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 office job 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)
FAQs
What do I wear?
Wear whatever is comfortable. That can be leggings, looser sports wear, shorts. Please wear a top.
It's worth testing out what your clothes do when you're upside down, and check they are easy to secure/tuck in (downward facing dog, or shoulder stand, for example - you don't need to know anything about these poses yet!).
Feel free to bring extra layers like a jumper and socks for savasana (the final resting pose). You'll probably want to shed them during the yoga session though. We'll be moving around, so breathable clothes during the class will help you feel cool and fresh.
Remove shoes before entering the room. Barefoot is best for gripping the yoga mat, once you're there.
It's a good idea to remove hanging jewellery and to tie up long hair.
Avoid chunky plastic hair clasps, as these can dig in.
What time do I arrive?
Aim for 10 minutes before, please, to give plenty of time to settle in.
Can I do yoga if I'm pregnant or have recently given birth?
There are pre-natal and post-natal yoga classes from other teachers that can serve you specifically. This isn't my area of expertise, so please give me plenty of notice if you'd like to attend my class so I can adapt and advise accordingly. Please check with your doctor first for your own peace of mind!
What do I bring?
Bring a water bottle if you'd like. If you have your own mat, please bring it along. Whether extra mats are available or not depends on the venue. Please check individual event details. It is always nice to have your own mat even if communal ones are available.
Do I need to book in advance?
It's better to book in advance so I have an idea of numbers, and to guarantee your place. I'll post on social media if there's space to drop in a couple of hours before.
What's the etiquette?
Please don't bring your phone to the mat, and make sure it's on silent/switched off during the session.
During the class, be aware of your surroundings and be respectful of other students' space. I'll do my best to design classes so we stay neatly on our own mats.
At Patchouli Yoga, it's first come, first served, for prime mat spots.
Let's embrace impermanence, and accept that our position in the room might change from class to class!
What if I have an injury or health condition?
First of all, please check in with your doctor to get their opinion on whether yoga would be helpful, and if they have any advice.
I'll check in on you at the start of class to see if you have anything you'd like to tell me. I'll most likely be able to offer some modifications and options before and during the class, if it's within my skillset.
If it's something I'm less familiar with, I'll research it so I have more advice next time.
My advice is always, regardless of conditions, to listen to your body, and back off if you're feeling discomfort. Pain is not what we're going for here, that's your body trying to communicate with you. Please remember rest poses like child pose are available to take whenever you like, regardless of what everyone else in the room is doing. I explain rest poses in class, no need to know anything about these in advance.
If you're unwell with something like a cough or a cold, please stay home! I recommend lying in bed and listening to a "yoga nidra" (yogic sleep, guided relaxation) meditation from YouTube. Get in touch before the class so you can rearrange for another time, at my discretion.
Can I eat before yoga?
It's best to practice yoga well hydrated and on an empty stomach. Please don't eat a meal less than two hours before class. More time is better. A small healthy snack is fine if you're really hungry.
I've never done yoga before, is that ok?
I'll check in at the start of class to see if you're new to yoga. My yoga sessions are suitable for beginners. If you're confused, look to see what I'm demonstrating, and what others are doing, or feel free to take a rest pose like child's pose to re-centre yourself. All will be revealed about the joys of child's pose and alternatives in class! No prior knowledge needed.
I still do all of these when I'm feeling lost in someone else's class! Every teacher has a slightly different style and ways of cuing poses, so it's normal to take a little while to get in the zone.
Perfection is not the goal; being present is. Wherever you are in your yoga journey is exactly where you're meant to be.
The more we practice yoga, the more we realise it's not about the outside, it's an inner journey.
I'd be honoured to be the one to introduce you to this wonderful practice!