March’s Yogi of the Month is Richard James.
Richard has been coming to the Rosieglo Sports Yoga class regularly since Jan 2017. A regular road cyclist, Richard was recovering from an injury when he started yoga. He desperately needed to safely ease the muscles and gradually build flexibility to keep him cycling for longer and going further.
There has been a noticeable improvement in not only Richard’s flexibility but his core strength too. Hamstrings have eased, hips have opened and knee mobility is significantly better. All good for maintaining optimum position on the bike.
i love Richard’s ‘give it a go’ attitude that he brings to class.
Say hello to our Yogi of the Month.
Name: Richard James
How and why did you find your way on to the mat?
My main hobby is road cycling I probably ride 140-160 miles a week. In June 2015 I broke my tibia and was on crutches and in physio nearly 3 months before I started cycling again. Whilst fitness returned flexibility was a real problem. A number of club mates have been practising yoga for years and extolling the benefits so I gave it a go in January 2017.
How did you feel after your first yoga class at Rosieglo Yoga?
My first feeling was wow that was hard work and I felt this was definitely going to do me good and that proved right.
Have you noticed any benefits or changes in yourself since practising yoga?
I was learning to meditate when I attended the first class and found the same feeling of calmness and wellbeing from the concentration on the breath but adding the working of the body was an extra dimension. I’ve definitely seen an improvement in flexibility.
What do you like most about practising at Rosieglo Yoga?
The classes allow you to challenge yourself as much as you want whilst feeling you are in a safe environment of people just like you who may be new to yoga or experienced – it just feels comfortable.
What’s your favourite pose at the moment or what are you enjoying most?
My favourite pose is Savasana at the end of the practice. It feels like all the goodness you’ve just learnt is seeping into your muscles and mind.
What words of wisdom would you share with someone who is new to yoga or thinking of giving it a go?
Don’t worry about “not being any good” just give it a go, I know I’ll do it for the rest of my life now when I’m not cycling! ;-) Also try and build a few exercises into your daily life. I do balances at least for a few minutes and definitely feel the benefits.