Growing up, we're constantly told 'practice makes perfect'.  It's a mantra that we find ourselves repeating even into adulthood; work hard at something and you'll reap the rewards. For many aspects of our lives, this may well be true.  We focus our attention on getting better, on the final outcome and the sense of fulfilment we achieve when we reach that point.  The education system in this country is one that constantly measures and tracks improvement, turning young people into a piece of data rather than recognising them as the wonderful individuals they are (ok, as an ex-teacher don't get me started on that - I could rant for hours...). When it comes to yoga however, it doesn't matter how much you practise, I'm afraid you'll never 'complete' yoga or become 'yoga perfect'.  Why? Because yoga isn't about the destination. Sorry folks, but as cliched as it may sound, it's about the journey! Ok, thats probably simulata...

So this statement - or those very similar in nature - is one I hear on a regular basis and it's something I really want to address... There are two main aspects that need considering: firstly, can we separate the physical asanas from other aspects of yoga practice and secondly, should we? Many people start yoga in order to counterbalance their stressful lives and are introduced to yoga in classes where the physical aspect  - asanas - are prioritised. After 45 of minutes of sequenced movements,  the teacher then directs students to lie on the floor in silence for a few minutes before everyone rushes to roll up their mats and dive straight back into their hectic lives.  The prolific presence of yoga across social media has very much compounded this perception of yoga and understandably, the ability to contort oneself into pretzel-like shapes or hold oneself in seemingly superhuman arm balances appears to be the only goal of many new yogis. For a number of years, I...

It’s quite typical to spend your weeks and even your weekends, rushing about trying to get loads of things done and feeling utterly exhausted at the end of it all.  Even our exercise routines can be so fast-paced that they place added stress upon our bodies.  Restorative Yoga gives you an antidote to this fast-paced way of living and encourages you to slow down, rest and recharge. What is Restorative Yoga? Restorative Yoga is about working with your parasympathetic nervous system.  This is the nervous system responsible for, amongst other things, slowing the heart rate, digestion, conserving energy and allowing the body to recharge.  Its role is the complete opposite of the sympathetic nervous system (our ‘flight or fight’ response), which is a state that many of us find ourselves constantly dwelling in, whether due to work or lifestyle stresses. Restorative Yoga is a practice designed to help reduce stress and anxiety, and to help promote relaxation, ...

"How's your marathon training progressing?" That's a question I get asked on a regular basis.  I'd definitely say its going well but it's been somewhat hindered over the last few days with the arrival of the 'Beast from the East' and all its wintery havoc.  We should, by rights, be moving into Spring now; I have definitely seen crocuses poking their little heads up although I'm guessing that they're now completely smothered in about 4 inches of snow! It's also probably worth mentioning that I HATE snow: it's cold, it's wet and it's very slippery!  Yes, like everyone else I coo at the pretty snowflakes when they first start to fall on Christmas Eve but after that, I'm done! Training outdoors for a Spring marathon has been an absolute nightmare this year for me.  My circulation isn't great and I've come home on a number of occasions from long runs barely able to feel my legs let alone my fingers!  I have invested...

One of my loves (aside from eating, running and yoga-ing) is reading.  In fact (and this is a random little fact for you), I even have an MA in Literature. So, with today being World Book Day, I thought I'd share a few reading ideas with you.   My first suggestions for World Book Day... Raise Your Vibration by Kyle Gray Light Warrior by Kyle Gray  My second World Book Day recommendation has a yoga theme... The Bhagavad Gita Rumi's  Selected Poems My third World Book Day choice comprises of a couple of books about the body’s healing system.  The Heart Speaks by Mimi Guarneri   Extraordinary Healing by Art Brownstein Make the most of this snowy weather: snuggle up on the sofa with a nice cup of tea, a blanket and enjoy a great book!

Easy Pose If you’ve got a knee injury this may not be as ‘easy’ as it seems…it can be modified by sitting on a yoga block or rolled up blanket. The benefits of this pose include: relaxation and stilling of the body quietening of the mind opening of the hips strengthening of the back through sitting upright stretching through ankles and knees Contraindications of this pose: knee or ankle injuries

Three Legged Dog This is a nice pose to transition to when you feel like your downward dog is strong and balanced. The benefits of this pose include: strengthening of the arms stretching through the hamstrings stretching through the hip flexors of the lifted leg improving balance helps to still and quiet the mind Contraindications of this pose: high blood pressure issues with wrists, i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome

If you’ve just started a running plan or schedule, well done!  Whilst running may have initially seemed reasonably uncomplicated – put trainers on, go for run – the more you get into it, the more things you discover!  Here’s 5 things I wish I’d known before I started running: Choose the right trainers 1.   Get the right trainers.   I think all of us have started running in whatever trainers we already owned, irrespective of whether they are gym trainers, running trainers or the trainers we have had at the back of the wardrobe for the past 5 years. As you start getting more serious about running and increasing your distances, it’s really important to ensure you are wearing the right kind of footwear.  Everytime I get new running shoes, I go and get my gait analysed as I know my running style changes with the distances I am building up to or the speeds I am working towards.  For example, I used to over-pronate when I ran.  This means that as ...

Running towards a goal: London Marathon 2018 I' ve been really lucky to secure a ballot place for the 2018 VMLM.  I’m so excited as I used to live in London and watch the marathon runners go past.  It’s also always been a dream of mine to do a marathon but I’ve never been sure I would have the time or tenacity to complete the training. I’m going to start a series of posts focused on my training and what I have learnt/am learning along the way.  Hopefully, this will be helpful to anyone else considering taking up running or increasing their distances. I already run so am not starting from scratch (thank goodness!).  If you are completely new to running, there are lots of beginners schedules and ‘couch to 5k’ plans to try, such as  this podcast based one  from NHS Choices.  It’s worth having a look at the different options and seeing whether you would prefer to follow a schedule on an app or podcast instead of a printed out plan.