Client Feedback

• I started yoga five months ago as a way of improving my fitness.  It has certainly done that but in a smarter way than most gyms.  Firstly, you tend to use more muscles and in an altogether gentler way.  Secondly, it helps integrate mind and body and thirdly you get to meet lots of nice people.  There is no element of competition apart from within yourself.  Don't feel shy as an unfit beginner - you have most to benefit!

  Antony, 58, Optometrist

• 'There's one more thing you can do' said my chiropractor 'do Yoga!' I'd been suffering sciatica and terrible crippling pains in my legs for ages and nothing was helping. Horrified by the thought of any form of exercise I nodded and said that I would think about it. Honestly I couldn't see myself, a self conscious beached whale of a bloke doing yoga in a room full of young slim healthy women who were there to show off their new gym wear. That just wasn't me. Anyway as luck would have it I accidentally noticed a notice for Blue River Yoga and I decided to give it a go. First things first, the teacher is so lovely and kind. She gently encourages me to do what I can. There's no pressure and I felt she took my health and happiness seriously. The group is varied and welcoming, and I'm not the only bloke! At the end of 45 minutes of 'Downward facing dog' and other stretches and movement the chill out is fantastic. Each week I have felt myself getting better and my confidence has grown. Has it helped my problems? Well since beginning the classes the pain has dramatically eased. I'm able to walk considerably further and I can get in the car without crying in pain. I can't recommend this lovely class enough.

  Andy, 52, Care worker and Writer

• I started attending yoga classes about 3 months ago with the aim of keeping flexible and reducing stress.  Sophia is a fantastic teacher, calm and patient and sets challenges but never pushes you beyond your capabilities.  I always feel rejuvenated when leaving the class and have noticed a distinct improvement in my flexibility.  Thank you Sophia.

  Lynn, 54, Driving Instructor

• Sophia strikes a perfect balance between encouraging you to stretch yourself and letting you go slow when it's a bit too hard.  She provides alternatives for all levels, the less fit and those who are more flexible.  With easy-to-follow practical guidance, she seems to get the best out of everyone. I really enjoy her classes and come away with a sense of achievement.

  Susan, 59, Retired

• Sophia creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and the classes are targeted at the right level for the group. Great for beginners to yoga but she will also challenge you if you need it! I have loved attending the classes!

  Catherine, 35, Teacher

• I have attended both prenatal and mother and baby yoga with Sophia and have been going now for over 18 months. I was completely new to yoga and enjoyed it right from the start. I enjoy the hour to myself to exercise and relax before the baby's arrival and now my daughter attends and enjoys playing and interacting with the other babies. I have met some fantastic friends at the classes and like the fun and advice from the group at the classes whilst enjoying my yoga!

  Sarah, 36, General Retail Manager

• I've really enjoyed prenatal yoga and hope to continue to the mummy yoga classes after my baby is born. I feel energised and refreshed after class. We chat about pregnancy topics before we do yoga and its good to hear other ladies are having similar experiences. At the end Sophia reads a relaxation script which is really nice to do after the work out. The class is catered for all levels and Sophia is a great teacher. Just come and give it a go, you won't regret it!

  Gemma, 33, Commercial Analyst

• Sophia's ante-natal yoga classes are not just a selection of 'bump friendly' stretches & relaxation techniques, but also a great source of information on 'what to expect when you're expecting' delivered in a light-hearted manner (essential if you're going to be a new mum for the first time!) and a lovely way to make new mummy friends in the area. I've thoroughly enjoyed Sophia's classes and look forward to taking my new arrival along to her post-natal classes. Thank you!

  Naomi, 35, Health and Nutrition coach

• I really enjoyed my weekly prenatal yoga sessions. As well as helping me to keep active during pregnancy and learn useful techniques to help prepare my body for labour it was also a great opportunity to meet and chat with other mums-to-be and share information and experiences. Sophia made the class thoroughly enjoyable and is a very friendly and personable teacher taking great interest in everyone's journey to motherhood and beyond. She also took time at the beginning of each class to give practical tips and advice based on experience that was useful for me as a first time mum. Would highly recommend her class to anyone.

  Kathryn, 32, Brand Manager

• Sophia has created a class with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, offering a great opportunity to exercise, meet other mums and babies can have a play too!

  Lauren, 28, Education Advisor

• I've attended Sophia's mummy yoga classes with both my baby boys and find them a wonderful way to get fit, relax and meet other mums. If your baby cries or needs a feed, you can just get on with it then join back in with the yoga, or incorporate baby in the yoga poses. I look forward to the class and really enjoy it!

  Sally, 41, Artist

• Mummy Yoga is a great session to ease you back into exercise after having a baby. Sophia is enthusiastic and very friendly and gives a warm welcome to all mums and babies. During the session, Sophia provides options for each yoga pose, so whether you have had a caesarean or your baby is under 12 weeks old, everyone can get involved! I would definitely recommend Mummy Yoga.

  Niomi, 34, Senior Internal Communications Manager

• I go to Sophia's mummy yoga class on a Thursday, its a 20 minute drive. I love love love this class, I can really feel the difference since having my second baby. Its great to be able to do some exercise and bring my baby along as well, I don't need to worry if I need to stop and feed her or play with her and Sophia can even show you ways to bring baby into the exercise if they don't want to be put down, my 3 year old has even been a few times and loves joining in. I highly recommend the class for mums x

  Rebecca, 36, Learning & Development Facilitator

• Yoga with Sophia for me was an amazing experience from prenatal to postnatal pregnancy. It gave me that special time for myself to exercise and relax and to make great friendships with other mummies and to all share our experiences. I even introduced my own mummy friends who loved it just as much as me!

  Indy, 41, Pharmaceutical Sales

• I cant recommend Blue River Yoga enough, every week I really look forward to it. Not only does Sophia make you feel very relaxed with your baby, she also does all she can to help you get some exercise done. She provides lots of distractions for your little one and is genuinely interested in getting to know you. Its a lovely way to meet people too :)

  Georgie, 30, Legal Recruitment Consultant

• I really enjoyed the class on Monday. I arrived feeling exhausted and left feeling energised, calm and relaxed. Thank you for making the class so accessible for someone like me who has never tried yoga before. I enjoy the opportunity to meet other mums-to-be as well and share the experience! It's a rare oasis of calm in my busy week. Thanks again

  Kristen, 35, Social Worker

• Yoga for Everyone is exactly what it says on the tin; it caters for all abilities, which is perfect for a beginner like me who is looking to improve and push myself a bit further each week. It is a very welcoming, relaxed and fun class. I would recommend it to everyone.

  Hannah, 34, Manchester Council Officer