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

Qualified in Vinyasa Flow, Pregnancy, Post-natal and Yin Yoga, all her classes lead you to live in a more authentic way and ensure you are nourishing and nurturing at every opportunity. She will be teaching the following classes every Wednesday for Sascha while she is on her maternity leave:

Slow Flow, 9:30-10:45 and Parent & Baby 10:55-11:55.

She will also be covering the Yoga Basics class on Wednesdays 12:05-13:05 until 16 Aug.

We caught up with her to find out more about her journey into and through yoga.

How did you get in to yoga?

I was initially drawn to yoga, like many as a way to deal with longstanding and stubborn neck and back pain over 9 years ago. After committing to a regular practice I quickly realised and enjoyed the physical benefits. However, my love of yoga became something much deeper - a way to step out of my busy London lifestyle to soothe and nourish both body and mind.

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

In 2013, my boyfriend and I took a 6 months sabbatical to get away from London life, and make some positive changes in our own lives and hopefully help others along the way. First off, we volunteered in Malawi for 3 months and then we went off on our own separate adventures. He cycled through Europe and I went off to Spain to complete my first Yoga Teacher Training with Frog Lotus Yoga.

The intention was to deepen my own practice and learn more about this ancient philosophy. However, following my incredible immersion, I was sure I wanted to share yoga with others.

How has yoga changed you?

Of course it has but it’s also a work in progress… and without being clichéd, it is definitely a journey.

Physically I am more aware of and in touch with my body and my breath, and I am definitely stronger and more flexible (but there is certainly more to be done). Yoga has become a key management tool for my chronic neck and back pain, which I believe makes me an empathetic teacher for anyone experiencing pain or injury.

Naturally, I am a fast paced and busy person, and yoga has slowed me down and (hopefully) made me more patient. Yoga has taught me how to examine areas of my life, particularly to highlight areas that aren’t going so well and need to be changed. Through yoga, I have learnt how to let go of people, things and ways of being.

What is your approach to teaching?

I teach Vinyasa Flow, Pregnancy, Post-natal and Yin Yoga classes. And, whether you’re after a dynamic or gentle style of yoga, all my classes are upbeat and creatively sequenced with a real attention to alignment and breath and always infused with positivity and personality. I believe yoga is for everyone and will empower you to lead your life in a more authentic way, with greater acceptance for who you really are.

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

Firstly, don’t believe that you need to be flexible to do yoga. You don’t. And secondly, what are you waiting for? Just give it a go. There are plenty of different styles of yoga suitable for all levels and there are some wonderful teachers here at Yoga West ready and waiting to introduce you to this healing and magical practice.

Do you have a favourite yoga quote?

“Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed.” B.K.S. Iyengar

Is there anything outside your yoga that people should know?

I am a real foodie and love cooking at home as well as regularly eating out in this amazing city we call home. I like to travel anywhere that the sun shines. I love dancing, walking and laughing until it hurts. Friends and family are everything.