ABOUT THE STUDIO

Karen

Karen, the owner and director of this private studio, has been teaching sport & various forms of fitness and yoga in this area for the last 35 years.
Trained originally as a PE teacher, specialising in gymnastics & dance; her natural love of movement has always been present. As many ex-gymnasts, Karen has spinal injuries and yoga has helped aid her own recovery and also given her an insight and understanding of back injuries.

The Studio opened in 2008 when Karen left her career in a local Secondary School to pursue her passion for teaching Yoga. Karen has a pragmatic approach to yoga and does not dictate ethical standards that students must follow, therefore classes are suitable whatever your personal beliefs. Her style is dynamic, inspirational and very grounded; her teaching skills, extensive knowledge and energy shine through her teaching, motivating students in their own practice. As a testament to this, many of Karen's students have been so inspired that they have gone on to become yoga teachers too !

What to Expect from a class with Karen.....
Classes are a fusion of Hatha & Vinyasa Flow Yoga, a generous 1 hour 20 minutes long allowing enough time for the physical practice plus Pranayama, (breath work) relaxation & meditation, unlike the trend of short 45 minute "gym mentality " classes. All sessions are "open level" so suitable for both beginners or experienced yogi's alike and Yoga’s ethos of honouring the body ‘working to the edge "of your comfort zone.’ is always emphasised.The maximum number of students in the class is 12 so the student is always under the watchful eyes of the teacher.

Expect to be stretched & strengthened physically but also relaxed & restored by the practice and inspired by the Spiritual teachings of this ancient discipline which Karen teaches with clear instructions, carefully selected music, readings, wisdom & a sprinkling of much needed humour.

Qualifications

  • YOGA ALLIANCE Senior Yoga teacher.
  • Friends of Yoga (FRYOG) International Diploma
  • B.ED. Degree (Phys. Ed.) University of Sussex
  • Yoga*d Up "Children's Yoga qualification 2005
  • (BAWLA – Free Weights Instructor; BTF Trampoline coach; LTA Tennis coach; ASA Swimming teacher; Aquarobics teacher; fluent French & Greek speaker.)

Karen is supported by two other FRYOG teachers, Alison Dolley & Natalie Penniall,who run weekly classes at the Studio. These awesome, very experienced teachers have taught at the studio for the last 10 years, adding their unique styles and expertise to the Studios timetable.

Karen,Natalie ,Alison