Horsham-based specialist personal trainer, Becky Hughes, has been strength training for seven years. She regularly tries new activities in order to broaden her horizons, and has often been heard saying that she attends a yoga class annually only to be reminded that it’s not her thing. Until 2024…

When I hosted Co-Women’s February Chai & Chatter networking event in Horsham, I had no idea I’d walk away having booked a place at a yoga class. And I had even less of an idea that I’d still be attending said class three months later. But that’s what’s happened.

We had a small group for Chai & Chatter in February, but I enjoy that, because it means more time to talk in depth with the women who join me. One of the attendees that day was Helen, founder of Camomile Lawn and now, my yoga teacher. Co-incidentally, Helen studied to become a yoga teacher with Bryony, who is a long-term member of Co-Women!

When Helen introduced herself, we initially got chatting as fellow fitness professionals. We were in agreement that the fitness industry has an image problem, and that many people are put off by thinking that they’re not good enough, or are the “wrong” shape or size to participate. Unfortunately, this is a hugely entrenched issue, and something that two women can’t fix over coffee (if only!), so we moved along to discussing what Helen’s offering is.

As I scanned her flyer, my heart leapt – one of Helen’s classes is an Aroma Flow. As we all know, fragrance is one of my big loves, and I asked her more about it. Sure enough, each class has a theme in terms of an essential oil to accompany the practice and our journey. This particular class takes place twice per week, with one of the slots being a time I can easily attend weekly, plus it’s not far from where I live. I was sold, and booked a trial class there and then for the following week.

I also explained to Helen that this meant I could tick my yoga class of the year box, and apologised for the fact that I’d inevitably hate it – it wasn’t her, it was me.

When I arrived the following week, I found class to take place in a small, quiet hall, with only a couple of other attendees. As I listened to the instructions and worked through the flow, I realised that I was in trouble – I was kind of enjoying myself. By the end of class, I was shocked to find that I hadn’t hated it and, in fact, wanted to give it a proper go.

I had pre-existing plans the following week, but two weeks after my first class, I was back for my second, and have been a regular attendee since. When I changed my working pattern in January, I struggled to fit in as many strength sessions as I’d ideally like to, so adding a yoga class instead enables me to have some relaxation time, which also tests my skills in a different way, and also allows me the chance to have a strength element (there are a surprising number of squats and planks in yoga…).

There have been a number of thoughts that have bubbled up during class. Despite my balance being generally pretty good, I’m completely hopeless at tree pose. But the fact that I use a toe squat regularly when training clients means that I’m very good at that, so appreciate this element when it’s included! There are also a lot of really playful moments in the class for me, which struck me as something I don’t find elsewhere in my life. Most importantly, I really don’t care that I’m not a skilled yogi – it really is about showing up and just nudging myself, rather than pushing. I get to do something different. I get to let someone else be in charge. And I get to enjoy an activity I never thought I would.

If you’re local to Horsham, I highly suggest you check out Helen’s classes. You might surprise yourself.

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