Yoga with Nickie

"Health is Wealth, Peace of Mind is Happiness,  Yoga shows the Way"  Swami Vishnu Devananda

YOGA

Although I trained with the traditional School of Sivananda Yoga, I have developed my own style, with strong but graceful movements and flowing sequences.  Classes always incorporate some Pranayama (breathing exercises) and have a meditative element.

Yoga is a holistic method to attaining overall well-being and inner peace. Although the physical aspect is what draws most people to it initially, including myself, there is a lot more to it than physical exercise.  Thanks to the Asanas (physical poses) muscles are strengthened and toned, the body becomes more supple and flexible, internal organs are massaged, so physical health is greatly improved.  But even more significant is the positive effect yoga has on our mental well-being, and on our ability to deal with the stress and strains of daily life.

PILATES

I trained in Stott Pilates®, a contemporary approach to the original exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920's. The low impact exercises focus on core strength to protect and support the back, whilst working specific muscle groups to increase the body's range of motion.  The natural curves of the spine are restored and postural alignment improved.

I have been practising Pilates for several years, and found that it has greatly complemented my Yoga practice.  I often sneak a Pilates exercise into my Yoga classes, and I always include some yoga-based stretches in the Pilates classes.

• Sivananda Yoga Instructor, Sivananda Ashram, Tyrol, Austria
• Wat Po traditional Thai Massage Practitioner, Salaya, Bangkok
• Stott Pilates Trained Instructor, Kidlington, Oxford, UK
• Reiki 1, Dharamasala, India
• Reiki 2, Swindon, UK
• Shiatsu Foundation, Wiltshire, UK