I discovered Hatha Yoga and Pilates in 2003 after a repetitive strain injury caused by typing for too many long hours forced me to give up a career as a writer in advertising. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise; the combination of physical work and relaxation/meditation elements made a big difference to my chronic pain symptoms and I ended up in a career I am really passionate about! Both yoga and pilates help improve your posture, increase flexibility and strength, and most importantly bring about a renewed sense of vitality and wellbeing. It’s a wonderful job and I love helping other people discover the many transformative benefits of mindful exercise.

Developed by Joseph Pilates as a slow, precise system of body conditioning to rehabilitate wounded soldiers during the First World War, Pilates is a holistic exercise discipline that focuses on strengthening the core muscles that support the spine. It’s brilliant for everybody as it empowers you to bring your body back into balance, teaching your fundamentals such as how to stand, sit and breathe correctly, helping to correct poor posture and reducing the likelihood of future injury. It’s also deeply relaxing, though it can be very challenging too!

In 2003, I trained as a level 2 mat Pilates teacher (OCR Unit 9 Certificate). My level 3 Pilates matwork certificate with Future Fit Training involved completing a comprehensive series of case studies, and assessed group classes at both intermediate and advanced level. Last year I completed my pre and post natal exercise award enabling me to teach pregnancy yoga and pilates. I have now been teaching for 11 years and have worked with people from all walks of life, from super fit athletes who want to hone their technique to those overcoming seriously debilitating conditions like M.S, cancer or spinal injuries.

I began my British Wheel of Yoga three year Diploma course with Jenny Boam in 2006. Studying with The British Wheel has deepened my understanding of Yoga on every level, from giving me a deeper understanding of the benefits of asana and their modifications to discovering more about the roots of Yoga and its philosophy. The training involved indepth anatomy and biology lessons and a surprising amount of essays, because we covered the philosophy behind yoga, pranayama, meditation and relaxation techniques in addition to a close look at the physical postures.

What I especially like about yoga is how it subtly begins to transform your whole life and outlook, not just your body! I’ve since attended workshops with many renowned teachers including Jivamukti instructor Cat Alip-Douglas, the wonderfully positive vinyasa teacher Kathryn Budig and Ashtanga’s one and only Kino McGregor, as well as a trip to India in 2013 to see the Sivananda ashram at Neeyar Dam and practice with Sivananda and Hatha teachers in Kerala. I have studied a broad spectrum of yoga, from traditional pranayama, Buddhist mindfulness and meditation techniques to acro and aerial yoga.There is always something new to learn, and ultimately yoga practice in any style tells you so much about yourself.

Find me on Yoga Hub | Leonies Yoga Pilates