Lauren Broom
Yoga Spirit UK
Wigan Borough, UK
Lauren Broome is 28 years old, born and raised in Wigan. Lauren took her Yoga Teacher Training at HFE (Health and Fitness Education) and have since grown her own yoga business - Yoga Spirit UK. Lauren teaches yoga at multiple locations around the Wigan Borough with my customers ranging from children to the independently active older person.
When did you start practicing yoga and why?
I started practicing when I was just 20 years old, being initially attracted by the control of breath. I always thought I was destined to be unhealthy because I hated the feeling of gasping for breath during cardio work. I started with internet videos which I would sometimes take into the garden or the park. I loved playing with movement and exploring the wonderful shapes my body can make - even back then, as a beginner!
What got you hooked?
Beginning yoga and becoming hooked on yoga are two very separate things. The fitness aspect kept me entertained until the true dedication began. It took me around 8 months to become wholly and completely hooked to my practice. I suffered during my school years with being bullied because of my appearance. Whilst I came through this difficult time, yoga connected me to the scars that were left behind. I had continued to suffer with low self esteem, lack of confidence in myself as a woman and even body dis morphia. Yoga taught me that every individual body is a miracle in it's own way. Every lump, bump and wrinkle serves a purpose or tells a story. I began to feel at peace with myself, even in stressful situations. I became a more compassionate person who searched for the good in everybody and forgave those who attempted to disturb my peace. The more people I meet the more stories I hear, which in turn allows a degree of perspective. These wonderful people that form the foundation of my business are the energy I choose to be around. My sessions are not simply yoga, they are support, they are social and most importantly they are non judgmental spaces where we can express our movement and emotion as one. Body and soul.
Where did you do your training?
I wanted to expand my knowledge originally to improve my own practice. I reached out to HFE and spoke to a lady named Ruth on the phone. She was so informative and supportive that I signed up for the Level 3 Diploma in Yoga Teacher Training there and then. I attended multiple weekends where I met a group of aspiring yogis, whom I am still closely connected to today. The weekends were hosted at a venue in Manchester and were thoroughly enjoyable and fun. We were all learners and still are. The exams were sat at a later date. It was a year later whjen I returned to achieve my qualifications in Ante and Post Natal Yoga and Yoga for the Elderly. Both of which involved coursework and exams with HFE.
Tell me about the studio you currently teach at.
My business, Yoga Spirit UK, is very mobile. I teach at Abram Community Centre, Greensway Shopping Centre in Ashton-in-Makerfield and Wigan Town Centre. Each one of these venues have been hand picked by myself for their spacious and yogic atmosphere. I put some importance upon the sensual experience of yoga. This means I love candles, diffusers and incense. When a person chooses to step out of their daily life and join me in any of these venues I feel humbled. This drives me to provide the most immersive experience I can offer. In the past 6 months I have dedicated a room in my own home to transform into my own personal yoga studio. The draping curtains and speaker system offers an escape from the common stress and anxiety of life. I offer this very personal, yogic setting for private yoga training sessions. These are a great way to strengthen the professional bond between myself and my customers where I can learn what drives each person and offer a service that will increase their quality of life.
What’s your favorite pose and why?
I always say that no matter how experienced you become with your yoga practice, no matter how long you can hold a handstand or how deep your stretches become, you will always revisit the most simple postures. My favourite posture that continues to appear in my practice is Anjaneyasana or the low lunge. I love the balance of grounding and softening at the same time, connected to the mobility of the arms. Every time I take a low lunge, I wiggle the toes on my forward foot to reassert the connection to the earth. I allow gravity to take my hips deeper into the stretch and I sometimes like to throw my arms overhead and lean my shoulders back for an extension and to express a little wildness!
What advice would you offer someone looking to get into yoga?
My advice would be to first of all, find a teacher that will support you individually. You are unique and you need to be treated that way. Secondly, dismiss those thoughts that say you are not flexible enough, not skinny enough, not young enough, not fit enough, the list goes on. I know because I've been there. These thoughts are anchors that are weighing you down. Finally and most importantly, show up for yourself. Don't worry about anybody else in the room, they are not judging you. Show up with messy hair, it doesn't matter. Show up with unshaven armpits, with baggy pants, unpainted toenails. Just show up for you.
What advice would you give a well-practiced yogi to take their practice to the next level?
I would always say to stay humble. Yoga is not something you can step in and out of. Introduce yourself to a yogic way of life where you are compassionate and understanding, non judgmental and forgiving. A great friend and fellow yogi once said to me "yoga is something you are, not something you do" (Helen Kimber, Hero Lifestyle Yoga Fitness and Nutrition). So the advice I offer is to become the embodiment of yoga on and off the mat. Be the energy you want to see in the world.
Anything else you want to share? Where can people find you (Instagram, Website, etc).
You can find me on Instagram as 'lauren_yogaspirit' and Facebook under 'Yoga Spirit UK'
You can also check out more about me and my sessions at www.yogaspirituk.co.uk
Finally I just want to add that I am always free to chat about your needs and anything else, all you have to do is reach out. So many people say this but rest assured I say this with the intention to pick up the phone and invest the time into my customers. I care that you receive the assistance you deserve to become a better you. It's all right at your fingertips.
