About Yogalates London
Hi, my name is Beth.
I am London's leading specialist in the Solomon Yogalates Method; a dynamic and intelligent approach to body conditioning, combining the best of Hatha yoga and mat-Pilates into one comprehensive practice.
I also teach Yin yoga, having studied with London’s leading expert in this increasingly popular style of yoga, Norman Blair, in 2017 (more on that below!).
Over the years, I have seen students improve postural imbalances, breathing habits, fitness, strength and flexibility through regular Yogalates practice.
Many students have overcome pain and injury, learning to strengthen muscles and release physical tension, but also deepening their experience of their body using mindfulness techniques and breath work.
The mental and emotional benefits that accompany regular practice can be profound, impacting life both on and off the mat.
I am passionate about helping clients feel more connected and ‘at home’ in their minds and bodies, providing tools to access greater freedom and space from tension, stress and strain. This award-winning and therapeutics-based exercise programme is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and can be a lot of fun too!
As well as group classes and retreat events, I also offer private tuition packages for those who would benefit from a more personal experience.
A little about my story...
I originally trained as an actress, so much of my twenties were spent overcoming rejection, chasing auditions and living out of a suitcase whilst touring. My anxiety-prone 'Type A' personality found it difficult to cope, and eventually this lifestyle took its toll on my nerves and wellbeing.
During my teenage years stress manifested itself in a number of physical symptoms, such as chronic eczema or sickness during high pressured exam season. I was given beta-blockers at age 16 and remember thinking, 'is this really a long term solution?'. Short answer...no.
It wasn't long before my passion for yoga and Pilates started to blossom and I discovered Louise Solomon's award-winning method whilst touring as an actress in 2010. My physique completely changed as a result of practising Yogalates a few times a week. I became stronger, taller, more toned and flexible with improved balance and coordination.
For a naturally clumsy person who never went to the gym this new found passion was a surprise to everyone around me, not least myself!
Through regular practice I discovered a connection between body, mind and breath that I had never accessed before, grounding me firmly in the present.
Daily meditation and breathing techniques (known as 'pranayama' in yoga) have become invaluable tools for enabling me to better cope with stress and anxiety in the long-term, and I adore teaching these practices just as much as physical yoga postures ('asanas').
My belief is that both yoga and Pilates support you in different and complementary ways.
Prospective clients often tell me they practise Pilates already, but would love to find greater flexibility in their 'stiff' bodies, or peace of mind to help them cope with day-to-day stress. Similarly I meet others who in the past have suffered an injury in a yoga class, often due to poor guidance from the teacher.
My classes combine the body conditioning benefits of mat work Pilates with the physical, mental and spiritual practices of Yoga to bring a sense of overall balance to body, mind and spirit. I hand pick the most effective, and more importantly - safest elements of traditional yoga and modern Pilates to create a dynamic fusion of East and West.
Yin Yoga
As well as being a Yogalates teacher, I have been teaching Yin since 2017, having participated in two immersive teacher trainings with the internationally renowned Yin teacher, Norman Blair.
Yin Yoga is the perfect complement to a more active, muscular Yogalates practice.
Long, slow holds in supported yoga postures (with props) help students to release deeply held tension in particularly tight areas such as the hamstrings, glutes, spine, hips and shoulders.
Yin yoga stimulates deeper connective tissues of the body, such as the fascia, ligaments and tendons, and can be well suited to those with tight muscles and/or restricted mobility.
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Yin can also be incredibly beneficial for clearing energy blocks in the body and soothing a busy mind. This practice not only creates space in the physical tissues, but also in the mind, relieving symptoms of stress and anxiety and encouraging a greater presence of mind.
In this way, Yin yoga can be a helpful introduction for those interested in mindfulness and meditation.
I teach Yin yoga privately, upon request and also hold monthly mini retreat events. You can learn more about my next mini retreat event HERE.
Early evening Yin yoga also forms part of the daily class schedule during my annual international Yogalates retreats. Head to the ‘retreats’ section of this site to learn more.
““I just wanted to say that I have absolutely loved doing your yoga classes online. It literally has changed my life and I am soooo much stronger than I used to be.
I’ve finally, for the first time ever, found my stomach muscles and I’m loving using them.””
What is Solomon Yogalates?
Yogalates is an award winning and internationally acclaimed exercise system that was established by fitness and wellbeing pioneer Louise Solomon in the early 1990's. The method combines core-stabilising, posture-enhancing mat work Pilates with regenerative ancient Yogic practices; encouraging strength, stamina, tone and flexibility. As a holistic approach to health and fitness, Yogalates uses the breath as the central focus; bringing balance and unity to body, mind and spirit.
This constantly evolving method incorporates the latest scientific research into functional movement, back care and therapeutic exercise. As well using yoga props such as bricks, belts and bolsters, we work with resistance bands and hand weights to enhance strength, stamina and balance. Yogic breathing techniques are an integral part of the method; calming the mind, soothing the nervous system and detoxifying the body. Sessions always conclude with guided relaxation in one of several restorative yoga postures.
More information can be found at the Solomon Yogalates website - http://www.yogalates.com.au
