Meet Laura - yoga instructor and studio owner

What is your mission as a yoga instructor?

My mission is to help people feel grounded in the present moment. I also want to help people feel connected to their bodies. We can get so caught up in our to do lists and day to day stresses that we forget to actually feel into our bodies. I think we can make better choices for ourselves when we’re more in tune with how we’re feeling.

What can people expect from your yoga classes? 

I usually weave breath work and mindfulness into my classes. You have time to explore the poses and what you can feel in each of them whilst also building internal heat. I always encourage people to move at their own pace and to let their bodies guide them through the practice. like to give people a good length savasana not matter how long the class is.

What does your self care routine look like at the moment? 

I am six months pregnant as I write this so I would say that it’s changing all the time to be honest. I’m getting as much sleep as I can; bedtime is 9.30 most nights and sometimes I nap too. At home I’m doing yoga and some strength work because it feels really good! Also sunshine is my medicine so whenever the sun comes out I’m in the garden planting things or our out in the park. 

What is your mantra? 

I am enough.

How has your yoga practiced change and developed over time? 

My practise has changed and adapted to suit my phase of life and to balance out other activities. I like doing lots of sporty things (swimming, running, weights) so my yoga asana practice is usually about slowing down and turning inwards to help me find balance. Now I’m pregnant it’s even slower and I’m enjoying working with pranayama even more. I’m also working on being non judgemental in my practise as I go through this transformation. 

What’s your favourite yoga pose? 

Downward dog is my all time favourite. I have tight legs so I love the feeling of lengthening it gives me and it’s great being upside down. What’s not to love?!

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on their yoga journey? 

Find a teacher that you click with and make a commitment to yourself to keep going for a few months so you can give yourself time to get to know the practice and feel the benefits. Yoga is not just for bendy young folk despite what the magazines might show you! At first it might be quite confusing or you may feel really stiff but it does get easier with practise and time. 

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not teaching/ practising yoga?

I like swimming, drawing, going for walks with my dog and having a lie in with a good book (I’ll need to savour this over the next 3 months!).