February’s Yogi of the Month is Rachel Pictor Roberts.

Rachel has been coming to Rosieglo classes for the last three years.  She was one of my very first students when I started teaching.

Her commitment is astounding.  Every week she shows up and totally commits to her practise.  She’s just had her second baby (huge congratulations) and still came to class every week throughout her pregnancy right up until a few days before the birth.

6 weeks later and having been given the all clear, she’s just returned back to class. Awesome!

It’s been wonderful to witness Rachel’s growth as a yogi over the last three years.  Her practise has really progressed and is a testament to patient dedication.

Say hello to our Yogi of the Month.

Name: Rachel Pictor Roberts

How and why did you find your way on to the mat?

I first went to yoga with my mum when I was a teenager. I was suffering with depression and anxiety, going to yoga gave me some respite from that.

How did you feel after your first yoga class at Rosieglo Yoga?

Really happy. I felt that I’d worked hard and really stretched out, and the relaxation at the end was lovely.

Have you noticed any benefits or changes in yourself since practising yoga?

Yoga has made me stronger, and it helps me relax – which is something I still struggle with even now I’m in my 30s! I practised all through my second pregnancy to keep my core strong for the labour and help my recovery. I’d gone to the gym throughout my first pregnancy but the yoga practice was better. My body and mind were better prepared for birth and beyond.

What do you like most about practising at Rosieglo Yoga?

When I come into the studio the atmosphere is always light and friendly. I never feel any pressure to look a certain way, and I know it doesn’t matter if I wobble or can’t bend as far as the person next to me. Rosie does a great job of providing alternatives and adaptations for people with different abilities and conditions, so you can always work as much or as little as you feel you need.

What’s your favourite pose at the moment or what are you enjoying most?

During my pregnancy I really missed doing spinal twists, and now that I’m breast feeding my shoulders get very stiff, so anything with a twist or shoulder stretch is just blissful now! I’m also very happy that I can do child’s pose again, that feels wonderful across my whole back.

What words of wisdom would you share with someone who is new to yoga or thinking of giving it a go?