I have been practicing Yoga since 1999 and have been teaching since 2007. I hold a British Wheel of Yoga Teacher’s Diploma. I am also level 3 on the Register of Exercise Professionals .

Although trained through British Wheel trained, I do not like to label my style of Yoga. Over the years I have practised and take inspiration from different schools of yoga. Since 2004 I have practiced  Iyengar Yoga. I have also practiced Ashtanga Vinyasa, Vinyasa Krama, Forrest Yoga and have spent time in India practicing Sivananda Yoga. My aim is to practice and teach using the attention to detail of Iyengar Yoga but using the flow, mindfulness and attention to the breath of Vinyasa systems.

Initially I began to practice yoga as a response to a back injury. Recovery after surgery was very slow and didn’t go as anticipated. I had months of intense physiotherapy, used different types of exercise and then found Yoga. I was immediately smitten.  I thank yoga for restoring me mentally and physically.

Classes taught by me vary according to the needs of the students but a typical class might include gentle limbering, some static asanas (postures), using the breath to deepen the posture, and some form of flowing vinyasa, a session of pranayama (breath awareness), and a guided relaxation. I might even adapt and incorporate some Tai Chi or Pilates and occasionally  use partner work. I am comfortable teaching a range of abilities, ages and levels of fitness. Most of all I believe that classes should be enjoyable.

My ambition is to reach out to those who might not otherwise consider doing yoga, such as the less physically able, men, teenagers, busy working people and sportsmen. I strongly believes that yoga, correctly adapted, has something to offer everyone regardless of age, gender or level of fitness.

I teach or have taught in local authority leisure centres, at Durham University, in private gyms, an alternative therapy clinic, in the workplace and in prison. Clients include those attending yoga for therapeutic reasons, martial artists, sportsmen and professional dancers.  on a number of occasions I have been a guest teacher at the BWY Northern Region Yoga Festival. In March 2013 I  taught at the BWY National Congress. Between 2011 and 2024 I  organised and taught 26 Yoga Holidays at the Spectrum Yoga Centre in Dalyan Turkey (with a gap during 2020 due to Covid).  On three occasions I taught at Kailasam Yoga Centre in Kerala, South India.

I hold diplomas at level one, two and advanced level three in Thai Yoga Massage. These qualifications are accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists. [F.H.T.] I no longer offer massage but the practice and knowledge informs my yoga practice and teaching.

Namaste

Noel