Erica is a much loved member of the Yoga West team so we'd included a short interview with her for those of you who would like to know more about Erica and her yoga journey:

How did you get into yoga?

I discovered yoga at the age of 37. I've always been curious about it but actually never taken the steps towards. Until one day I've decided to give it a try and I first started practising at home following You Tube videos. Then one day in 2018, walking near home, I came across Yoga West and that's when I've started taking classes and I felt like I've started practising yoga for real.

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

I started to enjoy classes so much that I would visit the studio even twice a day and I thought to myself that if I'd carry on that way I could probably start thinking about becoming a teacher one day, a desire that hasn't diminished and that hopefully I'll be able to accomplish sooner than later.

How has yoga changed you?

Since the very beginning, I felt an instant connection with the practice. The way it has helped me to gain strength and flexibility in such a short period of time just amazes me! I used to be extremely stiff, not having done much exercise in my life in general. I used to also have problems with back pain.  Now, after about 2 years of practising, I feel much fitter, my backache has disappeared and my body shape has improved. Also, the breathing techniques that I've learned help me to stay connected to the present and to reduce anxiety.

Do you have any advice for people considering starting yoga?

I would definitely recommend yoga to anybody. There's no limit of age. The earlier the better! But great benefits can be achieved at any age and stage in life and I'm the living proof of it! I'm working now on my inversions progress and I never thought, been scared of been upside down since a very young age, that I would be able to even attempt such things. I'm making quick progress and I'm so proud of it! Now, if I can do it anybody else can. You just have to try and be consistent, show up on the mat and don't lose patience. Perseverance will bring its results for sure!

My favourite quote as a yogi:

"You can't control the wind, but you can adjust the sails"