Hello! I’m Sonia.

I am a trained Hatha and Yin Yoga Teacher who has simplified how I teach Yoga ensuring all levels and ages can enjoy my classes. Offering props to support you in the Asanas giving different variations for you to choose which suits your body, as we are all unique, and so no one body will look exactly the same when in the Asanas. Using the breath to help you go deeper within and give yourself permission to relax and have time for you even if it is an hour that 1 hour being in the present and learning, listening to your body will benefit you in so many ways mentally and physically. The reason I simplified the way I teach Yoga is so many people I know over the years have said “I cannot stand on my head” or “I am not flexible enough; I could never touch my toes” or “I went to a class once but felt so stupid as everyone was looked so good”. Yoga really is not that complicated so long as you go to where you feel comfortable and feel good after the class then you have started your journey. The benefits you will notice over time mentally and physically in your own time will transfer into your life off the mat too. I know this as Yoga has helped me manage many personal challenges in my life which is why I wanted to help more students on their journey. I am a teacher in Hatha Yoga and Yin Yoga you may want to practice both or just one which is why I am open to anyone who would like to try Yoga but unsure which one to start practicing to email me directly I am very much an open and supportive teacher who will guide you to listen to your body and start to master the mind.

The Health Benefits of Yoga

What are the benefits of practising yoga? Put simply, the reason so many people are falling in love with yoga is because they are discovering how wonderful it is for their mind, body and spirit. But in case you’re not yet convinced, here are our top reasons why I believe yoga is incredibly beneficial.

Styles

Hatha Yoga The Hatha Yoga I teach originated from India and was brought to the West in 1959. My Lineage is Sivananda Yoga founded by Vishnudevananda. Hatha Yoga is for all levels as we offer props to support and give variations so you can choose which Asana Variation you want to do in your practice that day (every practice is different). I will guide you throughout and help you learn how by listening to your body and mastering the mind will help you off the mat into your daily life. We have 6 basic poses which have many variations so each class is different they are forward folds, back bends, twists, lateral stretches, inversions and balance. Body Alignment is what we check on when you are in Asanas.

Yin Yoga Yin Yoga is not about stretching the joints! Yin is about fully embracing comfort in the poses, only going to 50% of your edge or comfort zone, enabling the body to be still which will then still the mind or visa versa. You can then start a journey of meditating in the pose, going within learning how to keep in the present being patient. No alignment is watched in this practice as I guide you offering prop options to enable you to fully relax and fall into the body and mind taking you on a journey of discovery. All you need to be is open to feeling how your body and mind feel the sensations. Yin is all about how you feel- that’s not hard is it? It can be if you are a Yang person (always rushing about never time to self) This is what Yoga you may not like first but do need. For all levels and ages.

Regular Yoga practice provides benefits in terms of physical and mental health well being. Yoga does not promote the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy that’s common in fitness communities. Yoga is not a place to push through, go beyond your edge, or ignore your body. The primary tenet is ahimsa, or non-harming, and that starts with choosing the right type of yoga for you

Yoga Nidra This is a form of guided meditation, a method of Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses) that allows you to scan the body and tap into a state of relaxed consciousness as the mind settles in a place between wakefulness and sleep.

Improved flexibility Yoga postures and sequences help increase the body’s range of motion. The mindful approach of yoga ensures stretching is done safely, allowing the nervous system to release the muscles into gentle, effective stretches.

Reduced stress The focus, centring and breathing of yoga all help to reduce stress and can be the ideal antidote to a hectic modern lifestyle. Yoga can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, physically, mentally and energetically.

Better posture Yoga will help you stretch out the chest and strengthen the muscles of the back. You will be more aware of your body and posture, so that you automatically self-correct into a healthier alignment throughout the day.

Better mental health Yoga is about uniting the mind, body and breath. Mindfulness practices have been shown to strengthen the immune system, improving social relationships and reducing depression, anxiety and neuroticism.

Lower blood pressure High blood pressure is a serious medical condition associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The relaxation and deep breathing of yoga reduces high blood pressure even after the session is finished.