance
Best for: Athletes, injury risk reduction, recovery, return-to-performance
Format: 1:1 and small group support
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![A woman practicing yoga or ballet in a bright, spacious room with large windows and white walls.]()
Private Sessions
Best for: Tailored support, post surgery recovery, injuries, confidence and sports performance
Format: 1:1, 2:1 or 3:1, in studio, home visit, or Zoom
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![A woman leading a yoga or meditation class in a studio with exposed brick walls decorated with string lights, with people lying on mats in relaxed poses.]()
Unsure where to begin?
Contact us today to find out more information and we can guide you to the correct method for your goals.
About The Stirland Approach™
Angie is the leading functional movement facilitator, The Stirland Approach™ has helped 100’s of people, from men and women who play sports, professional athletes, people in need of rehabilitation from muscular skeletal injuries and people that want a healthier more mobile body.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Stirland Approach is a unique movement method focused on skeletal mechanics and movement foundations. Unlike yoga or pilates classes that can vary week to week, this approach builds consistent principles and progression, helping you move with more ease, control and confidence.
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No. The work meets you where you are. The introduction step makes sure you start at the right level and feel confident with the foundations.
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To join The Stirland Approach membership, you’ll need to complete a Step 1 introduction first, either the Beginners Workshop or 2 x 1:1 introduction sessions. After that, you can choose a monthly membership plan and sign up through this page.
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Memberships are designed for clients who have completed the introduction process. This helps you understand The Stirland Approach method, learn the foundations, and choose the right membership level with confidence.
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Choose a membership plan based on how often you want to train and what fits your routine. If you’re unsure, start with the lower option, you can usually adjust later. If Angie recommended a specific plan during your introduction, follow that recommendation.
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Yes. The membership is suitable for beginners because everyone starts with an introduction first. This ensures you learn the foundations and feel confident before moving into ongoing sessions.
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The Stirland Approach supports clients in Guisborough and online. Membership access and booking options depend on your plan, and can include in-studio sessions, online sessions, or a combination.
Ready to move with more ease?
Start with an Introduction Session so you can experience the method properly, then progress into Functional Moves classes with confidence. Find out more by exploring Getting Started or send us a message.
Already completed an Introduction Session? View Memberships