Michelle first came to yoga about 12 years ago, and it was love at first class. Initially yoga was recommended by a trainer at the gym as something that may help with flexibility, and to help address niggling little aches and pains from weekends spent running and playing sports; and weekdays spent in a stressful, busy, corporate environment. “Yoga had never really been on my radar, I was more of gym-goer and a runner, but from the very first class, I knew yoga had way more to offer me than longer hamstrings. I remember sitting on the bus home sweaty, exhausted, amazed at my lack of strength and flexibility, and emotionally a bit surprised – I had found myself almost in tears in final relaxation and had no idea what that was all about! That night I slept like a log, and knew that something profound had happened. As I continued with my classes, I began to feel that yoga was not only a “diy maintenance kit”, but that there an invitation to something I hadn't realised I was missing; an ability to ground myself deeply in the truth of who I am, and a self-sufficiency that is still standing me in good stead - along with a whole host of other beautiful benefits that are ever-unfolding.”
Michelle trained with Appleyoga in 2010 and is a Yoga Alliance registered teacher (200 Hr Level). She currently teaches vinyasa flow classes in Central and South East London, and is also a qualified massage therapist. She has explored and practiced many styles of yoga along the way including Ashtanga, Sivananda, Iyengar, Yinyoga, and most recently Vinyasa Flow yoga.Michelle believes that yoga offers us an opportunity to rediscover our true selves, to rediscover the deep sense of calm and wellbeing that is always within; and that when we bring the energy of the heart and the mind into alignment, truly great things can happen!
“Yoga invites us to reconnect to our inherent creativity and joy through movement, breath, and awareness, and this in turn ignites a passion to dive deeper into knowing; to invite ever more grace and freedom into movement, and ultimately, into our days.”
Classes are informative and fun and are influenced by her belief in practising with awareness and with intention, her love of meditation, and the joy that is yoga!
Michelle is deeply thankful for all the teachers she has had the pleasure to study with on her journey so far.
What are you inspired by?
the beauty, perfection and resilience of mother nature.
Why yoga?
Because it makes me feel so good ? yoga helps me reconnect with a deep sense of knowing, to my inner teacher, and to a place of stillness and strength that is always there, but is so very often left on the roof of the car as I dash off into life.
If Yoga did not exist what exercise would you turn to?
Pilates for the science, ski-ing for the winter, walking for the summer, and dancing always!
What music do you listen to?
Anything and everything depending on my mood - at the moment Bonobo, Elbow, Ludovio Einaudi, Barbra Streisand, Wah, Feist, Aretha Franklin, James Blunt, Jai Uttal…
Favourite Asana?
Downward Facing Dog
Hardest asana?
Double Pigeon
Words of wisdom?
“The yoga postures and breath are tools to rebuild and transform ourselves. The goal is not to tie ourselves in knots – we're already tied in knots. The aim is to untie the knots in our heart. “ Max Strom.
Ideal weekend?
Chilled and relaxed, walking my dog on a sunny morning, tea in the bath, brunch with friends, settling into a good book, family dinners, and an afternoon nap – afternoon sleeps are such a treat!
Dislikes?
Narrow-mindedness, arrogance and rudeness.
Favourite food and drink?
Home made granola and soya yoghurt, my Mum's apple cake, fresh barbecued fish, any kind of home-grown salads and veggies, lentil dahl in the winter is the best, and to drink – fresh melon juice, and I love a glass of really good red wine.
Recommended Book?
Wisdom of Yoga by Stephen Cope, Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Awakening the Spine by Vanda Scaravelli.