If you’re like me then you love to move your body in any way possible. When I was younger my movement consisted of freestyle disco dancing (google it! It’s not ‘stayin alive’ disco style dancing, it’s something a lot crazier). As I grew up my interest in moving my body changed to musical theatre dance, ballet and tap. Then it wasn’t until I was at drama school that I’d ever bothered moving my body with yoga or pilates. Of course, being flexible from my dancing helped, but my inner strength was shockingly bad. Then when I moved back to Manchester after drama school, I started to delve into the wonderful world of yoga and pilates.
I love that there are so many different variants to both practices. There’s Yin yoga, Bikram yoga, Restorative yoga, Hatha yoga, Ariel yoga, classical Pilates, contemporary Pilates, the list goes on. If you like to move slow and sit with your breath, there is a practice for that. If you want to get your sweat on and challenge yourself, there is a practice for that.
I think what the most important thing about yoga and pilates is finding the right teacher. I’ve been to so many different classes now, some easily forgettable but others life-changing. I believe having the right teacher makes all the difference. For me, yoga is about releasing, releasing physically through muscle ache and joint mobility or releasing emotionally and mentally. You need the have the right teachers to hold you through this and I want to share with you my favourite teachers and online classes that have really helped me on my journey. Under each person or place a link to their instagrams or website, just click the littler icons.
Claudia Mirallegro.
The ironic thing about this first yogi, is I’ve never met her properly. I attended an event with lululemon in Manchester at the beginning of this year (which by the way was free and one of the best events I’ve been to. Not only did it introduce me to an amazing yoga teacher but I’ve now been enlightened by the comparison coach Lucy Sheridan. The best part about it, was that I stumbled across it on Facebook! WINNER!) Even though I haven’t attended one of her classes in person yet, I have been able to attend her online Instagram lives and her at home remote retreats. This might sound so crazy to you but her energy, all be it through a phone screen, is incredibly infections. Her classes fill me with pure enjoyment, I come away feeling free from anything I was holding onto and I’ve even noticed new things within myself I never even knew I needed to let go of. Her soul is so pure and I’m dying to attend one of her classes once lockdown is over. But for now, please head over to her Instagram and join in on the live streams. Claudia is also holding remote retreats, where NHS staff can attend for free.
Cat Meffan.
I think Cat was one of the first people I started to follow online. She has so much content on her page, from follow-along classes to stretching tips. I love following her personally on Instagram too, as she is always raw and real about her practise. She shows you how it’s ok to just move with your body in any way you want, some days are good and others not so much. She definitely creates a safe and freeing environment.
Amber – Hygeia
I’ve never been a huge fan of pilates, then along came Hygeia. Amber is actually a friend of mine, but that doesn’t mean I’m just blowing her trumpet because she’s my friend, no, no, no. Amber, although new in her practise, is such a great teacher. Pilates can be hard and she always brings a beautiful energy to her online classes and constantly makes you smile. Her Pilates classes are super accessible as well, you don’t need fancy equipment just yourself and an occasional accessory which have included; a chair, tinned goods and an easter egg. Her classes are super fun and I can guarantee she will set you up for the day with the biggest grin on your face. I can’t wait to see her flourish as a teacher!
Jessica Olie.
If you after stretching tips, headstand improvements and handstand practices then Jessica is your gal. Whenever I want to improve anything to do with my yogi strength I go straight to her page. Not only is she a yoga but she also has super sweaty workouts on her page. I can really a difference with following some of her strength work. Don’t forget to check out her beautiful yoga mats, they are to die for!
Tu – Bikram Yoga – Hanoi
I know we are in lockdown, but it doesn’t stop us dreaming of setting off to a place far from home and if you ever find yourself in Hanoi, Vietnam you HAVE to visit Tu’s Bikram yoga studio. When I lived in Hanoi for a few months in 2019, I found this studio on my bid to become a healthier human being, after months of backpacking and hardcore drinking. If didn’t have this class to attend I think I would have crumbled. At the time I was going through a lot emotionally and this practice was my savour. If you want to be challenged and strip everything away emotionally and physically, in a positive way then Tu is your teacher. Bikram is hard, and throughout the class, Tu talks you through it. He doesn’t hold your hand but I somehow he knows how your feeling and what to do to help you in that moment. He’s also just opened up this big new studio, so make sure you give it visit if you’re in the area.
Lulu – Samyama Yoga – Market Harborough
I was first introduced to Lulu on Christmas eve a few years back, when myself and my aunty attended a gong bath. First off, if you haven’t even been to a gong bath go, their in-cred-i-ble! Lulu is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, you know when somebody hugs you and you can feel their amazing and positive energy. She has the most beautiful studio in Market Harborough, if you’re ever passing by hop in for a class or book onto one of her retreats. Aside from yoga she offers healing and cleansing hot oil massages for women and I can confirm from my aunty, that they are amazing.
The Yoga Barn.
A place I dreamt of going when I arrived in Bali last year and it did not disappoint. Situated in a jungle type scenery in the heart of Ubud, this place is truly amazing and is full of classes and workshops. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend one class, but I would go all the way back to Ubud to visit this place again. There is this insane energy there that is indescribable. If I were you I’d put it on your bucket list, this a place not to be missed.
There you are folks, my favourite yogis and pilates teachers. Dotted all over the world, but a silver lining to this virus has meant they can be planted right in the comfort of your own home. Make sure you head over to their Instagrams to check out how good each and every one of them are. It’s my personal opinion and you might think differently, but each one of these people and places have helped me grow as a person and improved myself not only physically but mentally as well.
Hope everyone is keeping themselves sane and safe.
All my love,
Danielle.
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