Name: Job Title: Fitness Instructor, Yoga Teacher

Organisation: Fitness & Glory

Years in the Field: 10+

I’ve been involved in fitness for over a decade, but yoga has always been a personal passion. I love how it combines movement, mindfulness, and flexibility, offering a different approach to traditional high-intensity training. When the opportunity came to gain my Level 3 Yoga Instructor qualification through the Active Skills Fund, it felt like the perfect next step.

This qualification is expanding what we offer at Fitness and Glory, moving beyond strength-based classes to a more accessible form of exercise. Since starting the course, I’ve deepened my understanding of anatomy and physiology, and it’s encouraged me to make yoga a daily habit again.

I’ve also realised a need for more prenatal and postnatal exercise options in the area. There’s a lot of confusion about what’s safe, and I’d love to train further in this area to support women locally.

There are very few yoga classes in our area, and I’m excited to provide something new. Yoga isn’t just about fitness—it can boost mental well-being, relieve stress, and help people feel more connected. I also want to create an inclusive space for neurodivergent individuals and underrepresented groups who might feel excluded from traditional fitness settings.

The biggest challenge has been revisiting the theory, especially anatomy and physiology, but extra revision and practice have helped. The remote course structure has been really convenient, making it easy to fit around my work and life.

Yoga has the power to break down barriers to fitness, making movement more accessible to people who might not feel comfortable in a gym setting. I love the idea of offering a space where people can build both physical and mental resilience.

I plan to introduce regular yoga classes at Fitness and Glory, expanding into areas like prenatal fitness and making sure sessions are welcoming for all abilities.

The Active Skills Fund removed a huge financial barrier, and this qualification is allowing me to do something I love while supporting my community.