A bit more about me…

I am Elaine. I am a full time yoga teacher & Yoga Therapist.. Originally from Northern Ireland; but after living in Edinburgh for 20 years last year I made the jump and relocated to the heart of the Borders in Galashiels. I have started Thrive Yoga Gala to reflect that move, and centre my yoga teaching on what I am really passionate about: providing yoga to a much wider range of people than who typically show up in a yoga studio. I have lived with chronic pain for more than 20 years and as a result rarely felt able to join a yoga studio class; plus my previous career required lots of travel which made a regular time impossible. So I started a blend of practices which I now offer to my students: one to one lessons to support a home practice, small group classes at local community studios & venues, and online classes (both one to ones and group programmes). I also offer Yoga Therapy through both one to one and group sessions.

I started practicing yoga almost ten years ago. My yoga practice became my happy place; my safe space when everything else was chaotic where I could always find peace. I was at this stage an inconsistent student; some months I got on to my mat every day, but sometimes it was was weeks apart.

But when I didn't practice - sometimes for days, weeks or even months - I missed something about yoga. The stillness. The way I felt after practice. It was different to what I was doing in the gym and through other classes. So I gradually rediscovered my practice.

Since then - through injuries, illness and life changes this meditative quality was what kept me coming back. It has helped me transform not just my body but also my mental health and my capacity for compassion, resilience and joy.

That is why I believe in balancing respect for the yoga traditions and the ashtanga practice with the latest understanding of neuroscience and anatomy. With understanding the context in which is was created and how we might need to adapt that to our times and our bodies. It has helped me to appreciate the wonder of my body and the amazing things it can do; with sustained, joyful effort over time, I can do things I never dreamed would be possible. It has also helped me to find some calm and some clarity in the chaos of modern life.

I love to share this practice and its transformative power. Whether Ashtanga (my first yoga love and my personal daily practice), haha yoga, vinyasa flow (as I have spent years sequencing and modifying) or the breathing practices of pranayama or restorative yoga; there is something that can work for where you are right now.

I have also been deeply interested in making this practice more accessible to everyone; especially those who may never have tried yoga for them or thought that they couldn’t do it. I have had to make my practice work for me though serious injury and pain; so I know it can be done! More than 3 years and 580 hours of Yoga Therapy training have helped me to understand WHY yoga had such a transformative effect on my body, nervous system and mental health; and to learn how to apply a the wide range of yogic practices to support those living with various mental and physical health conditions to help them to thrive.

I completed my Yoga For All Certification with the inspiring Dianne Bondy & Amber Karnes; specifically looking at making yoga accessible for all bodies - of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and abilities in 2019. This has deeply influenced how I teach.

Training & Qualifications

Minded Yoga Therapist, Diploma in Yoga Therapy 580 hrs. Accredited by British Association of Yoga Therapists & National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists.

200Hr Avid Yogi Training: Ashtanga & Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Alliance Professionals). Listing can be found here

100 hr Advanced Ashtanga & Vinyasa Training, Meadowlark Yoga.

Somatic Meditation for Anxiety

Anatomy of Adjustments 2 hour courses: Upper Body, Restorative Inversions, Hip Opening and Restorative Core, Restorative Backbends - all Taught by Karen Kirkness.

Yoga for Outreach (Edinburgh Community Yoga)

Restorative Yoga (15hrs) - Nadine Watton (Meadowlark Yoga)

Yoga For All Certified Instructor, 35 Hours, YAP approved course.

Art of Sequencing, Jason Crandell, 35 Hours, YAP approved course.

I am insured with Yoga Alliance Professionals. Insurance documents available on request.