My Journey into Yoga

I discovered Yoga when I was 7 years old! I used to watch a programme with my mum in the afternoons on BBC2 called @lyn Marshall’s Everyday Yoga’. It was in the 1970’s, very much leotards and colours, but we used to have a lot of fun practising the poses after the programme. Tragically, Lyn Marshall passed away at an early age, but Yoga had an effect on me, even then. A few years later at the age of 14 when exam stresses started and pressure to reach grades and aspirations became more intense, I found the book in my dad’s study and reignited my passion . 36 years later I’m still loving it and have been teaching Yoga to people, passing on my passion, for years.

Yoga is not just a series of exercises or a ‘keep fit’ routine, it is a way of life!

We all lead very busy lives these days. We have responsibilities to our employers, our family, our friends and society. We are surrounded by ‘noise’ in very many different ways which constantly bombards and overwhelms our senses. It can sometimes seem impossible to exercise, let alone take time out for ourselves.

This can lead to added stress and pressure which can then make us feel unwell as our lifestyle becomes unhealthier, our breathing becomes unaligned and our mental attitude becomes weakened.

Through regular practice of Yoga you will learn the correct way to breathe, tuning into your body and working with an intention to improve.

Through various physical Yoga movements (asanas) your body will reach new limits of strength and flexibility as your postural alignment becomes improved and your confidence grows.

You will also learn the importance of mindfulness and meditation, being present in the moment, working with your intention – no competition, no forcing, no pressures to conform.

Yoga’s longevity and constant rejuvenation is testament to its popularity and life-long following of its practitioners. It is believed to be around 6,000 years old, rooted in India and was set down into an order by a wise Yogi called Pantanjali, who developed the 8 Limbs of Yoga that we study as Yoga teachers still today.

1.      YAMA – Which concerns itself with humility

2.      NIYAMA – Which works on strength of character

3.      ASANA – The physical movements and posture

4.      PRANAYAMA – Concentrating on the breath

5.      PRATYAHARA – Regulating the nervous system

6.      DHARANA – Your strength of mind

7.      DHYANA – Meditation and contemplation

8.      SAMADHI -  The path to enlightenment

So there really is something for everyone in Yoga! Physical fitness and muscle toning, Strength and stability, stress relief, postural alignment… the list goes on as you discover more and unlock your potential.

Passionate about Yoga from an early age, I have been practising for over 35 years. As a Yoga teacher and indeed as a Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional, I have trained in Physiology and Anatomy in addition to the areas of the 8 limbs of Yoga and can help work with my clients to practice Yoga safely at whatever stage they are at in their lives, whether with health issues, age concerns, pregnancy, or just wanting to learn more. As a Clinical PT too, I can work with special populations and chronic health conditions to improve fitness levels safely and give back a sense of well being. I have also undertaken CPD training in Yoga for Cancer.

Even over the last thirty plus years that I have been practising Yoga, I have seen the commercialism infiltrate and the inevitable competition start to edge its way in. The 'Social Media Stances', all trying to promote a ‘perfect picture pose’ that only seek to exclude and inhibit or the multitude of Yoga 'Brands' that are about these days! Yes, unfortunately, the need to pigeon hole, categorise, label and commercialise has even reached my beloved Yoga. 

So, whenever I am asked by people 'What 'Style' of Yoga do you teach?', I always reply (often to their annoyance), 'I teach Yoga'.

That is my firm belief. Yoga in its pure form is challenging the mind, body and breath to 'Yoke' together  - Yoga is the Sanskrit word for yolk.

Through my classes or one-to-one work. I will help you discover that there is something in yoga for everybody, you work in your own mat space, make your own challenges and get the stretch and the strength your body needs. I am passionate that we are not here for the perfect picture pose, but we are there to work safely and effectively. To improve and to benefit. It is important we understand the anatomy of the pose to identify where we need to feel the stretch or power, regardless of how far we are from where we feel we ‘should’ be.

The intention and the form is everything, with regular practice we improve and develop. My teaching of Yoga is about promoting, strength, flexibility, focus and well being and empowering achievement.

6 Week 1-2-1 Introduction to Yoga Programme

• A six week programme to introduce the benefits of Yoga including : 

• Breathing

• Postures (asanas)

• Safe Practice

• Benefits of the poses

• Nidra (Meditation)

• £234

I teach many different classes but my grounding is in Hatha Yoga, which primarily concerns itself with the physical body. If a body is physically fit then the systems of the body will function more efficiently, as will the mind. As I've mentioned before,I don't like the constraints, boundaries or commercialism of one 'style' and take influences from all forms of Yoga that interest and engage me and my classes.

My face-to-face classes are based in large groups in leisure Centres, Gyms and Hotels, or my own face-to-face classes are small and bespoke, out of the gym environment, I want people to feel comfortable and in the right space. I also teach 1-2-1 from my Personal Training room and I have a successful online presence. So why not join me at one of my classes and try something new? You’ll be assured of a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere. Yoga is a practice that is enjoyable and anyone can do without being judged or inhibited. 

I also offer private classes (up to 5 people) at various locations.  Don’t Forget! I also teach classes online so you can practice with me anytime, any place, anywhere through my weekly online Fitness Group

I have been practising Yoga for over 35 years and I am a very experienced Yoga Teacher. My qualifications are fully endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity). I am also fully Insured to teach online as well as face to face.