Meet Hilary - Viva Yoga Instructor

I have been involved in the Fitness Industry over many years in various capacities, initially managing Health Clubs back in the day when it was a new thing to be a member of a fitness club!!! However, when the bigger corporations started to take over the smaller clubs the customer care focus that I enjoyed so much seemed to be lacking, so I changed direction, training in alternative therapies and then Yoga.

I now split my time between walking dogs, a very large passion of mine and teaching or treating!!!

I am a Guildford girl but have spent many years moving around, however, Surrey and the surrounding areas provide me with all I need when being out and about in nature with the dogs or on my mountain bike. I also love the coast for all the same reasons, of which a café visit or pub (not fussy) is a must to complete the experience.

I qualified with Appleyoga in 2010 and my teaching style is Hatha based Vinyasa Flow.

It is the dynamic movement that initially attracted me to yoga after an injury stopped me from my usual gym sessions and long runs. I needed to find something that kept me strong but not continue to build tension in my body but more importantly release it. As I attended more and more classes the impact was profound physically and mentally. I have never looked back and continue to learn daily about my body and myself.

I now listen to what my body is telling me as I still battle with those hamstrings, so if you want to know my least favourite pose basically all forward folds…. honouring a bend in my knees when needed therefore remaining injury free for many years.

As for my favourite pose, I love the challenge of any balance and if I have to choose one specifically it has to be Vasisthasana (side plank) - the length and the strength of it!!!!

I will always approach my class with a gentle build up to explore where we are at that moment, selecting the pace of the flow and time spent needed for longer held poses depending on the theme. This could be around a peak pose, tapping into the seasons influence, full moon and so on……..the practice will feel complete with a healthy slice of savasana so you can bathe in the sensations within you.

I recently took a sabbatical from teaching but am so grateful to be back sharing yoga with whoever wants to take part in this journey with me. There is no greater feeling than seeing familiar faces coming back for more…

If you would like to join Hilary for a Yoga class, book a free taster session here.