KATE TOWERS YOGA

My first ever yoga class was as a teenager with a friend’s mum. I recall thinking at the time how nice it felt to move my body in this way, yet surprisingly challenging.

I didn’t practise yoga again until I was in my late twenties, when it literally found me at my office! I worked in the City at the time doing a somewhat different practice, that of a lawyer. Needless to say, I was no stranger to stress in such a role.  Connecting with the breath, the yoga practice calmed my mind and grounded me … helping me to tune out of the stress and be in the moment.  After nearly 20 years of practice, I still feel those benefits and, together with the strength, flexibility and balance the practice has granted me are the reasons I continue to show up on my mat …

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Historically, I always leaned towards a dynamic form of yoga and discovered Ashtanga in 2011. I was weak after the birth of my second child and the practice soon helped me regain my strength. I was drawn to Ashtanga's discipline and how I could work deeper in each pose while bringing the focus inwards. When I transitioned to the Mysore room, my practice transformed and I developed in so many ways, by virtue of the great teachers that I have been lucky enough to practice with: Sarai Harvey-Smith, Sarah Vaughan, Melanie Cooper, Scott Johnson and most recently Joey Miles.  

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Nowadays, I consider my practice to be more balanced, factoring in dynamic as well as Yin/ Restorative practises; the latter being something my body had craved for, to release more deeply held tension, particularly from my rock climbing and calm my nervous system.  I also have a meditation and pranayama (breathwork) practice.

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Having thought about qualifying as an instructor for a long time, I finally took the plunge in 2018, when I completed my Ashtanga & Yin teacher training.  I realised that qualifying later in life was an asset; I feel I have a lot to share. I prioritise making yoga practice, particularly Ashtanga and Yin, accessible to everyone. Further, I try and instil in students the need for self-care through a mindful practice of Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra.

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I am also intrigued by how the body functions or sometimes fails to! I have therefore strived to develop my working knowledge of anatomy, which helps to raise student's awareness and guide them through any issues they are experiencing with their practice. 

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In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, enjoying nature, particularly the mountains where I love to hike and climb.

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