When people think of yoga, they often imagine slow flows that focus on relaxation and flexibility. Some assume it won’t be challenging enough. I’ve heard plenty of gym-goers and weight-lifters claim it’s “too boring”, despite never having attended a class. While some styles are low-intensity, others torch your core and…

Not too long ago, I received a panicked email from a student asking me whether it’s normal to feel anxious after yoga. After all, wasn’t it supposed to be relaxing? Were they doing something wrong? …

Recently, I asked my Instagram followers what makes a good yoga teacher? Here are some of the most common responses: Someone who has an in-depth knowledge of anatomy Someone who weaves philosophy and scripture into their classes Someone who incorporates pranayama (breathwork) and meditation as well as postures Someone who…

How did you discover yoga? Perhaps you stumbled across a YouTube video or took a class on holiday? Maybe your friend dragged you to a studio, and you’ve never looked back? Were you inspired by a particularly beautiful photo or video on social media? Whatever the way, people’s first-time experiences…

If you don’t practise yoga, chances are you know someone who does, and they’ve probably chewed your ear off about how it’s changed their life. Now, I’m sceptical by nature — I don’t believe in celery juice fasts, oil baths or breatharian monks who go without food or water for…

As a yoga teacher, one of the questions I get asked the most ( besides “do I have to be flexible to start yoga?”) is “what mat should I buy?”. Back in the good old days, there wasn’t much choice — you had one size (small), style (purple) and material…

I spent most of my teens and early 20s waging war on my body, beating it into submission with extreme diets, exercise and beauty regimes. I suppose extreme might be an understatement — I actually suffered from anorexia, bulimia and body dysmorphia (the latter being undiagnosed, but I’m pretty sure…

As a yoga, meditation and self-improvement enthusiast, it should come as no surprise that I love ends and new beginnings. My obsession with reflection, in particular, started at an early age. Finishing journals, school terms and even boxes of cereal felt almost spiritual, like I was saying goodbye to the…

I’ve been working with a therapist lately, trying to unravel my complicated relationship with vulnerability. It’s not going well. My problem, as I’ve since learnt, stems from a difficult childhood. I wasn’t abused or neglected in a conventional sense, but my parents were in an unhappy marriage and, understandably, too…