Anna, 34, shares how Park Yoga Telford prepares her for the week ahead amid a busy life caring for others…
“Park Yoga’s the anchor of my week. Regardless of all the other things in my life that can be variable, all the difficult things that might happen, I’m setting myself up for the week by starting Sunday going to Part Yoga and then I feel the benefit for the rest of that day and throughout the week until my next session.
I’d been a frequent gym user previously, but a combination of time, money constraints and family illness meant I stopped. My circumstances changed and the gym didn’t fit very well into my life anymore. Whereas with Park Yoga I made it fit because it was so good. I was like, this has to be part of my routine.
My life was a bit hectic last year with family health issues when I found Park Yoga, but it was one of the things that kept me going. It gave me a little something that was just for me, and it helped me keep going so I could help other people.
I spend most of my week indoors in the office, so to have a scheduled time where I know, come rain or shine, I’ll be outdoors is really beneficial. I’m not thinking about bills, health concerns or worried about the family when I’m at Park Yoga – we’re constantly reminded to focus on the sensations in our body and to breathe and just those two things alone are very powerful.
I had injuries to both of my Achilles tendons during lockdown, and I’ve noticed I don’t get that anymore. I’m not a super flexible person, I’m quite stiff at times, so Park Yoga’s really helped to give me mobility. Standing and walking for long periods of times sometimes used to be a bit achy, but I’ve noticed that’s improved as well.
Being in nature is so rewarding: with Park Yoga being first thing in the morning, you get that fresh morning dew smell when you arrive. You take off your socks and feel the grass on your toes and you are instantly connected to nature. It’s hard to exactly pinpoint how you feel, but while you’re at Park Yoga, you feel calmer, more peaceful and that feeling lasts all week.
Park Yoga really is for everyone: young, old, able, or if people consider themselves not able in some ways to do all the exercises there’s still something there that is for you.
It’s the highlight of my week, and it’s important that we all take time for ourselves to do something good for our bodies and minds. Plus, it’s free, so you don’t have to invest financially to do it, which is incredible!”
Park Yoga is suitable for all physical levels and abilities, and no experience is necessary – last year 30% of our participants had never tried yoga before. There’s no need to book, just turn up with a mat (or towel or blanket) and enjoy the session. Visit our venue page to find your closest Park Yoga location.