During my 18 years as a PE teacher and 25 years performing in various sports, I have become increasingly aware of the need to focus on all aspects of health, fitness and well-being. As a committed and passionate marathon runner, I have focused on a multi faceted approach to my training. Both yoga and strength training have been pivotal in me performing at my best and remaining injury free, keeping physically and mentally in good shape and allowing me to perform at my best.

My yoga journey started in my early twenties but running was initially my first love. The last 10 years I have dipped in and out of it since having had my 3 children. Hockey was my main love as a child and into my 20’s but since becoming a Mum, I needed to find something else to focus my love of exercise so I initially focussed it back on running. It has and still continues to be a great avenue for some ‘me’ time and I can do it in and around family life. However, naturally lots of miles takes its toll on your body and I soon had to focus more on mobility, flexibility and muscle lengthening to stave off natural soreness, stiffness and prevent any injuries.

Since returning to regular running in 2017 and joining a local running group, I soon found a fantastic local yoga instructor who has helped me nurture my love of yoga again helping me to complete the London Marathon in 2020 and 2021. My understanding and love of yoga continued to flourish during both lockdowns and helped me not just physically but mentally too. I truly appreciate the journey you are on with yoga and the huge benefits it can have. This then made me want to learn more and share this wonderful ancient art. Last year I started to teach yoga in my school and instantly saw the rewards the students gained from my classes.

In March 2021, I took the plunge to train as a yoga instructor at the same time we converted our out building into a yoga/gym studio where my home is. I completed the HFE level 3 diploma in yoga teaching in August and have loved learning about the philosophy of yoga and all the different elements yoga entails. It is a time for you to be present, move fluidly and listen to your body. Our day to day lives are busy enough as it is and we often neglect our own needs both physically and mentally.

Since qualifying, I have carefully created three different yoga classes; performance yoga, functional yoga and well-being yoga, which I feel covers all clients needs. All classes have a vinyasa yoga theme which allows me to create sequences using a variety of postures to move fluidly from one to the next. Vinyasa yoga focuses on building overall strength and flexibility whilst using your breath which keeps your mind in the present.

With my own experience as a PE teacher, playing top level sport and recent achievements with my own running, my main philosophy is if you want to see results, you must commit to regular training/exercise. There are many components to achieving your own personal goals whether they are performance goals (running a marathon) or general physical goals (improving flexibility) but commitment and discipline are essential in whatever you’re trying to achieve.