About

Hi my name is Craig Manning and this my journey of discovering yoga.

I have always been an active person; as a teenager I competed in road cycling time trails, often spending up to 2 hours training every day, and would spend time in the gym.

Cycling became harder to fit in when I went to University but I discovered climbing and later surfing, travelling across the UK to catch waves. In 2000 I was in Cornwall when I saw kite-surfing for the first time so, inspired, I bought the kit and set out to teach myself.

After a day of kite-surfing, I would be aching all over but gradually my skill level increased – though I did suffer from my share of injuries and more than one trip to A&E. To help, a friend gave me a book with a number of stretching and balance exercises and these, along with some exercises given to me by a physiotherapist after I damaged my ankle, turned out to be Yoga poses!

Then 4 years ago I tore some tendons in my knee whilst sailing and, though I was offered surgery, it would mean I couldn’t do any of the sports I loved for at least 6 months. I used Yoga again to help strengthen my knee along with ultrasound treatments, this significantly  helped me  avoid invasive surgery. After a few months, my knee had improved significantly and I also found I was sleeping better.

What started as exercise to help me recover from injury and strengthen my core, turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done. Not only has it had the desired physical effects that helped me avoid surgery, but Yoga has greatly improved my mental well-being.

My daily routine involves Yoga practice for 45 minutes before breakfast whilst the house is quiet and another 45min after doing the school run (often whilst dinner finishes cooking).

With a partner who works full time, my own job, 2 children and lots of hobbies (the children as well), life can be hectic, but making time for Yoga has helped me feel healthier and happier, and better able to support myself and my family. You need to look after yourself in order to look after others.

To me, Yoga is freedom.

Freedom of movement, to allow me to continue the sports I enjoy. Freedom from fatigue, leaving me energised. Freedom of the mind, allowing my mind to quiet from the stress and worries of modern life.

I would like to help you add Yoga, and freedom, to your life too. Making you happy healthy and strong both physically and mentally.

                                                        Namaste