My Yoga story
I reluctantly stepped onto a yoga mat for the first time 10 years ago. At the time I didn’t really know much about yoga. From what I did know, I had a feeling it wouldn’t be for me. I don’t often admit it, but this is one time I am very happy to say–I was very wrong.
From that first yoga class I knew yoga was something that would be a huge part of my life. Wherever my path took me. However, I didn’t realise the extent of the benefits I would get from practicing, and now teaching yoga. Ten years on and I’m now teaching full time. I continue to be surprised and touched by what yoga gives to me every day both on and off the mat.
From that first class I quickly established a regular practice combining vinyasa flow and astanga. I was very surprised to discover additional benefits away from the physical practice, like a calmer mind. I was (and still am) that person who is constantly on the go–always thinking ahead and planning. I found it really hard to switch off. It took me almost 2 years to actually switch off at the end of class and, when I did, it was truly amazing. I remember floating out of the studio that evening with a clear realisation. Yoga had become more than just getting my regular fitness. Yoga was a key part of my life on and off the mat.
My teaching journey began 7 years ago–I completed my 200hr teacher training with Yoga London. I am also trained in pregnancy, mum & baby yoga and kids yoga. My background is in dance and gymnastics. I like to incorporate the freedom of movement and creative sequences into my classes.
I’ve experienced first hand the benefits of yoga as a compliment to other sports and training. Whilst training for a marathon 6 years ago, yoga kept me injury free and improved my recovery significantly. From this I started exploring the benefits yoga can bring to athletes of any level and studied advanced anatomy specialising in injury recovery and prevention. This quickly became my focus and for the past few years I have worked with athletes across multiple sports including professional rugby players, Olympic weight lifters, professional MMA fighters, triathletes and marathon runners.
Julie B Yoga Classes
With so many different yoga classes available in Dublin it is confusing for any yogi to know where to begin or what is right for you. Whether it is your first time on the mat or if you have been practicing for years it can seem like a bit of a yoga maze out there. It seems every week there is a new style of yoga to try but also one style can mean different things in different studios and every teacher will have their own style. With so many options and yoga words flying around it can be daunting–Deep Breath, we have all been there.
I teach all levels of classes and a variety of workshops but all are designed with the same foundations and outcome in mind. You find your edge and learn how to listen to your body to get the most out of it in your yoga practice. My classes are challenging but fun. I like to be creative in my sequences and mix the different styles I have studied and trained in. No two classes will be the same with me–It keeps it fresh for both myself and the yogis in class.
What I love to teach
Whilst living in London I specialised in sports yoga and worked with many athletes and sports teams. I am very passionate about this area–when I teach sports sessions I like to focus on the importance of getting the posture right by understanding the alignment and what areas of your body you are working in every pose. I also have a background in dance and gymnastics and I like to combine this with different yoga styles so my classes are quite creative and full of challenging sequences but always with an element of fun.
I also love to teach arm balances and handstands. After a bad fall in class doing pincha years ago I was determined to get over my fear of falling and now use this to teach students how to do the same in any inversion or balance.
Personal Practice
I practice every day- this can be challenging trying to fit it in between teaching classes. Depending on my schedule I will try to fit a practice around it. I do a mix of self practice and go to classes. I think as a teacher it’s really important to keep up going to classes to challenge yourself and also pick up new ideas for teaching. Some days I do quite a slow steady sequence and others its a lot faster and high energy. It depends on my mood on the day but one thing I have learned to do is to forget expectations. I never know when I get on the mat for a self practice how long it will last- I just listen to my body and go with it.
New things I’m learning this year
I’m going to Bali in June for a month to do my Yin Yoga teacher training and I’m so excited about it. I only discovered yin last year and am just amazed by how this style of yoga has transformed my own practice and my teaching. So I’m like a little book worm at the moment reading all things yin!
What am I grateful for
As corny or predictable as it sounds I am so grateful that I am able to do what I love every day and teach yoga. It never fails to amaze me the beautiful and genuine people I get to meet through my job. I really struggle with calling it a job, I never wake up and feel like I’m going to work. I feel very lucky to share my love and passion for yoga and learn from my students and other teachers every day. I am also hugely grateful for my amazing friends, family and boyfriend who constantly encourage and support me in what I do. I am also extremely grateful for the true friends I have met through yoga and the opportunities that have come my way through my little yoga journey.
One of my favourite things about being me
I have made some big decisions in the last few years – some would say very risky choices. I shared some of their doubts and concerns but I have always had a very positive attitude in life. So I took the risks and followed my heart, stayed true to what I knew I wanted in life both on and off the mat. It feels strange to say, it but I really like how I do that–if I believe something I won’t let anyone stop me or change my mind. I usually ask myself ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ if I’m ok with the answer I go with it- if it doesn’t work out how I planned or wanted I try to see it as a learning rather than a failure and so far it seems to be working out well!
