Tell us a bit about yourself…

Early 40s, local construction business owner, Labrador owner, husband, snowboarding, surfing, running, pseudo yogi (& ‘Nam veteran).

Had you practiced any kind of yoga before starting at LANO?

Nope, zilch. Never thought it would be for me having always done, what I considered, more aerobic exercise like swimming, running & the gym.

What led you to sign up to a class?

Honestly, my wife Ali.   But if you want a more original story I will say it was inspired from a moment of self discovery balancing on a stick in Tibet.

How did you find your first yoga class?

Bl**dy tough, mentally & physically. It was a 90 Bikram Hot. I never believed Ali that it was tough but the heat, bright lights and constant instruction made me really agitated. It took me months to quell the urge to knock Neil or Karl out!!!

Apart from yoga, do you have other ways of keeping healthy?

Running, surfing and in the winter as much snowboarding that I can get away to do.

What effect has practising yoga had on your life?

It has made me much more patient and mindful of living in the present. I don’t get (quite as) annoyed at the daily challenges we all face. I’m also much more flexible, I could barely bend when I first started after decades of gym and running with minimum stretching!!! Now I don’t need help doing my shoe laces up…..

Which is your favourite LANO practice and why?

I like them all really and each has their own appeal; bikram for the routine and physicality, slow for the stretching and relaxation, power and flow to build strength and stretch, and Modo & Forrest for the slight randomness (I find them both the hardest as not yet used to them)

Which posture do you find most challenging and why?

Camel in Bikram. Back bending is something new to me so it’s something I am working on.

What’s your favourite yoga posture and why?

Savassanna without a doubt, seems to meet all my needs?

What is your favourite thing about LANO?

Neil ?

What keeps you coming back to LANO?

The people. Having done gyms for years I can happily say that the yoga studio is a much nicer and more friendlier place to be.

What single piece of advice would you share with a newcomer to yoga?

Be patient. It’s all a bit overwhelming mentally and physically at the beginning but you’d be surprised how quickly your body and mind adapts. Give it time and practice as regularly as you can.

What brings you back to yoga time and time again?

Neil ?