Student Stories: Meet Emma

Welcome to “student stories”, where you can get to know some of our brilliant students as they share their yoga/pilates experiences, wellbeing advice and more. In this edition, we’re introducing the wonderful Emma.

Emma’s StudioSpace yoga/pilates journey

Hello! I’m Emma, and I’ve been attending StudioSpace for around a year. After spending seven years working in London, I returned to Cardiff in 2019. I’d been searching for nearby yoga and pilates classes, so I was thrilled when the space opened.

Why Emma practises yoga and pilates

Having done extensive dance training while growing up, I enjoy anything that helps me restore and maintain my balance, core strength and flexibility. I’m not particularly competitive when it comes to sport, either, so yoga’s focus on moving at your own speed and choosing what feels right for your body really suits me. I always feel brilliant after a yoga or pilates session – and that feeling is addictive.

Favourite postures and wellbeing essentials

My favourite movements are cat/cow, supine twists and reverse warrior – essentially any pose that lengthens my spine (and if it clicks, that’s even better). And shavasana is an obvious choice, isn’t it? My calves and hamstrings can become quite tight, which makes pyramid pose and revolved triangle difficult, but they are worthwhile poses to practise. So, what is included in my wellbeing toolkit?

How do I look after my wellbeing? StudioSpace was a real godsend in 2020. Alongside my weekly yoga and pilates sessions, I support my wellbeing with long walks, conversations with my mum, cuddles with my cat and plenty of chocolate!

I don’t follow a particular mantra, but I believe gratitude is essential for a happy life. I was once a chronic worrier, yet over time I’ve learned to live in the present and value what I have. Yoga and travel have both supported me in doing that. I adore travelling and feel incredibly fortunate to have explored so much of the world – including taking yoga classes in Thailand, Costa Rica, the Maldives and beyond. Carrying a huge backpack around Australia and South East Asia in my twenties also helped me value my body and want to look after it – I’ve asked a lot of it!

Follow Emma on Instagram: @sparkyseestheword