“What a Difference This Has Made to Me and My Family’s Quality of Life

I decided to try Yoga after 5 knee operations left me with very little cartilage and osteoarthritis in my right knee. My Physio advised me to give up all the running and weight training I had religiously done for several years and take up Yoga and gentler forms of exercise. I ignored this advice as I felt that Yoga could not be as effective, so I battled on with my knee swelling and causing me regular pain.

Southend Hospital could no longer provide any answers and supplied me with a large brace that ran from mid thigh to calf and screwed into place. This, I was advised to wear daily until such time as they would consider a knee replacement.  Bearing in mind I was only 38 at the time, it came as quite a shock that they felt that 60 would be the earliest age such a drastic option would be considered. Having two young children aged 9 and 7 and a busy part time job meant this was not an option for me and I was not prepared to just give up. One evening, shortly after that, a leaflet came through the door which seemed to offer a solution to my problems… and the Physio’s words came back to me, so I signed up for a course of NorburYoga.

Within a few weeks the swelling in my knee had subsided, the pain became non existent and I found myself becoming thrilled at the changes in strength and tone that practising Yoga gave me. My Husband has been amazed at the change this has made to my state of mind also, being able to function normally without discomfort, because feeling old before my time has had an affect on the whole family. Now I can even enjoy a burst of playing ‘it’ with the kids, something that would induce pain instantly had a tried before… which is definitely testament to the strength in the supporting muscles and flexibility I have gained. I practise regularly at home and even get my children joining me sometimes.

The breathing/meditation techniques have also taught me to be calmer and less stressed which is another benefit enjoyed by my Husband and Children! Another completely unexpected benefit has been the contentment within my own body that I have felt for the very first time. I had previously always been hypercritical of my physical self but I no longer feel that way at all. Yoga has made me much more aware of my body than ever before, but in a very positive way. I love the strength and flexibility I feel and the improvement in my core strength has improved tremendously.

I had my first session in February 2010 and, now in October, I cannot stress enough what a difference this has made to me and my family’s quality of life. But it is not just the Yoga that has benefitted me. Abbie is a very special teacher who takes a great personal interest in her clients and cares a great deal. It is undoubtedly her passion and expertise that has enabled me to be in this truly happy place and therefore I would highly recommend NorburYoga to everybody.”

Claire – learning support assistant