Runner and yogi Gerry shares his thoughts on yoga
1. How long have you been practising yoga for?
I've been practising yoga for a number of years, maybe as long as 10 years. Though I have had several extended breaks and only in the last 6 months have I started attending yoga classes fairly regularly. I keep pretty fit and am mainly a distance runner. One of my running buddies organised a yoga session year's ago and I thoughts I'd give it a go. It was very different from what I'd imagined, much more challenging than I expected, a really good workout but fun too.
2. What keeps you coming back to your mat every week?
I enjoy the atmosphere of the classes, there's a very relaxed feeling when there and no need to worry about getting things perfect. You're attending to learn the moves and improve. I do yoga mainly to improve my flexibility and also to reduce the chance of injury from taking part in running. The variety of poses we get to do helps strengthen and stretch me.
3. What aspects of your yoga practice are you focusing on at the moment?
Mainly poses to improve my flexibility and also help with odd pains I get from running and other sports activities. I also like the savasana pose for complete relaxation at the end of yoga session.
4. What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about trying yoga for the first time?
I'd say to those who are thinking about it just to give it a go. It is amazing how chilled people are who attend yoga classes and I like being a part of that. Also don't think just do. The classes are very relaxed, you can learn by seeing what others do and you'll feel a sense of achievement at the end of a class.
5. Why do you come to Studio 70?
I go to Studio 70 as it's my local yoga studio, It has a nice setup, nice room for doing yoga and the yoga instructors are helpful, friendly and very knowledgeable. I feel it is good value for the cost.
6. What’s your favourite yoga pose?
I like the warrior poses, just learned warrior 3 today. I find the basic moves quite straight forward but has lots of benefits. I also like the savasana pose.
7. Tell us one fun fact about yourself!
Although I can run quite fast I'm really not flexible at all. Many people have been surprised how inflexible I am when they know I'm really quite fit. That's why I'm doing yoga. I'm also related to David Byrne of the Talking Heads, but that's for another day.
Book a yoga class with us to help improve your flexibility and reduce your chances on injury.