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Michelle

MY STORY

I first encountered Bikram Yoga in 2010 while living in Long Beach, New York. Initially, it did not completely captivate me or dominate my life, but it profoundly changed my outlook and wellbeing.

Having spent years as a professional dancer, I was no stranger to knee, ankle, and hip injuries. Coupled with over twenty years of running, cycling, triathlon, and half marathon training, my body had endured its share of wear and tear.

Eventually, Bikram Yoga helped resolve my injuries, allowing me to maintain my practice alongside other activities. Since then, I have not suffered any new injuries.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Upon returning to Hull, I realised the nearest Bikram studio was in Manchester, which posed a challenge for both myself and the Hull community. At the same time, my work life became increasingly difficult, and feeling professionally undervalued spurred me to seek change. With the encouragement and support of those close to me, I left my previous career and committed to a year of training at Bikram Yoga Manchester. Once I felt prepared, I attended a nine-week Bikram Yoga teacher training programme in Thailand in 2014.

Following this, I had the privilege of being mentored at Bikram Yoga Manchester, the studio I hold in highest regard. I was fortunate to receive work and support from Bikram Norwich, cover classes at Bikram Warwick, spend time in Leeds, and collaborate with inspiring teachers at Hot Yoga Sheffield, then Several months working at Bikram Yoga Glasgow. These experiences ultimately brought me back to Hull, where I had always intended to introduce Bikram and Hot Yoga to the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

In 2016, I earned a qualification in teaching yoga to professional, semi-professional, and recreational athletes. This certification was awarded by Sarah Ramsden, who works with Manchester City and Manchester United, and is recognised by Yoga Alliance. Since then, I have continued to expand my expertise to enhance my Bikram Yoga instruction. My goal is to deliver more effective movement, assist with postural assessment and intervention, develop meditation skills, and provide guidance to help each body progress according to its needs.

My continued development includes training in Yin Yoga, Yoga for Athletes, The Oxygen Advantage, The Breathing School, Kids Yoga, Personal Training, Menopause support, Nutrition Coaching, Inferno Pilates (levels 1 and 2), Kettlebells, and Dream Yoga.

WHY I DO IT

Although I do not consider myself particularly spiritual (despite what some may say), I see myself as someone who can bridge the gap between yoga and those who feel it is not for them. If your perception of yoga is a room full of hippies chanting and contorting themselves, I understand—because I once thought the same! In truth, my classes are designed for everyone, regardless of age or ability. There is no elitism, just a commitment to fostering better bodies, healthier mind set and sharing a laugh.

The reason I teach Bikram Yoga, Inferno Yoga, Athletics Yoga, and Hot Yoga is simple: nothing is more rewarding than witnessing someone rediscover movement they thought lost, or achieve something they never believed possible. When students leave knowing they have accomplished something far more valuable than any monetary gain or quick fix, their lives are transformed. Mine was, and I never imagined it could improve so much.

MY THANKS

I owe special thanks to Josephine Donaldson in New York, who gifted me my first ten-class pass for Bikram Yoga Long Beach and the yoga towel I still use today. Along my journey, I have met many wonderful and empowering individuals, and I am confident you will too. This marks the beginning of something truly remarkable. Trust the process—I cannot express how glad I am that I did!

The Devil whispered in my ear,
"You’re not strong enough to withstand the storm."
Today I whispered in the Devils ear.
"I AM the storm."

Ede

MY STORY

Ede has over 20 years in the fitness industry and has completed some of the hardest events in this country!! When you meat him, ask him about his Deca.

Ede is a fully qualified and insured Personal Trainer who works with a wide range of clients from families to competing athletes, weight loss clients and injured clients for rehabilitation.

In every Personal Training session he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help his clients get the absolute best out of their time spent with him. If you need online sessions, nutritional advice and support, or even a plan for your hotel gym, he can help.

Ede has a long list of qualifications and experience;-

  • Fully Qualified Clinical Exercise Referral Instructor – Obesity – Diabetes – COPD – CHD – Osteoarthritis – Osteoporosis –  Stress – Anxiety – Depression.
  • England Boxing
  • UK Athletics
  • BTF Triathlon
  • British Cycling Coach
  • UKSCA Strength & Conditioning
  • Sport Specific Programming
  • LIRF Registered
  • Zen Shin Katsu
  • Qualified in Myofascial Release Techniques
  • Multi Ironman Finisher and Ultra Runner

Shona

MY STORY

I’ve been practising yoga for sixteen years and teaching Bikram Yoga for eleven.

My first introduction to Yoga was through the practise of Bikram.  I swore after my first class I would never do it again… and 6 years on, here I am, teaching it, loving it, passionate about it, invigorated by it and above all, inspired by the students that travel with me on their journeys when they step onto their mats.

I did my Bikram Teacher Training in Thailand in 2014 and since then have taught in Australia, UK and USA.

We all have to start somewhere and there is never an ending to where Yoga can take you…everything we do in our lives is some form of Yoga.  There are always places to grow and develop.  After 2 years of teaching Bikram, I was inspired to further my Yoga knowledge in India – training in Vinyasa and Ashtanga.

This year I plan to extend my training into Yin Yoga.

It’s hard to articulate the benefits that Yoga has brought to me – but every time I step into the hot room, I simply feel at peace and at rest: like I’ve come home, no matter how difficult it may be that day.  A sanctuary that supports, nurtures, challenges, forgives and encourages growth and self reflection.  There is no greater gift that we can give ourselves than being present to ourselves.  Yoga, in any form, does that.  It’s been a blessing that has allowed me to deal with many good, bad and ugly moments in my life.  Thankfully it’s not WHAT we practise, but HOW we practise that has the impact.

Yoga has given me the gift of presence and awareness to myself which in turn has transformed my relationships externally and internally.

I would encourage anyone to use Yoga as a beautiful tool to combine physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth.

Shona is now a full time health and wellness professional, teaching Bikram Yoga, Yin Yoga, Pilates, Inferno Hot Pilates, Vinyasa Flow, sound Bath sessions and 1 to 1 sessions on line amongst other things. She resides in Wimbledon where you will find her gracing the hot rooms of London Studios.

NAMASTE