This is an article which first appeared in Strike a Pose in June 2025. I was struck by Jo’s words and thought it would be good to share them as a blog post.
“I’ve been learning with Jill and Andrea for over 12 years now, and in that time, yoga has become so much more than a form of exercise. It’s been a source of strength, connection, and healing. As someone with multiple chronic health conditions and who uses a wheelchair part-time, my physical needs can vary — but there has always been a class that meets me exactly where I am. That’s part of the magic of Cheshire Yoga: it’s not just inclusive, it’s genuinely welcoming.
The class I currently attend is called Easy and Gentle, held on Thursdays. It is exactly that—gentle on the body and easy to access, but also deeply enriching. More than just a class, it’s a community. The people I practice with each week have become friends, and we often share coffee and conversation after our sessions. That spirit of care and kindness extends beyond the mat.
Yoga is how I stay mobile, strong, and centered. It helps me manage the physical challenges of daily life, but it also gives me space to clear my mind and reconnect with myself. Listening to my body, responding with compassion, and moving with intention—these are lessons I carry with me long after I leave the mat.
I’m also delighted that yoga has become a shared practice in my family. My daughter, who first learned yoga as a teenager, has recently returned to it. Now with her own car and busy life, she has made the Monday evening class a priority—a lovely full-circle moment.
Currently, I’m training to be a priest in the Church of England, and my schedule is packed. But yoga remains one of the lifelines I use to care for both body and mind. It is a sacred space of its own, woven into my weekly rhythm.
To anyone considering joining a class: know that Cheshire Yoga has something for everyone. No matter your age, ability, or background, there is room for you here. And you might just find—as I have—that it becomes not just part of your routine, but part of your life.