it’s enabled me to do so much more in everyday life
"I can’t give enough praise to Marie for helping me get my health back on track. I had suffered with a bad back and aching joints for years and more recently a chronic back issue. I tried conventional physio which didn’t help me and the doctors pretty much wrote me off. When I signed up with Marie for my first Yoga session my back was so bad I could barely make it to the class – but her encouragement to just try and do what I could, was so supportive and non- judgemental that I kept going and within about 6 weeks I couldn’t believe the difference it had made and even friends and family noticed the change.
I have been doing Yoga for 10 months and have also taken up Pilates & Tai Chi – I just love it - and its enabled me to do so much more in everyday life that I struggled with before because of back and joint pain. Not only do I feel stronger and more flexible, I am pretty much free of the chronic pain I had for almost 2 years. I couldn’t have imagined when I came to that first class, that Yoga would become such an important part of my life and I just wish I had tried this years ago.
Marie has such a great ability to take into account everyone’s individual needs and she picks up on the smallest things that can make such a big difference. She has taught me to understand and listen to my body and given me the knowledge and confidence to feel in control of my health going forward. I would encourage anyone to come to a class or work with Marie to improve their wellbeing.
Thank you Marie for helping me to change my life for the better."
creates absolutely lovely atmosphere
I have decided to try Yoga classes with Marie having already some yoga experience beforehand. I wasn't sure if I can learn anything new but I did. Marie pays attention to all student's needs always patiently explaining details of very new yoga pose but also helping to improve and eliminate all the bad habits one may already have. Very friendly and kind Marie creates absolutely lovely atmosphere helping to relax and enjoy the class to all level students. I'm sure I will be coming back to Marie's yoga class very soon.
Marie cares about her students and that they have a good experience
"I have been attending yoga classes regularly for the last 4 and a half years. Having lived in Leeds, Huddersfield and Wakefield district during this time I have had the opportunity to try many different yoga teachers. At Castleford yoga the classes are held in a welcoming and friendly environment with small class numbers and are suitable for all levels. Marie helps her students adapt the poses to suit each individual. It does not matter if you do not have any experience of yoga before, Marie cares about her students and that they have a good experience at her classes and will help you work through anything you find difficult .If you are thinking of giving yoga a try, then I would recommend Castleford Yoga."
appreciate Marie’s thoughtfulness and personal touch
"I wasn't convinced about yoga at first, but decided to test the waters and it has grown on me with time. This is in no small part thanks to Marie's teaching style that combines creativity with care and sensitivity to the particular needs someone might have. I particularly appreciate Marie's thoughtfulness and personal touch in preparing and delivering the classes that allows to get into yoga gradually in fun and enjoyable way. Highly recommended!"
Marie is always very good about offering me alternative poses
“I am a complete yoga addict now….all thanks to Marie. Previously I had gone to yoga classes where everyone was very serious and all were super bendy and I felt very uncomfortable being there and thought I was useless at yoga and would never be able to do it. Then I discovered Marie’s classes. She makes you feel welcome and makes you realise yoga is for everyone….it doesn’t matter what size or shape you are and it doesn’t matter how many blocks, straps, cushions, etc you use to assist you in poses. I have a weird back issue which means I cannot do back bends. Marie is always very good about offering me alternative poses to stop me hurting myself. She is very good about finding out about people’s health issues and ensuring they push themselves in a class, but in a way that is not going to hurt them. I feel I have gained a lot from Marie’s classes, not just physically but also mentally”
6 weeks yoga and I can now touch my toes
“I joined Marie at Castleford Yoga some time ago, but work got in the way and as I was struggling to make the class I gave up. I really missed my practice and the benefits I had started to see.
When I heard Marie was offering an online membership during lockdown I jumped at the chance to start again.
The classes, whether on line or in studio are welcoming and friendly. Marie is very knowledgeable and supportive, offering advice on how to achieve even the smallest of goals. Mine was to touch my toes – after 6 weeks I can do it !!
I really like how Marie shows you the basics but then also extensions to the exercise, so you feel that you are achieving and growing in every class. I have dipped into Pilates too as well a Thai chi and find they offer quite different benefits. My core strength has improved through Pilates and Thai chi (as well as yoga) has helped when I’ve felt a bit out sorts and needed to calm my mind (brilliant during lockdown !!). Thank you Marie for all your support.”
I’m sleeping better
I'm loving the yoga class. I've only been twice but I totally get it, hopefully over the coming weeks i'll start to feel the benefits. I'm sleeping better (especially on a Tue night) and I can feel the after effects on my legs & arms on a Wed & Thu.
Many thanks for the opportunity to learn yoga, in your class, at an easy pace & safe atmosphere.
I didn’t think it was for me…
"I'd never tried yoga before attending one of Marie's classes because, to be honest, I didn't think it was for me.
I'm not particularly flexible, so I'd never be able to engage with yoga, right? Wrong! Marie's class was structured so that people with different capabilities could easily take part and enjoy yoga. I wasn't the best at getting into each yoga position gracefully, but I had lots of fun anyway, and Marie helped me to adjust my body where needed. She also explained each move carefully so that it was easy to follow, and told you how the positions benefited you in body and mind. After the class, I was surprised at how much I had enjoyed myself and loved how it made me feel - strong and willing to try it again soon! I think Marie's yoga classes have something for all levels of experience and I would recommend it to everyone!"
teaches in a fun and encouraging way
"I have practised yoga with Marie and find her an excellent teacher. I came back to yoga after many years and had lost a lot of my strength and flexibility. Marie's teaching style led me back in safely, giving gentle and clear directions at a level that pushed me to discover and develop my abilities. Marie teaches in a fun and encouraging way that makes it feel safe and enjoyable to practise, and pays close attention to how you are finding it to make it work for you."
I’m able to be me in class, there is no conforming to a behaviour
"I started attending Marie's classes 9 months ago partly by chance and partly by design. I've long been intrigued by yoga and it's benefits, but never found anywhere suitable. No one had classes on at the right times and the thought of attending a yoga class with hyper bendy, lycra clad, yoga-istas didn't appeal. Then my wife stumbled upon Marie at Castleford Yoga. After a few short months she introduced me and I've never looked back.
Marie's classes are fun enough and serious enough for me. I'm able to be me in class, there is no conforming to a behaviour that doesn't fit with my personality. Marie is able to pitch the classes to all levels.With each class containing experienced and novice yogis. We all learn from each other and help each other practice better, and Marie facilitates that. When I started I expected to become a bit more flexible, which I have, actually a lot more flexible. But what I wasn't expecting was that I am stronger, have fewer aches and pains, am more able to relax and more mindful. I've learnt that yoga is as much in the mind as it is in the body. I look forward to my weekly class, it washes away the weeks stresses and frees my mind up to spend more time on meaningful things like my family and me. I love the sense of community I share with the other members of Castleford Yoga, some of whom have become friends over time. There is nothing wrong with sharing time with like minded people.
So my advice, is if you're interested, or slightly intrigued, or wonder if Yoga might have a health benefit for you. Then give it a try. Come down for a session, speak to Marie. But if you do, be prepared to accept the challenge and accept that it can help you. Have an open mind and believe it can make a change - it has for me, and I wouldn't be without yoga and a good stretch of my body and brain.
Peas n fluff"
