My story
Hi, I'm Alex, founder of Patchouli Yoga.
Throughout my life, yoga has been a valuable resource I've turned to in hard times to restore balance. It's been with me in the good times too.
It all started with signing up to a yoga class block when a uni friend encouraged me to go along with her around a decade ago.
Since then, I've learned from many brilliant yoga teachers, online and in person. Fightmaster Yoga's 30 days of Hatha Yoga Happiness during lockdown was a particular relief during a time of upheaval!
I was happily dotting from studio to studio, video to video, until I felt the calling to take the next step and do yoga teacher training myself, at the start of 2025.
I knew I wanted to experience authentic training in the birthplace of yoga: India. It was pretty amazing to be taught by someone who has an actual university degree in yoga.
There, I realised it was the right time to quit my corporate job at Scotland's largest charity and take a brave leap into a different path. Being far away from the desk in a tropical paradise, and having a new perspective on life can have that effect!
Now, my uni friend is also a yoga teacher in Switzerland, and I'm loving that we've been on this yoga teacher journey together. Her Instagram is @yogicventure if you want to be stunned by scenery from the Swiss Alps!
I'm excited to share everything I learned, and create the kind of welcoming, compassionate space I've come to appreciate over the years. Trust me, I know what it's like to be a student!
WHAT I TEACH
Hatha and Ashtanga
In my classes, I draw from training in both of these lineages to build sequences:
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Hatha yoga: This traditional style of yoga moves at a slower pace, taking time to explore asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing).
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Ashtanga vinyasa: The primary Ashtanga series is faster and follows a particular sequence of poses, starting with sun salutations (dynamic flows).
No need to get hung up on the lingo – my class names are descriptive, so you know what you're getting without needing to know any Sanskrit (ancient Indian language)!
I walk you through every move in plain English.
Every Sanskrit word is explained.
I do honour and respect yoga's roots, so you will find Om chanting in my classes. Om is the universal sound.
Where I did my training: RYS 200: Devvrat Yoga Sangha
(Yoga Alliance approved)
Yin
I also teach another style of yoga:
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Yin yoga: This is a synthesis of Indian-style yoga and East Asian modalities. It is a floor based practice that centres stillness and relaxation, working with the connective tissue (fascia and joints).
In these classes, you will hear terms relating to Traditional Chinese Medicine. These will be explained.
Where I did my Yin training: Yoga Renew
(Yoga Alliance approved)
I am registered with Yoga Alliance, the world's largest and most globally recognised professional body for yoga teachers. View my profile.
For your total peace of mind, I am also qualified in Emergency First Aid (EFAW).