Yoga for All

Accessible, inclusive yoga

My philosophy is simple: loving, inclusive, transformational yoga for every mind and every body.

One thing I've come to realise over the years is that yoga asana (the physical practice of a much broader concept!) is truly something all body types, ethnicities, health levels and ages can access; that could be on the mat, in a chair or in bed.

Don’t be fooled, just because your body doesn’t twist into a pretzel like on Instagram, or you can't touch your toes/are not flexible enough (I hear this all the time), doesn’t mean yoga isn’t for you. Yoga is for all, and however the pose looks in your body is the right way! A wonderful quote from yoga anatomy teacher Dr Andrew McGonigle: “We are blessed by stiffness and cursed by flexibility”.

What does loving, inclusive, transformational yoga mean?

• I tailor my asana classes to all bodies and all minds; all genders, ethnicities and sexual orientations are welcome in my classes :)

• The language I use is uplifting and inclusive - e.g. non-gendered cues, saying 'option' instead of 'modification', never saying ‘the full pose’, always making sure you know it’s your body and your practice and you only have to do what you feel comfortable with

• Options will always be given and props will be on hand at all times

• I understand the power imbalance between teachers and students and how hard it can be to say no or opt out. While I do sometimes give safe hands-on assists, your informed consent is key to me. I will never touch without your permission

• We can have fun - whatever the class, it’s important not to take ourselves too seriously. We’re all just humans trying to get along

• I understand how emotional state impacts on the body - we’ll work to twine breath with movement, to access helpful breath practices and find calm through restorative practices

Let's work together to make yoga more loving, inclusive and transformational for all.