Helena means in ancient Greek ‘Bringer of Light’. She grew up in Clifton, Bristol, spent time in Ecuador, Japan and Belgium, though her main home is Cheltenham. Whilst living in Japan as a young woman she was influenced by their Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Back in England Helena trained as a Personal Trainer and Aerobics Instructor. This lead to her interest about how the mind effects the body and vice versa, and I became a Neuro Linguistic Programming Therapist. Following this Helena’s wellbeing and happiness profoundly shifted when then studied Nutritional Healing. Her regular Yoga practise progressed to her training in India as a teacher. She is very grateful to her Yoga teachers in India for inspiring her to share her light, be authentic and live her life with purpose and service. Helena loves teaching Yoga and Meditation. For her Yoga is a lifestyle, She does not just teach a set of stretches, She shares ways of releasing tension, connecting to yourself, becoming more spiritual, mindful, confident, kind and compassionate.

Mary has been teaching yoga in Cheltenham since 2013. Mary began practicing yoga in 2001. After moving to England from the US, Mary completed a 500 hour yoga teaching diploma with the British Wheel of Yoga. She continues to enhance her knowledge by regularly attending trainings and intensives. In addition to her main training, Mary holds certificates to teach restorative yoga, yin yoga, pregnancy yoga and well woman yoga. Mary’s classes are welcoming and lighthearted. They are built around creating classes that are well rounded, mixing challenge with gentle aspects. Pranayama (breath control practices) and continued awareness of breath are a key components. Mary weaves aspects of subtle body and yoga philosophy into her classes. Mary has created a serene boutique yoga studio to provide the benefits of yoga to the Charlton Kings community.

“Yoga has become my weapon for life, a friend that I can turn to, and a space to deal with life’s highs and lows. I love the continued journey of practice and I enjoy sharing what I discover. My classes are Vinyasa in style, built around playful sequences to build strength, using the breath to calm the mind. I hope my classes bring a smile, encouragement to continue your practice and a place to feel part of the amazing yoga community whether a complete beginner or seasoned Yogi.”