Kelly Kramer

How did you get into yoga?

About 16 years ago I started doing Yoga and ended up having a very bad experience, which resulted in having to have my lower spine fused. (It was of no fault of my own sadly.)
I kept seeing signs around, before the Studio was opened, (which I began to think were subliminal messages ) and due to suffering a hideous menopause, wondered if the meditation side of things would help. Then, Voila! I spotted the studio whilst attending a Physio appointment next door!

How did you find Yoga Flourish?

Serendipity! One day I’m seeing signs on the corner then next, there is the Studio!!
I sent Sharron a message, explaining my back problems and was reassured that all care would be taken and was invited to come along to give it a try!

What were your first impressions of Yoga Flourish when you came by?

It was Big! And smelled divine! I was slightly terrified for obvious reasons, then I was greeted with a huge, infectious smile belonging to Sharron, who exuded peace, warmth and kindness. (Just a few of this wonderful woman’s attributes!) I was welcomed and encouraged immensely. This was the 6 week Beginners Course.

Could you please share your experience of what effect Yoga has had on your life, health of body and mind. How has Yoga made you feel?

I started last July and was totally mortified the first 2 classes. In my head I was thinking “What in the world are you doing here you idiot..you will NEVER be able to do this.”
I was very depressed back then, always sad and down on myself.
But then, I started to able to touch below my knees, and then my toes!! I started to actually move during Cat and Cow! I was able to work full days with no pain relief, as my back didn’t like standing all day. I had enthusiasm. I was gaining strength, something I have Never had. I think I actually cried happy tears when I mastered the Triangle pose! I know I “Woohoo’d” out loud during the four week challenge, more than once!
My family noticed the change in my demeanor and encouraged me endlessly.
Just 3 weeks ago, I managed to get myself pinned between my still moving car and the brick pillar and I swear the main reason I wasn’t as injured as I should have been was due to my flexibility from Yoga…I was battered and severely bruised, but my hip didn’t break.
I was told no Yoga for 6 weeks. Pfft.. I could Pigeon pose last week.
Yoga Flourish has changed my life. It’s changed me! I’m almost the old me again now. I have drive and importantly for me, I have my motivation back to do my artwork, which I didn’t touch for near on 2 years. I am forever grateful.

Anything further you would like to share about an individual teacher or anything you think new student would like to know as they too can be quite nervous as they start heir journeys?

Try it. You have absolutely nothing to lose. You don’t even have to buy your own equipment at first. I have never felt pressured. I have never ever felt intimidated by what other students can do (awe and admiration maybe)..but that itself is an inspiration! The classes are fun. Everyone is so friendly, there is no pretentiousness. We laugh, we cry, sometimes we share, sometimes we don’t need to, we just know. There is always support, be it physical or emotional. Always. That’s one of the reasons that makes it so damn special. The teachers are full of praise and encouragement and there are endless options and suggestions given if you can’t manage certain poses due to ailing body parts! My only warning however, is that it is an addiction! Trust me on that one! 50+ years of age, bought my first set of “Active Wear”.