I discovered yoga as a single mum of a demanding toddler. I was working full time, overweight, unfit and needing to find something that I could do in my own home. 

Having been active and fit all of my life, I was shocked at the state that I was in. I remember downloading an app and struggling to do even the most basic asanas (postures).  The beginners yoga that I followed was gentle on my stiff, unfit body, which was good because I really could do very little! But when I rolled out my mat it gave me a peaceful sanctuary that I couldn't get anywhere else. It felt like a moving meditation.  

It wasn't until a few years ago, with my son all grown up, that I was able to really turn my attention to me. I joined a gym and lost four stone in weight, became fitter than I had been in over two decades and found a love and respect for my body that had been missing for many years.

I went to my first ever yoga class on the gyms open day and that is when I really fell in love with yoga! I have seen my body change, my health change and I have gained an understanding of myself and what I want in my life. I started to dream that maybe one day I could become a yoga teacher and help others feel the same peace, empowerment, energy and rejuvenation that I get when on my mat. 

Last October, I took the plunge and enrolled on a 200HR Hatha and Restorative Teacher Training course with Cardiff Yoga School. Amanda opened my eyes to a world beyond breath and physical movement. Yoga is so much more than just the postures and breathing and I feel like I have only just begun my journey into understanding the incredible effects of living and embodying yoga. This will be a life long learning for me. And the more I learn, the more I can share this incredible life changing experience with others. 

I love a strong vinyasa class that gets my blood pumping, my muscles burning and my heart singing with its powerful flow, but I also appreciate the subtle gentle benefits of breath, the life changing effects of inward focus, the importance of correct alignment in building and protecting a flexible, strong, healthy body and I have learnt to treasure the calming effects of a restorative practice. I remember what it is like to barely be able to move so can understand a beginners perspective, but I am also incredibly proud to now be able to work at a strong intermediate level. I have also qualified in Kids Yoga age 3 to 12 years and Rocket Yoga expanding my offereing to a wider range of people

Sharing my love of yoga and its physical and mental health benefits with my community is the best job in the world!