Janine Fraser

My introduction to Yoga began as it does for many people – through ill health. I had dabbled with Yoga but always sought out higher cardiovascular forms of exercise. For many years I suffered with persistent back pain and was advised to try Yoga to release deep routed tension through my spine, neck and shoulders. I soon began to reap the benefits and eventually become pain free. I then discovered that the benefits of a regular yoga practice were not merely physical, but that mentally the practices of connecting with the breath through pranayama and meditation bought huge benefits to my overall wellbeing. My passion for yoga grew as I discovered more dynamic Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles of yoga and I began combining this with holidays to Ashtanga Yoga retreats.

My desire to learn more about the body’s anatomy and gain a deeper understanding of Yoga and its ancient traditions led me to embark on the Triyoga Teacher Training programme in London. I completed my training in June 2010 but continue my study by assisting in a beginner’s class once a week and have several private clients that I teach at home. Having been a regular student at Shambhala for the past 2 years I am delighted to have the opportunity to start my own beginners’ class in such beautiful and friendly studio space.

My style of yoga is Hatha Yoga with a strong emphasis on alignment for healthy joints with poses being broken down and deep stretches being held whilst connecting with the breath and elements of Vinyasa flow. The class finishes with guided relaxation, which allows students to connect with their true self and learn to become fully present, which in turn has huge benefits for sufferers of depression, anxiety and other related illnesses.