About You - Lucy, 35, Sales Manager

How did you first connect with Jordanna or join her classes?

The very first time I met Jordanna was through our mutual friend Beatriz. It was at one of Beatriz’s birthday parties, maybe 6 or 7 years ago. We then met again much later in a pub in Leeds during a Suffolk team trip to see Helen in Yorkshire, had a whirlwind few hours of fun that evening, and the rest is history!

How long have you been part of our yoga community?

I still feel relatively new in the yoga club, as I started the morning classes just over 1 year ago.

Can you share a little about how you got into yoga?

I have experimented with yoga a few times before meeting Jordanna, but I didn’t think it was really for me. Back in our uni days, we (the bridesmaids) joined a gym to “get fit quick” in advance of our friend’s wedding in Italy and went to a different class every single evening. Yoga was one of them but, for not what I was looking for; it was serious, slow-paced and not burning enough calories!

As for yoga with Jordanna, it was a bit of an “accidental find” following a trip away to Spain. I went on a retreat with Jordanna and co, just to spend time with friends in the sun, and not expecting anything from the yoga. It sounds a bit cheesy but those few days, the yoga, and the silent reflection in particular, really made an impact and that’s when I joined Jordanna’s group. I realised that yoga was more than an exercise class, it was great for my mental wellbeing too.   

What keeps you coming back?

As someone who gets absorbed into a new hobby, but then sticks at it for a few weeks before moving to the next, I’ve surprised myself with yoga! What keeps me coming back is the unique sense of community and inclusivity that Jordanna has created in the class. Even Zoom-ing in from up North each morning, I still feel a real sense of belonging, and then the occasional in person classes or parties make it even better.  

On a less sentimental note, starting my day mindfully rather than rolling out of bed at 8:50 and heading straight to my laptop has made such a difference. Taking just 30 minutes for gentle exercise and a few breathing exercises makes me feel a bit healthier and less tied to my desk for the whole day.

How has yoga surprised you over time?

I’m surprised how much effect just 30 minutes can sometimes have on the rest of the day.

Practice & Preferences

Favourite yoga pose or sequence—and the story behind it?

My favourite poses are the ones for our shoulders and back (I like the cat cow sequence or a bit of cobra) and the hip opening stretches (such as pigeon). I think this is probably as I sit still for most of the day, it’s nice to release some tension. I generally feel quite relaxed and calm after a session with lots of gentle, slow stretching.

Least favourite yoga pose (and why)?

I’m less keen on the warrior poses … they’re a bit harder than they look.

Bonus: Most unusual location you've tried a yoga pose?

Goat yoga was a definite highlight of 2025!

Life Off the Mat

What are some hobbies or passions beyond yoga?

I love any activities involving animals and this year, I was lucky enough to see some whales and go on a pony trek across the lava fields in Iceland. However, even the excitement of seeing a squirrel in a tree, a happy dog on a walk, or even a particularly fluffy herd of sheep during a long drive, is often enough!

Other than that, I love to fill my free time seeing my friends, especially at a spa day, a musical, a brunch, a city break, a dog walk, a dance class … When invited to do anything I’ve never done before, I rarely say no.

(Almost) every day when I WFH is kicked off with 30 minutes of yoga; either camera on (when I’ve joined in good time) or camera off (pyjama yoga). Occasionally, I even manage to join from elsewhere, or when I have friends staying over and we do it together.

Mind-Body Connection

How does your practice shape your mindset or mood?

It is possible to go through the motions of a morning yoga class and still be making a mental to-do list for my first hour of work. However, if I am intentional enough and embrace the slow, quiet parts, I generally feel a lot more positive and relaxed for the day ahead.

Any memorable “a-ha” moments about your mental or emotional well-being?

The first time I experienced any effect of yoga on my mental wellbeing was during a silent yoga session in Spain. Beforehand, I was completely disapproving of the enforced silence (“what a waste of time, this is supposed to be a holiday!”) but how wrong I was. Spending a bit of quiet time, first to concentrate on the poses and then to reflect without any other distractions, was a revelation and led to an unexpected emotional reaction. I would recommend giving it a go! 

Community & Connection

What does being part of this community mean to you?

It’s the best bit. Although I rarely see most of the class in person, it is always a guaranteed good time when it happens.

Favourite community event, workshop, or activity?

It’s not strictly yoga related (so this might be edited out) but the Barbie dance class remains top of my list as a favourite one!!

Passing it On

In so many things, we have to always do the best we can or strive for perfection. I don’t feel this way with yoga. Sometimes I throw myself into it and sometimes just being there is enough – there’s no pressure.

How do you stay motivated

This is a good question! Getting out of bed and to the mat before 7am is still a daily morning debate with myself, but I know I’ll feel great after the session so (most days) I manage it!