Studio 70 Member Spotlight with Anne
1. Were you a member of Studio 70 before lockdown?
I was and have been for a while but my visits to studio were a bit up and down. Sometimes I would be there 2 or 3 times a week and other times maybe just once in a fortnight.
2. Were you working during lockdown?
I'm a keyworker and so working throughout, although i was working from home as I have asthma so had to be really careful. I wasn't shielding, but hardly went out and didn't set foot inside an office for that whole time. Right now I am working mainly from home but also need to go to meetings in offices and occasionally visit people in their homes. It's been very strange over last couple of weeks getting back on public transport and feeling a bit more vulnerable.
3. What has your experience of doing live stream yoga with Studio 70 been like? Which classes do you attend?
I have loved it! Sometimes in the studio i feel self conscious and there is always the temptation to compare myself with others who are younger, fitter, thinner, bendier etc etc. Online it's just me and my mat in my own home. I normally keep the camera on as it's nice for teacher to see who is in the class I think, but i know that if i am having a day where i just want to be on my own there is option to switch off. During the full lockdown doing a regular yoga practice really kept me going and as well as studio 70 i was able to do classes with my old Pilates teacher from Berlin which was great. I love that I don't have to worry about getting anywhere, i have everything I need at home now as I invested in some blocks and a bolster during lockdown. I now do at least 2 classes a week, although at times have done much more than that. I feel stronger than ever and much more confident in my practice. That being said i doubt i will ever do a full chattaranga as my wrist just don't seem up for that! still at times sitting cross legged is really challenging for me, but what i know now is that it doesn't matter and i can always find a work around if there are poses that just don't work for my body. I am now out of the house a lot more but will be continuing with online classes as long as they are available.
4. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
The online classes have been a bit of a revelation really. I have managed to get into poses i never thought i would and its great to have been able to work up to that gradually over the last few months. I was initially worried i would feel exposed on camera but i quickly forget the camera is on. I know that if i need to take a break for a drink or to breathe, no one's judging me or watching me as they are to busy getting on with their own practice.
5. What’s your favourite yoga pose?
Ooh tough question! I do like pigeon, although never sure I do it properly! And I just love down dog as well. I often get into a down dog just to stretch out my back or take a pause.