Helen Collard

I began practicing yoga in 1999, and over the course of the last 20 years I have focused much of my time on understanding the Ashtanga system. I began teaching yoga sixteen years ago. My teaching draws on yoga as an energy system that utilises a variety of approaches, with the breath as a core and primary focus.

My yoga practice and teaching have been influenced by my time studying with Nancy Gillgoff, Brian Cooper and John Scott, and my time in India studying pranayama at the Kaivalyadhama Institute, Lonavla, India.

My PhD explores yogic breath practices through neuroimaging technology and sound studies.

My intention is to provide techniques to cultivate and focus on creating an inner experience for a student. The physical benefits of strength and flexibility are, of course, part of yoga, but recent preoccupations with the outward appearance of a posture have become increasingly dominant. I hope my teaching offers a more balanced approach and a place to also consider the internal aspects of this fantastic practice.

I have senior yoga teacher accreditation from Yoga Alliance Professionals.