Yoga with Lesley

09/09/2026

YESTERDAY’S post was all about the many benefits of yoga… and the biggest hit is surely becoming more happy 😊 But how can that be? How can a bit of stretching on a mat make you happier?

First of all there’s the fact that exercise of any kind releases endorphins or happy hormones. That’s why, if you go for a walk, a run or a bike ride you feel more positive and upbeat, maybe even energised.

The ancient yogis knew this before endorphins had even been discovered. They talked about moving energy - or Prana - around the body, and that’s why any physical yoga practice will leave you feeling great.

But yoga goes even deeper than this and that’s because, unlike other forms of exercise, we focus on the breath. We start every movement with an inhale, and as we exhale we flow to the next movement. In some postures that are held for a while - like Tree Pose for example - we focus our eyes on one point and bring our attention to the breath. This helps us to hold the balance. But it also helps us to calm the mind.

The more yoga we practice, the easier it becomes to access that inner calm. Because inner peace is not something that belongs to the lucky few. It’s something that’s inside all of us. It’s just that most of us don’t know how or where to find it.

Yet.

Once your start to access your inner peace you are on a journey of self awareness, and even self transformation, to a place of happiness.

That’s the magic of yoga.

Classes start again on September 22nd at Bournemouth School for Girls. Visit my website www.yogawithlesley.co.uk or send me a message. I’d love to hear from you ❤️

08/09/2026

PEOPLE often say to me: “I can’t do yoga. I can’t even touch my toes.”

But that’s like saying: “I can’t have a bath. I’m too dirty.” 😅

A regular yoga practice will definitely make it easier for you on your toe-touching journey, if that’s your goal.

But what are the other benefits? Why choose to do yoga instead of, say, going to the gym?

After 12 years of practice and five years teaching, here, in no particular order, are the benefits that I’ve noticed in myself and in my students….

Stronger
Better balance
Better sleep
More calm
Kinder to other people
Less judgemental
More in control of emotions
Less joint pain
Healthier lifestyle choices
More flexible

Finally and most importantly - more happy! Yes it’s true! Because after all that’s our main goal in life isn’t it? To be happy 🙂

If you’re looking for a yoga class, check out my website. Classes start again at The Dance Studio, Bournemouth School for Girls on Tuesday September 22nd. You can book online or DM me for more info.

Follow my page on Facebook or Instagram for more information coming your way this week 🥰

Www.yogawithlesley.co.uk

07/08/2026

ITS been a great summer for yoga on the beach… and today was our third and final Acro session at Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne. Deep stretches, partner balances and some crazy postures. Thanks for coming everyone - it was a blast 💥 There’s more yoga with until end of September but for the budding acrobats… see you next year! 🥰

07/08/2026

02/08/2026

ACRO on the beach is back! This Friday, 8.45am, Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne. Come and join us for some fun partner moves. We start with a gentle flow. Then we partner up for some stretches. Some more challenging poses follow for the more adventurous. And we finish with a relaxation and sound bath. There are always lots of laughs 🥰 If you’d like to give it a go but you think you’re too old… think on! Our friendly gang includes people from their 30s up to their 70s. And as it’s school holidays you are welcome to bring accompanied children over 11 to join in. No need to be an acrobat or gymnast. Lyn and Lesley are experienced yoga teachers who can break down the postures and offer lots of variations. The great thing about Acro yoga is trying something new and having a laugh doing it. For more info or to book send us a DM. We’re looking forward to seeing you on Friday ❤️

31/07/2026

FOUR years ago today I made the decision to try a month without drinking. I didn’t tell anyone…. except my diary. I kept a sober journal and by week three I felt so much better physically mentally and emotionally that I decided to try and continue for a year. Now it’s four years. I’m fitter, stronger, happier and healthier. I dont ever want another mouthful of alcohol. I don’t want a medal, or any congratulations or even a pat on the back. I’m just sharing because I know there will be people out there who are sober curious or who need a little boost on their own alcohol free journey. So for those who are interested, here’s a list - not in any particular order - of all the benefits for me….
Good, proper, nourishing sleep
Better skin and nails
No more IBS
No more chronic indigestion
More control over emotions
Better relationships
No more people pleasing
More discipline in my yoga practice
Better results at the gym
No more brain fog
Improved memory
And most important of all - I feel more like myself than I have since I had that first sip of cider aged 14.
I wouldn’t have done it without the help and support of some amazing people, some great quit lit books and without yoga.
Feeling grateful 🙏

29/07/2026

ACRO on the beach is back! Join Lyn and me for 75 minutes of fun yoga moves - come with a partner or come solo. Friday 7 August 8.45am Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acro-yoga-on-the-beach-tickets-1995916533079?aff=oddtdtcreator

21/06/2026

POV - You’ve been practising yoga for a while but:
You’re a bit bored
You feel “stuck”
Your practice is not challenging you enough
You’re thinking about trying something else instead…

You want to recapture the magic you felt in the early days but you don’t know how. You SO want to get your crow pose or your headstand or some other cool glamour pose but it’s just not happening. I hear you! I’ve been there too!

And for someone like me - who’s naturally pretty impatient - it’s easy to just give up and move on to something new.

But here’s the deal: it’s not the practice itself, it’s how you approach it. And let’s flip this on its head. Instead of seeing this as a stumbling block, let’s re-imagine this moment as a turning point.

An opportunity.

I’ve been practising for 12 years and teaching for six years and this is what I can offer you:
A small class with lots of individual attention - max 10 students
Each month, a specific focus on a different posture
Specific exercises and drills to work the right body parts for that posture
We break the posture down, we look at the anatomy, we work on different muscle groups, we prepare our bodies and our minds
A friendly, supportive, encouraging group
Great music to work to
A beautiful studio

Rome wasn’t built in a day! And if yoga can teach you one thing it’s patience!

Come along and give it a try - a drop in class is £12. Book online or drop me a message for more info.

Re-capture your yoga glow!

www.yogawithlesley.co.uk