Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Class at YogaSara Studio

Nicola Marston (She/Her)

My yoga journey began during the lockdown of 2020, a time when life slowed down in ways we all remember. With so much time on my hands, I saw this period as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.

I’ve always been into fitness, regularly training at the gym and doing home workouts. While I still enjoy those activities, something was missing. My mind remained restless. That’s when I stumbled across yoga.

I remember the first time I pressed play on a yoga video in my mum’s living room. By the end of the session, I was in tears. It wasn’t just a release of tension—it was an emotional release, as if I had been holding onto something deep inside for so long without even realising it. Letting go in that moment was incredibly uplifting, and I felt a connection to something much bigger than myself.

From that day on, I was hooked. I quickly realised that yoga is not just a workout, but a practice that invites you to work within. I began experimenting with different styles of yoga, from slow and restorative to fast and dynamic. And that’s when I found Ashtanga. Words can’t describe the love I felt for this practice when I first encountered it.

Coming from a fitness background that thrives on dynamic movement, Ashtanga offered me exactly what I was looking for. It’s a practice that challenges me physically through the asanas, calms my mind through pranayama, and has deepened my spiritual connection in ways I never anticipated.

I took my passion for yoga to the next level by flying to India to complete my teacher training. This experience allowed me to dive deeper into the spiritual aspects of yoga and solidified it as a lifestyle. The wisdom I gained there continues to shape me, both as a teacher and as a person.

My teaching style blends the structure and discipline of Ashtanga with the fluidity and creativity of Vinyasa. While I honour the traditional sequences, I also bring my own intuitive, creative twist, allowing for a dynamic and personalised experience. Yoga has changed me, and now, I feel so blessed to be able to share this transformative practice with others.