ABOUT
MY YOGA JOURNEY
I first started practicing yoga in my early twenties after a decade of chronic back pain from a childhood injury. I had pain every day if I stood, sat or walked for too long and I was fed up. I had very little confidence, I was unfit and I wasn't well.
At my wits end, I went to a yoga studio and I haven't ever looked back - I felt much better very quickly and was suddenly able to be pain-free for the first time in years.
I fell deeper into yoga, learning and experiencing the magic beyond the poses, I felt less stressed, lighter, I was more curious. It was like coming home to myself and finding out who I really am.
After 5 years of practice I signed up for my Teacher Training and graduated in 2018; set up Pride Yoga and have been teaching ever since.
QUICKFIRE GET TO KNOW
FAVOURITE PLACE?
Anywhere I can go for a good walk. I particularly enjoy Ivinghoe Beacon, or the Cornish Coastal Path.
FAVOURITE FOOD?
Tofu Tikka Masala. Not really food, but I'm also fond of umpteen mugs of Earl Grey (Twinings!) with Oat Milk.
PETS?
2 cats - Socks & Fudge and Layla, a working cocker spaniel
HOBBIES?
I play the Violin, walking, travel & I'm a mean cook (vegan & gluten free means I make pretty much everything!)
SAYING?
"f**k it, what's the worst that could happen?" or "you can't pour from an empty cup"
THE PRIDE YOGA ETHOS & TEACHING STYLE
I'm a big believer that yoga is for absolutely everyone who wants to give it a go.
Yoga should be fun, joyful and build confidence as well as be easy to access and understand.
My pet peeve is the stereotypes of yoga - gymnastic women, chanting, fluffy waffle that is abstract. These are the things perpetuated time and time again across the internet and they make people think things like....
"Yoga isn't for me - I'm not bendy"
"I can't touch my toes so I can't do yoga"
Which is such a shame. Pride Yoga challenges this rubbish by offering accessible and inclusive yoga.
All my classes offer choice, exploration and options for all bodies and aim to make yoga fun, easy to enjoy and take part in without being intimidated.
I love to have a laugh, fall over, trip over my words - it's real life yoga taught without the gymnastic, hyper-flexible BS you sometimes find so everyone can join in.
All my classes are suitable for all levels from beginner to long time yogis and I offer loads of ways to adapt every pose so you get what you want from your practice.
WHAT MY CLASSES ARE LIKE
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I teach in simple, easy to understand language - technical terms are clearly explained and I teach in English
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Philosophy teachings are explained in a relevant and easy to follow way
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I don't chant in class
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I don't adjust without consent. I will always offer choice and active opt-in to this
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Any adjustments will be supportive, and not forceful
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I don't teach headstands, arm balances or other poses in these categories unless otherwise stated
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Options and variations are offered for all poses in each class
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I encourage you to exercise choice - take options that work for you
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I'll never call you out for taking a break or different pose to what is offered in class
TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS
200 Hour Hot & Hatha Yoga - Yoga University & Sweat Studios
Yoga Alliance Professionals, June 2018
20 Hour Vinyasa Yoga - Yoga University
Yoga Alliance Professionals, October 2018
Applied Anatomy & Working with Injured Students Workshops - Dr Yogi (Andrew McGonigle)
Yoga Alliance, May 2019
Hatha Flow & Yin Teacher Workshops - Sweat Studios 2019
20 Hour Inclusive Yoga - Yoga Quota (Now Nourish Yoga Training)
Yoga Alliance, September 2019
Neurofundamentals - ZHealth
May 2020
Making Yoga Accessible Workshops - Alexandria Crow, Triyoga London
November 2020
300 Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training - Nourish Yoga Training
In Progress 2021