We have been living in Cookham for four years, on Terrys Lane (up from the White Oak). I am from San Francisco, California, and my husband, Tim is from Wargrave, Berkshire. People think we are crazy not to live in California, but I love living in the UK. I feel so much more in touch with the rest of the world over here as it can feel quite insular in the US. 

   Tim and I have started a yoga business. Tim still works in marketing/data full-time in Slough and I am working as a freelance IT business analyst. I have started teaching classes during the day and we share teaching an evening and very early morning class (6am!). We have converted our garage into a small gym and can have seven people per class. The feedback so far is that people like the smaller classes. We offer four classes a week but will add more, based on people's requests.

   I started doing yoga when involved in triathlons. It was the only thing that would get me stretching and strengthening. We believe that yoga is different than other training because you connect the activity with your breath, improving circulation to the muscles and focusing the mind. This makes us happier, healthier people.

   I have been doing yoga regularly for 15 years. Richard Ferguson from RJ Yoga made us think about setting up our own business. I said one evening: "Someday I hope to do a teacher training course," and he said: "Both you and Tim would be great yoga teachers because people can relate to you." (Read: We aren't very flexible so people won't feel intimidated.) Everyone has different body shapes and fitness levels. The key to yoga is to stay focussed on your own practice and know that nobody is judging you if you can't touch your toes or hold a plank.

   We are finishing our one-year course at YogaLondon (Registered Yoga Teacher - 200 hour). We also love going to workshops. RJ Yoga in Cookham Dean and Inspire Hot Yoga in Maidenhead do amazing workshops!

   Also, we would like to form a community of yoga/pilates/fitness teachers as healthy, mindful exercise has so many benefits. Half the battle for people is to get motivated to make the time and we are here to make it fun and worthwhile. I have been in contact with a few Cookham teachers over the past few weeks and everyone has been so supportive!

Visit http://www.YogaTonicUK.com

Our facebook page is YogaTonicUK