Hi there! I’m Becky and thank you for visiting my mindfityoga website – I hope you join me for yoga sometime, if you haven’t already.
I grew up riding my bike and always enjoyed ‘sport’ at school and college (netball, tennis, swimming, kayaking, hockey, rounders. badminton, discus! …… wasn’t it great when you got to try so many different things…) and like many people, when left to my own devices, exercise fell to one side. Over the years, I did the gym thing, but have always preferred more team / shared / fun experiences.
Around 20 years ago, I went to my first yoga classes and have generally kept up with the practice since.
My career has primarily been in financial services, specialising in Human Resources including Learning and Development. My roles have been hugely enjoyable and rewarding, whilst also time-consuming and demanding. I found that yoga gave me a fabulous mix of exercise – building strength and mobility – and creating the space to forget the day-to-day pressures and bring some stillness to my mind.
In 2021, we moved house to near Whitby, North Yorkshire; I completed my yoga teacher training in January 2022 and waved farewell to my corporate role in February.
I launched my business, mindfityoga in August 2022, with in-person classes in Goathland and now also offer private tuition online. I love the teaching; the sessions are always sociable and accessible (lots of options or adjustments offered – it really is for any body) and it’s wonderful to see people progress and feel the benefits.
My training
I completed my 200 hours yoga teaching training with YogaCampus, York, accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga. Since then, I have continued to train and learn with world-class teachers:
- Yoga for Menopause (with Petra Coveney)
- Yin Yoga (with Norman Blair).
I am insured and First Aid trained. You will be asked to complete a Health Questionnaire prior to joining a class and you should keep me updated of any changes, so that appropriate adjustments can be offered.
Hatha Yoga
The weekly classes are primarily based on Hatha Yoga, which focuses on postures (asanas) and breathing techniques to improve and sustain your mobility, strength and balance, whilst giving you time to find space for mindfulness and relaxation. In-person classes are 75 minutes.
A typical class will start with some breathwork (pranayama), to help settle you into your practice. After some movements to warm up, we will transition from posture to posture, usually staying in each pose for a few breaths. Each week, we focus on different postures, themes or parts of your body, keeping the sessions fresh and building up your confidence and capability. Towards the end of the class, we warm down with stretches and gentle movements, before taking some relaxation (savasana).
The classes are suitable for everyone, with guidance given to beginners and options for progression for the more experienced. Adjustments/props are also offered to accommodate body restrictions.
Yin Yoga
Yin is a relaxed, slow-paced and passive style of yoga, in which poses are held for longer, usually between 2 and 5 minutes. The poses concentrate on the lower body and the focus of the practice is on the connective tissues (tendons, ligaments and fascia) as well as the joints.
Plenty of props are provided to enable you to stay in the poses for longer and this enables you to notice your breath, body sensations and thoughts. As you stay in the pose, your muscles will relax and release, increasing flexibility.
Yin yoga classes are typically 90 minutes and include a yoga nidra (see below).
Restorative Yoga
By relaxing in poses, with the help of lots of lovely props (bolsters, blankets, blocks etc), you can achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. It can be a lovely balance to more active yoga or simply as a practice in itself, to counter a busy, exhausting life.
The parasympathetic nervous system is invoked when you relax in the various poses, which prompts a relaxation response and reduces stress in your mind and body. Your heart rate and breathing slows and blood flow to your organs increases.
Restorative yoga classes are typically 90 to 120 minutes and include a yoga nidra (see below).
Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is a ‘yogic sleep’. Practiced lying down in a supported, comfortable position, you will be guided through this effortless relaxation, finding somewhere between consciousness and sleep. This relaxation soothes the nervous system and allows your body to relax and release tension.
Yoga for Menopause / Women’s Health
Specifically tailored yoga, breathing practices and mindful exercises to help manage a range of menopause / women’s health symptoms. Usually offered in a block of workshops, the sessions offer a safe space to also consider nutrition, self-care, discuss natural remedies and medical approaches and learn from other women and guest speakers.
The menopause journey can last around 15 years, with a wide range of symptoms, including hot flushes, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, lack of focus and low mood. The workshops give you the opportunity to understand the changes your body is going through, learn what to expect and how you can respond through yoga and other techniques, giving you the confidence you deserve in your Second Spring.