We are so happy to warmly welcome Laura to our class schedule from this month!

She will be covering the following classes every Friday from 8 September for Sascha while she is on her maternity leave:

Parent & baby yoga - 10:55-11:55

Pregnancy yoga - 12:05-13:05

We caught up with Laura to find out a little more about her journey into yoga.

How did you get in to yoga?

It was my flexibility that initially attracted me to yoga. I was in University in the late 90's and heard about how yoga helps with stress and all of its other benefits.  I quickly discovered yoga isn't just about being able to touch your toes. Studying the Yoga Sutras, Pranayama and Meditation has led me to maintain a practice spanning almost 20 years. I've practiced many styles of yoga and had a strong Ashtanga practice for several years. Then as my life changed with my first child, so did the style of yoga I was attracted to. I gravitated towards a slower, alignment-based practice and did my yoga teacher training to deepen my knowledge.

Was there a moment when you realised that you wanted to pursue yoga seriously?

Definitely. It was when I did my Pregnancy Yoga Teacher training with Uma Dinsmore Tuli while pregnant with my second son in 2011.  It was then that I fully experienced all the physical and mental benefits yoga truly has to offer and this really motivated me to want to share this with others.

How has yoga changed you?

I see yoga as a lifestyle. It penetrates into all areas of my life. Obviously, physically it has made me stronger. But mentally I feel it has made me more grounded and present. It really isn't just something done on a mat - it definitely expands the four corners of the mat if you allow it to.

What is your approach to teaching?

Listen to your own body, move mindfully and turn your attention inwards. Come to poses from the inside out rather than the outside in. Always use your breathe to guide you throughout your practice, breathing space into your body and mind. 

What advice would you give to people who are considering taking up yoga?

Be patient with yourself and really don't compare yourself to others. Do a beginners course and learn the postures and their correct alignment. Experiment with different styles of Yoga and teachers until you find one that resonates with you. Remember, Yoga isn't about mastering a pose. Yoga simply means Union of mind, body and breath. No elaborate postures, just simply move mindfully within your own body.

Do you have a favourite yoga quote?

"True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn't care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied." — Aadil Palkhivala

Is there anything outside your yoga that people should know?

I spend a lot of time by the sea, where I have a small studio. I love the ever changing views and colours. Exploring the beach at low tide with my family is a favourite. Paddle boarding in calm waters and watching the sunsets complete my weekends.