7 moments for 7 years

This week marks the 7th anniversary of my Yoga for Men classes in Bristol. To say we’ve been on a journey would be an understatement 🥹

Here are a few highlights from over the years.

✨ I had never heard of International Men’s Day before Sky News got in touch for a live interview in 2018. By chance, the boys were at home that day, were on their best behaviour while playing with their train set and became stars of the show.

✨ By early 2020, my one class a week was rocking. It attracted men of all ages and ability levels, bringing yoga to a whole new audience. It was an honour to lead the group.

✨ Then COVID struck and like many of us I retreated back. I plucked up the courage to run one class before the 2nd lockdown struck. I was then not back again until May 2021. I didn’t know whether I could still do it. The guys put their faith in me, and I followed suit.

✨ The classes grew with me firstly expanding into a 2nd venue, then two new larger venues. It was slow going at times, with some weeks as few as 1 guy joining me. Over time, I had sufficient numbers to offer a day retreat near Stanton Drew stone circles.

✨ Community has always been at the heart of my classes. Never more so than at the yoga socials which are proving to be a great way to get to know one another a little better off the mat. We’ve gone for walks, drinks, breakfast, and have a festive curry night in the pipeline.

✨ Media appearances have been a regular feature over the years. I surprise myself at how at ease I feel when being interviewed given how shy I was as a kid. Highlights have always been when the boys join me in the BBC Radio Bristol studios as they did in May.

✨ Bringing it back to the present, on Monday night there were a few familiar faces from my very 1st class in 2018, alongside others that by their own admission view my classes as the best decision they’ve ever made to start.