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About Ashtanga Yoga Plymouth

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I am an experienced, approachable and supportive Ashtanga Yoga teacher, passionate about making the practice accessible to everyone.

After exploring many styles of yoga throughout my life, I discovered Ashtanga Yoga in my 40s when it was recommended to help with back problems. I quickly felt how it differed from other forms of yoga and exercise - not only strengthening my body, but also having a profound effect on my emotional wellbeing. The practice brought me stillness, peace and acceptance during sometimes demanding times as a carer to my daughter.

Alongside a 25-year career as a secondary school teacher, I developed a consistent Ashtanga practice and felt inspired to share its benefits with others. I trained for nine months with Brian Cooper, author of The Art of Adjusting and founder of the Yoga Alliance Professionals. I am a registered RYT500 and now also designated Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance Professionals.

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Ashtanga Yoga is a fluid and dynamic practice in which postures are linked in a flowing sequence, guided by deep, steady breathing that uses the full capacity of the lungs. This creates internal heat and a cleansing effect on the body, while the structured sequence provides both routine and physical challenge. Through focused breath, posture, core engagement (bandha) and specific gaze points (drishti), the senses are drawn inward, allowing the practice to become a moving meditation. These three points of focus, known as the Tristhana method, are what set Ashtanga Yoga apart from other styles.

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My classes reflect my love and dedication to Ashtanga Yoga and are taught using a multi-level approach, welcoming complete beginners through to more experienced practitioners. I focus on breath, bandha (core engagement) and awareness of the inner body and it’s energy, offering clear guidance, thoughtful modifications and supportive adjustments where appropriate - helping students to build strength (especially core muscles), flexibility, spinal mobility and improved posture, as well as improving digestion and circulation, while also calming the mind and nervous system. 

Over time, this creates a light and strong body, and a sense of space, ease and wellbeing, both on and off the mat.

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I love being able to share the practice, watching students grow in confidence, strength and resilience. Ashtanga Yoga is for everyone….you don’t need to be flexible or have any experience to start…..You just need to start.