How long have you been practising yoga?

I started practising yoga about 2.5-3 years ago when I was living overseas. When I moved back to Glasgow, I tried a couple of studios, but never settled into a routine, which resulted in an 11-month break. In May this year, towards the end of the exam period at uni, I was feeling very stressed and tired, and decided to go to my first class at Studio 70 to check if yoga still had the same calming effect on me as it used to. I have been a regular ever since.

What keeps you coming back to your mat every week?

I think it’s the way I feel after the class. I have a very busy schedule and I’m always rushing from one day to the next. The time I spend at the studio is the only time during the day that I can devote to myself. Yoga helps me stop, relax and recharge my batteries. It also gives me a chance to reconnect to the present, which I rarely do.

What aspects of your yoga practice are you focusing on at the moment?

Definitely mindfulness. It’s one thing for your body to be in the room, it’s another to be fully present and not let your mind wander. I notice that even if I come with the best intentions, it’s very difficult not to get caught up in my own thoughts and plans. I’m working on leaving them outside the studio.

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about trying yoga for the first time?

Try a variety of classes and teachers. There are so many ways of practising yoga, you will find a class suitable for yourself. Try a Yin Yang class first. The pace is slower and the class gives you best of both active and passive yoga, so you can decide what suits you best. Also, don’t worry about the way you look or about what other people might say. Yoga is not a competition and no one will judge you. In fact, yoga is hard work, I doubt anyone will notice.

Why do you come to Studio 70?

I learnt about the studio because my best friend’s fiancé liked Studio 70’s Facebook page and it popped up in my newsfeed. My initial motivation was the fact that Studio 70 is on my way to and back from uni and work, but after a couple of classes I realised this was definitely the place I wanted to practise yoga in. I can’t quite pin it down, but there is something special and genuine about the atmosphere and people that makes me keep coming back.

What’s your favourite yoga pose?

I’m not sure I have one favourite pose. I do enjoy playing with my balance though. Most of the balancing poses are still quite difficult, but they are also so much fun! Every time I try one, I discover something new about my own body. They also help my mind stay connected with my body; if it doesn’t, I faceplant into my mat (yes, I have done it before and no, it’s not very pleasant).

Tell us one fun fact about yourself!

I’m a total adrenaline junkie and love extreme sports. I’ve done scuba diving, skydiving, bungee jumping, and I go rock-climbing whenever I get a chance. Next thing I want to try is paragliding or hang-gliding.

Thanks for sharing with us Ola! If you’d like to join us as a member of Studio 70 and get unlimited access to our classes sign up here!