1948

Colleen is an ex-ballet dancer from Colorado USA who now resides in London.

Starting the Yoga Flex sessions at 1948 in April, Colleen’s a full time Sports Therapist versed in getting the very best of out the human body. Having practiced yoga for over twelve years we enlisted her skills to help all those that want to get back to their most flexible selves. We caught up with Colleen to tell us more about Yoga Flex classes and why everyone should come down and give it a go.

Tell us about the Yoga Flex class.
I got invited to hold a yoga class at 1948, which is kinda surreal as I went to university to do Sports Therapy and that’s what I still do full time. But I used to be a dancer and i’ve found that it is a very natural thing for ballet dancers to do yoga, as doing ballet you addicted to stretching!

How have the sessions been going?
We’re on the fourth session this week and it’s going really well. So many first timers have come down which is really cool. I guess that was the idea of the class, I think Yoga Flex appeals to people who have never tried yoga before and have been put off by more traditional yoga centres and expensive lessons.

How long have you been practicing yoga?
I’ve been practicing for twelve years now. I started with bikram which is traditionally held in a hot sauna, i began at this amazing studio in Colorado. When I came to London I found out about ashtanga yoga and have been practicing it ever since.

Tell us about your teaching style…
I’m not your typical yoga teacher, i’m not a Yogi. I just know how to teach it and I like to teach the techniques. I teach a couple of classes a week as well as a couple of one to one sessions. Generally the classes are more fun ‘cos you get the banter in the class and people really motivate and psyche each other up and I don’t play ocean sounds!

What sounds can we hear at Yoga Flex?
I’ve always loved hip-hop so that’s what i’m playing at the classes right now. It helps to practice with music that has a beat and rhythm too it. So at the moment i’m asking all my friends to make playlists for my upcoming classes.

Why would you recommend yoga?
Yoga is all about breathing when it comes down to it and all postures are just to challenge the breath. When you are learning you have to think what posture comes next and it focuses your mind. The great thing about what I teach (ashtanga) is that it’s a series of sequences and postures, once you learn them all, it turns into a moving meditation and also it’s very strengthening. It tightens your core, increases your flexibility, strengthens your muscles and helps your concentration levels more than you’ll realise.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to join Yoga Flex?
It’s a challenge! It is doesn’t get easier but you get better at it. Working on different things week by week, some postures are harder than others. But with yoga everyone has their own strengths, everyone. No-one is good at everything and it’s less competitive then other exercises so you’re only challenging yourself.

Anything else you would like to add?
Yes, come to a class and see what it is like and don’t be put off by the first class. Persist for a few sessions and feel the effects!