We have really enjoyed having one of our newest teachers, Lois Kelly at the studio. Our love for her has grown and you will now be able to enjoy her Slow Flow class on Tuesdays at 17:30. We wanted to share a little more about Lois and her journey through yoga and to Yoga West.

How did you get into yoga?

I started practicing yoga about 10 years ago. Initially I used it as my 'cure' to help with back pain and an overactive mind, eventually it became an important part of my life. After moving to London I began to practice different styles and take advantage of all the amazing teachers available to us here. However it wasn't until I moved to India that I really began to understand what yoga can mean beyond the Asana and how much more I wanted to learn.

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

At one of the workshops I attended, the teacher really focused in on teaching us not just the poses but the anatomy....and that was it, my fascination with the body and how it works grew from there. This desire to learn about the body eventually led me to leave my job in the corporate world, take my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training and see where life took me.

Advice to people considering it?

Go for it! There are so many styles and teachers out there, take the opportunity to try a few things out and decide what suits you. Know that every body is different, so be kind to yourself during your practice.

My favourite quote as a yogi and a school teacher

It would be hard to pick one. The most amazing thing about being a part of the yoga community is constantly being inspired by the words and actions of the people I get to spend my time with.

What is your approach to teaching?

My job is to help students find a connection to their practice; whether it be to their body, their breath or their mind. I hold the space for them to explore. As a bit of an anatomy nerd I think it is important to learn how your body is supposed to move and find the balance of strength and mobility. But most of all I hope the practice makes students smile.

How has yoga changed you?

I am much more present than I used to be. I used to like to be 'busy' and always thinking of what was next. Through my practice I have learnt to enjoy what is around me, notice the little things and fully appreciate the people I spend my time with.

Is there anything outside your yoga that people should know?

Outside of yoga my big passion is food... eating it, cooking it, talking about it. If you want to see my biggest smile, give me a snack!