Next in our series of successful local Mum Interviews is Nicola founder of YogaNic, pregnancy and postnatal Yoga guru!
Tell us about your passion for Yoga and helping Mums, where did it come from?
It is huge privilege to share such a special time with mums, to see their bumps grow and eventually meet their gorgeous babies too. Yoga helped me so much through both of my pregnancies in particular understand and trust my body, I really wanted to help other mums unlock this too. Having a baby is such a positive (and also a little scary!) changing point in life I really wanted to celebrate this with them.
Where do you work out of?
We are based in Whitley Bay at The Yoga Loft Studio. It is a beautiful space, true sanctuary away from the daily chaos of life. We are online just now but already planning our return to the studio in April 2021 (keeping everything crossed!).
How has the pandemic hit you?
It has been a very challenging year for sure. At the start of the pandemic I was pregnant with my second son, born in Lockdown 1. So that alone was a lot to navigate and thankfully I had some really great support. I am very grateful I have been able to adapt when other businesses haven’t been able to. Moving classes online was difficult at first, new technology to learn, new class plans and of course actually finding space at home amongst a sea of toys from my eldest! The competition online has been fierce but I have even ventured out of my comfort zone and embraced social media!
What are the main benefits that your clients tell you they get?
The one thing that almost every new mum tells us is how much our breathing techniques helped during labour. Often it is the physical side to class that women join for and obviously has it’s benefits in keeping fit but they are often surprised at the impact of learning to breathe with your body. It is also a lovely opportunity to meet other new mums and spend time getting to know your bump.
What are the different range of classes on offer?
We have a full range of classes available for everyone, whether you practice yoga regularly or a complete beginner. No need to be flexible or stand on your head! We specialise in Pre and Postnatal Yoga offering classes for Pregnancy through to babies arrival with our Postnatal classes running from newborn to toddling. We also have Beginners and Yoga for You for just you when babies are a bit bigger.
What was your path into yoga teaching... for example who your main teachers were?
I was inspired by the amazing Jules Hurley (of HotPod Yoga) who was also my Pregnancy and Postnatal teacher. She has been a fabulous mentor and friend supporting me as I started out as her maternity cover and eventually moved on to my own classes.
What lineage you identify with?
I never truly understood how many different types of yoga there are until my training. In Yoganic classes we practice Hatha yoga which are generally slower paced classes but include physically demanding poses. It is a grounded style of yoga focussing on standing poses (asanas) and developing awareness. Particularly good for calming and balancing the body, mind and soul.
Who you trained with?
I completed my 240hrs Yoga Teacher Training with Yogabellies they not only specialise in yoga for women but also birth preparation.
Which yoga teachers you find inspirational?
I like Kathryn Budig’s playful style, encouraging fun as well as challenge in class. Her book The Women’s Health Big Book of Yoga is a great accessible, visual guide for anyone wanting to know a bit more about different postures. I also really like to flow of Shiva Rea’s Prana Vinyasa style, very rhythmic and grounding yoga.
What would the format of a typical class look like?
A typical class has 4 key elements: Birth Preparation, Breathing (Pranayama), Physical Movement (Asanas) and Relaxation (Savasana). Class always begins with checking in with each other, catching up on how bumps have grown followed by a discussion topic/ demo such as Active Labour Techniques, Birth Preferences and much more. We offer a chance to build confidence to ask questions where needed of medical professionals, complimenting the services available. Once we have practiced our breathing and yoga we end class with our relaxation techniques, learning how to find calm in any situation.
What if I am a bit scared to come to my first class because everyone will be better than me?
Everyone is different and every body is different, the way you move will be specific to you. 80% of our mums have never tried yoga before so you will definitely not be alone! We have a lovely community of mums to be supporting each other through this pandemic.
If you could give any Mum a top tip what would it be?
Trust YOUR instincts – not Google, not what the baby book said, not even your own mum (well ok maybe they get a little more say!) There is so much information, guidance, milestones etc out there but remember that is all they are. Trust that the decisions you make about your baby will be the right ones for both of you.
How do people get in touch?
You can get in touch via email
yoganicne@gmail.com or check out the website
www.yoganicne.co.uk
Nicola thanks so much for answering our questions, I think we will all feel more enlightened and keen to get signed up now! Very reassuring indeed. And well done on surviving the pandemic and getting your business online, I bet you have been and absolute life line for alot of new mums.
Tina
