My husband, Adrian, and I moved to Cookham eight years ago. I used to be a PA working in London, but shortly after we came here, I got a local job. I enjoy living close to the river, and Adrian and I benefit from our walks with our dog, stopping for refreshments in the many pubs Cookham has to offer. When my energy levels allow me to, my favourite run along the river takes me across the fields and up the steep hill to Cockmarsh, stopping to take in the beautiful views we have on our doorstep.

   Over the years, I have tried many types of activities, but I had always enjoyed Yoga and have practiced many types, including Hatha, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram, Anusara and Vinyasa. Living in London, I was able to try many types at The Lifetime Centre in Notting Hill Gate. When I moved to Cookham, I became a member of a local gym and attended various classes there. I liked how focussing on linking the breath with movement left me feeling energised, invigorated and relaxed! I loved Body Balance, which is a Yoga and Pilates based exercise routine choreographed to music. Because I enjoyed this particular programme so much, I made the decision to train to teach it. 

   I left my day job and starting teaching in local gyms in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. However, I developed back problems. When suffering with sciatica, my physio would recommend Pilates-based exercises to alleviate the pain and that is when I decided I wanted to know more about anatomy and physiology. After an x-ray with a chiropractor, I then discovered I have spondylolisthesis in my lumbar spine, so my Pilates training has also been a self-discovery – and teaching and practising safely and effectively is paramount. 

   I started teaching Pilates classes locally in Cookham, Bourne End, Marlow and Maidenhead. Although my training was intense, once it finished, I decided to spend another two years on my 200-hour alliance Yoga training with FRYOG. Their motto is Yoga with a Smile, which resonated with me. I enjoyed the philosophy and spiritual teachings of Yoga as well as the physical asanas, and this has helped me immensely in dealing with the day-to-day problems that are thrown at us.

   I was a single parent raising my son, who is now 30 years old, so my time and choices were restricted. Working in a regular job was very important while my son was growing up. I admit, re-training in my fifties wasn’t easy, however I have gained so much from it and realise it it's never too late to learn. I love what I do now and I enjoy imparting my knowledge with the people who attend my classes. Because I am on the REPs register (Register of Exercise Professionals), I regularly attend workshops, am constantly learning and my skills are kept current. As part of my personal development, I also attend Yoga and Pilates classes and like being a participant, watching other instructors' style of teaching.

   I have now launched The Garden Studio in Cookham. I've tried to create an atmosphere which reflects all the things that I appreciate when I practice – natural light, natural flooring, warmth, fresh air, a clean mat and scented candles. My classes are welcoming, friendly and good-humoured. They are small enough that I can build up an intimate knowledge of an individual’s practice and assist them with appropriate props. I offer classes with the use of Pilates equipment including flexi bands, Pilates balls and rings, and foam rollers. For my yoga classes, I have blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets, which is ideal for Restorative and Hatha yoga. 

   I believe life is a balance – I am a Libran and I don’t think that we should deprive ourselves from things we enjoy in life. I enjoy a glass of wine and love chocolate. My ideal holiday would be Pilates in the morning to strengthen my cores muscles, ski all day and then a gentle Yoga class in the evening before eating fresh and nutritious food followed by a glass of wine.

 

Janet runs classes at The Garden Studio, 177 Whyteladyes Lane, Cookham, SL6 9LF, on:

Monday – 6.30pm and 8pm (1 hour)

Wednesday – 10–11.15am Yoga, 6.30pm Pilates (1 hour), Hatha Yoga 8-9.15pm

Thursday – 9.15am and 10.45am Pilates (1 hour)

Pilates is £10 per session and Yoga £11 per session.

 

OFFER FOR YOU:

Janet’s classes are established but she is offering Mums About Cookham readers a free taster Restorative Yoga session on a

Wednesday morning, 10-11.15am.