Every yoga journey is unique, shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and moments of growth. This space is a collection of real stories from individuals who have stepped onto the mat and discovered something deeper within themselves. From building strength and confidence to finding calm, balance, and connection, these journeys are here to inspire, uplift, and remind you that wherever you are starting from, your path is entirely your own.
Many of you will have seen me striving to get into poses at the back of the class.
My Yoga experience started about 8 months ago, my wife Louise had already attended once a week for a few months by then. She kept encouraging me to come along as well, which I always resisted using various excuses. Eventually I agreed with a bit of whinging that I would be the only man, I’m not flexible, and I don’t want the Mickey taken.
On the fateful Thursday I followed along behind as we made our way and had stipulated that I would only go if I was at the back, out of the way and didn’t have to keep going if I didn’t like it. I’m not sure what I expected but what I have found is:
I’m not the Token man, there are others, sometimes as many as five. Everyone who attends is of completely different abilities and experience, but they are also completely non-judgemental.
Amanda is patient, understanding and explains things in an easy to understand way involving the whole class whatever their experience and abilities. The whole class is friendly, yes, some groups know each other but there is in general a friendly down to earth feel about things.
I have improved, yes, I’m certainly not the most flexible person there but I’m more supple than I was. I particularly notice this if we miss a couple of weeks and struggle a bit more once we start again.
I don’t notice if there are women or men there, it just a group of people enjoying an hour doing something different. I enjoy it and look forward to going, yes at times during the hour it can be a little challenging but at other times is totally relaxing.
I would certainly encourage anyone to “give it a go”.
“Just over two years ago, I was struggling going up steps and slopes, with sore knees and hips. Being allergic to exercise and group activities, I was nervous going to my first FIT Yoga night. Amanda was so welcoming, non-judgemental of my limited abilities, and so inclusive to everyone, no matter what age or gender. I now love going to my FIT Group Vinyasa Yoga sessions and FIT Chair flow. I also absolutely loved the special sheep yoga events. So here I am today, still going, a couple of stones lighter and was able to climb over 1000 stone steps in the morning and over 600i n the afternoon, whilst visiting two major tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Proof Yoga works. Thank you Amanda.”
Hi, I'm Jazz and you'll find me at Thursday sessions on the chair.
I've known Amanda for a few years now and, as we all know, she has such a bright and encouraging nature it wasn't long before we became close friends so when she started doing yoga for friends I gave it a try.
I was quite dubious at first as previous experiences of me attempting to do yoga had not ended well, but Amanda encouraged me to just come along and watch a class to begin with to have a see and learn how easily I would fit in, even if I didn't do anything other than the deep breathing exercises.
I have a chronic illness which unfortunately leaves me housebound for most of the week, with very little body movement due to fatigue and pain, so weekly yoga classes are my escape and enables me some relief from some pain by stretching and being led in deep breathing.
At first I was worried about being the odd one out, the only one on a chair and not doing it 'properly', but as soon as I attended a class that all went away! No one batted an eyelid that I was there on a chair. No one cared if I didn't complete a routine and just sat back, watched and concentrated on breathing. I soon learnt there is no 'proper' way to do things, just as long as you're safe in how you get into and out of poses you can do whatever your body can manage, that is the proper way.
I love coming to class every week. Somehow Amanda always manages to make it a fun class and has created such a wonderful atmosphere surrounded by lovely kind people, I look forward to getting out, doing some great yoga and seeing great new friends. I no longer have any worries about being different; I feel included and encouraged and that is such a special thing to experience, I can't recommend joining in enough!
