Maria D'Souza

I first started practicing yoga in New Zealand about ten years ago, and continued to practice when I lived in Sydney and now in London.  Over the years I became more involved in the concept of Yoga, going on various retreats and attending courses and workshops.   

 

I trained with Anne-Marie Newland, earning the Sun Power Yoga (http://www.sun-power-yoga.co.uk/) teaching qualification.  The school is recognised by the Yoga Alliance and the British Wheel of Yoga.  Maria has also been greatly influenced by Rebecca Parker who founded Liquid Yoga – this style transforms the classic yoga poses into a flowing sequence by integrating slow yet sustained and dynamic vinyasa with the creativity of dance.

 

I have practiced and taught a range of different types of yoga including Ashtanga, Power, Vinyasa Flow and Sivananda.  My preference is Vinyasa Flow yoga which is a flow of movements from one asana (posture) to the next linked to the rhythm of breath.  It involves both  cardio and strength-building, as well as some core work and postures to increase flexibility.  It’s ideal for releasing stress and toxins from the body as well as providing a cardiovascular workout.

 

Yoga is about the union of mind, body and breath.  I want my students’ bodies to feel strong, flexible and stretched, while their minds are serene, peaceful and steady and their breath is invigorated, calming and energising. 

 

My daytime profession is a Manager in a Funds Management firm in the City – I have an honours degree in Finance from Victoria University in New Zealand and also have gained the Chartered Financial Analyst  (CFA) qualification.  Yoga has helped me to balance my busy demanding life, deal with challenging situations, stay calm, improve my posture and keep toned and fit.

 

Craig Williams

My sister first convinced me to try out a yoga class in Wellington almost 12 years ago.  From my first class I felt the physical benefits that yoga offers.  And it was not long after the first class that I noticed the positive impact my stress levels (being lower!).  Over the last few years in London I have began to enjoy my yoga more.

 

In 2008 I decided to dedicate a couple of months to furthering my yoga.  I went to Miami and Lima to train with Fred Busch (http://www.miamiyoga.com/fredbusch/).  During this time I completed my Power Yoga teachers training (recognised by Yoga Alliance) 

 

I had always favoured the more physical yogas such as Ashtanga.  Power Yoga brings a lot of the Ashtanga postures in to a flowing Vinyasa style of yoga, a style that I have really taken to.  It also teaches us to balance our mind, breath and body.  Something I find important in my life in London.

 

Yoga compliments my active lifestyle of cycling, swimming, touch rugby, snowboarding and any other outdoor activities I get roped into.  It also ensures I step into the office with my mind in the right place – relatively stress free.

 

I Studied at Victoria University in Wellington and completing a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration before joining KPMG.  While there I qualified as a Chartered Accountant.  I have continued to work in Finance since arriving in the UK in 2002.