Move, Breathe, Play

What made you start classes?
I fell in love with yoga about 3 years ago. My wife was always a keen yogi, she gave me a gentle push to try it and haven’t looked back since. I knew I was going to be staying in Carrick for at least 6 months to get my wife her visa, one of the first things I did was check if there was a yoga studio. The range of classes looked fantastic, even with working 50 hours a week, evenings and weekends the schedule at the YogaLoft still gave me the opportunity to practice everyday.

Did you have something specific that you wanted yoga to help you with?
For me it originally started as an alternative exercise source, having the chance to focus more on my range of movement, core strength, flexibility and overall mobility. In my line of work I suffer from a bit of lower back pain so stretching and loosening up the body in different ways helps this greatly.

How did you feel coming to your first class?
I was a little nervous going to my first public class years ago. Suffered from the usual ‘I’m a guy and i’m not flexible enough for yoga’.
(I love the analogy Lisa used comparing it to saying that you‘re never too dirty to take a shower.)
But coming to my first class at the YogaLoft was wonderful, Lisa welcomed me with open arms and made me feel comfortable right away. Letting me know I can simply do my own thing and just go at my own pace.

How does yoga now benefit you? 
Something else I read once that I loved was that if you got one car that had to do you for your whole life, how would you look after it? Yoga to me is like taking that car in to be refueled and getting a full service inside and out every single day, aiding longevity. Ensuring the mind, body and soul are content.  It also really helps me see things in a different light, builds resilience and allows me avoid getting caught up in all the little things. I thought being apart from my wife for 6 months could be a testing time but it wasn’t at all, the same classes that teach me how to do fun inversions also teach me how to deal with things like this in my life.

What do you enjoy / love most about yoga?
I could write a book answering this bit ha. It has made me stronger, leaner and my mobility is the best it has ever been. It gives me energy and it makes me sleep better. It sheds light on the things we all worry about and helps us see things clearer. It plants little seeds of thought and it just slows everything down. How often do you get to turn your phone off and just focus on yourself for one whole hour?

But put simply I just love the way it makes me feel. I leave class lighter yet having never felt more grounded.

Lisa and the rest of the YogaLoft team have a fantastic thing going on, it’s a beautiful little community. They embody everything yoga is about.

Plus the view isn’t bad either!

Having just moved into the Carrickfergus area a few years ago, and not really knowing anyone, I saw an ad for The Yoga Loft.  I started to go to regular classes there in the lovely studio overlooking the Castle.  There is a calming atmosphere there with very friendly, knowledgeable and inclusive teachers.  I have rheumatoid arthritis and can tailor the class to my needs at the time.  Without judgement.  I can have a proper workout or take it easier depending on how I feel, and leave the class feeling a little lighter with a bit more flexibility than when I started!  And have the best night’s sleep after the class!  And the classes are great value for money!  I always look forward to my time at The Yoga Loft.

What made you start classes?
I had only done a little yoga in the past and been plagued with many injuries from wear and tear from years of playing sport and was encouraged by another member Gary jackson to come down and try a class out to see if it could help.

Did you have something specific that you wanted yoga to help you with?
For me it was just to improve flexibility and hopefully prevent my recurring hamstring injuries.

How did you feel coming to your first class?
The minute I arrived I was warmly welcomed which put me at ease.  Yoga was a little different from what I was used to in “normal” gym sessions which were all about pushing yourself to the limit and not listening to my body, and getting used to slowing down and fully relaxing in class took a couple of sessions but now I feel very at home in the yoga studio

How does yoga now benefit you?
My overall flexibility has vastly improved, with this my recurring hamstring injury has took a back seat and haven’t had any issues in months.  It has also opened new avenues of fitness and well-being and I am now passionate about continuing to improve my flexibility and overall body control.  Aside from the physical it has also gave me a lot mentally, taught me to listen to my body and and use my breathing to benefit my practice.

What do you enjoy / love most about yoga? 
I love the feeling after a class, unlike gym sessions that drain you for the day, it sets you up for the day.  The instructors have all been great and taught me so much and I will be using all these tools to keep improving health and longevity for years to come.  I am very confident that I will be practicing yoga for life and encourage everyone no matter the level to come and give it a go.