We are excited to welcome Charlie Morgan to the Yoga West Team! She has been teaching for over 3 years after qualifying in Bali with WLYA – The Wise Living Yoga Academy (affiliated to The Yoga Institute of Santacruz, Mumbai, India – the world’s oldest organized yoga institution) and is now teaching around London. She is also a proud ambassador of Sweaty Betty in Battersea and Coco Zumi.

Charlie will be covering for Alice, Sundays 10-11:30 am, for the month of December and will have her own new class on Tuesdays, 11:45 - 12:45 from the first week of January.

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

How has yoga changed you?

In every single way! Mentally - Yoga allows you to slow down and check in. Through yoga, I have become more aware of any toxic thoughts or behaviours I may have otherwise never even noticed I had! I'm very creative and extremely active, so my brain naturally goes at a rate of knots! Through the practice of daily yoga and meditation, I have become so much more calm and grounded.

Physically - I have always remained pretty much the same weight for most of my life, and been fortunate to not to have to worry about it. Perhaps because I have always been really active. However, since practicing yoga, my body has competent transformed. I am physically stronger than I have ever been in my life and my body is more toned than ever. What's great about yoga on a physical level is that it focuses on every single muscle group, so you find that your whole body changes, as supposed to just getting strong legs or strong arms like you may see with other physical activities. The more yoga you practice, the more in tune you become with your body. You start to understand what it needs and as a result are more inclined to look after it and live a healthier life.
What is your approach to teaching?

Firstly, that yoga is for everyone and no one should ever feel like they are not capable to do it. There are so many varying types, that I really do believe that there is a style for everyone! My teaching approach is very light-hearted and fun. I'm a massive advocate of authenticity and I like to think that that really shines through when you meet me and in my classes. With the knowledge that my clients work super hard and in high profile jobs for most of their week, I like to create a space where they can let their hair down, move their bodies and take a break from 'the serious'. Expect a dynamic practice (I like to take people outside of their comfort zones), with upbeat music, teamed with deep yin postures and a sumptuous relaxation.

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

- If you think you aren't flexible enough to do yoga - even more the reason to do it!

- Start with a beginners course.

- Be easy on yourself, the first few classes may be challenging, but if you stick with it, you will soon see your progression.

- If you don't like the teacher, then try another one. We are all very different!

- If you don't like the style (pace, music, atmosphere), explore another type of yoga.

- Explore different style as there may be one that you enjoy more.

- Don't get frustrated if you don't feel like you are getting anywhere, you will.

- NEVER GIVE UP!

Do you have a favourite yoga quote?

"Be the change you want to see in the world' - Mahatma Gandhi

Is there anything else outside your yoga that people should know?

I am a designer. I design and hand-make yoga accessories, including mat bags and lavender filled relaxation masks and I also few bits of clothing.