Teachers

HARRY HEWETSON

Harry worked in the trades as a bath-tub restorer for 15 years during which time he started practising hot yoga to help with back problems, obesity and poor overall fitness.

In the spring of 2013, Harry attended a 9 week, Bikram Yoga teacher-training course in Los Angeles and has since taught full-time at several hot-yoga studios around the country and is the first person to bring Hot Yoga to Market Harborough.

In 2018, Harry expanded his schedule of classes and qualified as an Inferno HIIT Pilates teacher, again being the first to bring this new fitness workout to the East Midlands.

Always excited for a challenge, he then qualified from The Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION) to become a Nutritional Therapist and now owns Optimum You with his wife, Bex.

KERRY FISHER

Kerry discovered yoga during professional dance training in the early 90s. With her first exposure to somatic-based systems, such as Feldenkrais and the Alexander technique, Kerry soon realised the connection between body and mind. Yoga became a transformative practice that changed the direction of her life, leading her to want to share her knowledge and yoga practice today. Kerry undertook a comprehensive two-year, 390-hour teacher training at Triyoga London, delving deep into yoga asana, anatomy and philosophy and more recently an in-depth Restorative Yoga training. As well as leading her own classes, Kerry mentors new yoga teachers for Triyoga’s 2019-2021 teacher training program.

It is Kerry’s belief that yoga can benefit everyone. Her aim is to provide safe, accessible classes for people to grow, heal and learn. Her classes are grounded in precision and clarity, using alignment as a framework to facilitate students’ understanding of the body’s anatomy. Kerry uses breath to explore the body/mind connection, holding a safe space for self-discovery and acceptance. Outside the yoga studio, Kerry loves being within nature. She is an animal lover and enjoys all outdoors adventures.

HOLLY LODGE

After finally taking the recommendation of a close friend, Holly stepped into her first yoga class 5 years ago. Over time, she began to notice increasing changes in herself not just physically but also mentally. Holly’s love for yoga grew quickly and deeply as she began immersing herself in all things yoga; attending yoga and breathwork workshops, retreat days and experiencing many different styles of yoga.  Holly’s passion for yoga and new found self-belief led her to pursue her dream and has recently completed a year-long 200 hr yoga teacher training in Vinyasa Flow with Yoga London.

Holly’s classes play emphasis on working the body physically through vinyasa flow whilst also creating a sense of relaxation. Holly believes the practise of yoga allows you to explore, connect and access a deep state of peace, clarity and calmness, reminding you of who you really are – your ‘true self’.  Holly especially enjoys ending her class with a guided meditation or visualisation, giving her students that extra little bit of relaxation. In her spare time, you can find Holly participating in a yoga class, or spending time with her many pets.

LUNA KENDALL-TORRY

When Yoga, meditation and Buddhism found Luna in 2003, she was in a place of utter disconnection from self and heart space with mental health problems and addictions. Taking the first steps back out into the world took courage and strength and regular yoga and meditation classes were the start of an holistic healing process.

The following 10 years a profound love for the mountains and snowboarding also emerged and here she fused her two main passions together. Whilst living in Canada in 2010, Luna discovered Yin yoga and experienced the potent and deep healing benefits of this meditative practice. Knowing how beneficial it was for herself, she felt she needed to bring Yin into her teaching. Enjoying the dynamic strengthening asana practice of Hatha to be balanced with the passive meditative discipline of Yin. And this is where she is today. Bringing a fusion of these two traditions into her practice to open to a deeper inner connection and awareness, while lengthening what is being strengthened.

Expect a warm and friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on self-care, love and inner enquiry, with guided meditations and healing sounds.

We are thrilled to have Luna teaching Yin Yoga every Sunday.

JOANNE MAROUN

Yoga has been present in my life since I was a teen. I trained professionally in Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, I have since worked professionally as a performer. Alongside my training as a performer I continued to attend weekly yoga classes, which were a welcome unwind.

I have 10 years of teaching experience in Singing/Acting working with young people and adults. In recent years I found myself getting more and more pulled to not only practising yoga asanas (poses) but yoga principles, I eventually found myself practising yoga & meditation daily. I completed my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in ‘Ashtanga Vinyasa’ Himalaya Yoga Institute as well as gaining qualifications in Mindfulness and Yoga for children & teens. I have also completed my multi instrument sound healing training with The Sound Healing Academy which was pure bliss, I love incorporating sound healing into my shavasana with my students as well holding group & 1:1 sound baths. Yoga has since become a sanctuary for me personally and a key to living a lighter more happier life, these skills have been integral to my growth, enabling me to live with a real zest for life. My aim is to pass these skills onto my students.

CARRIE MITCHELL

Carrie’s childhood home was the Lake District and spent much of her early years walking the hills, listening to trees and in awe of the wonders of nature all around her. Fascinated by people and how to help them, she studied Astrology, and then Bsc Psychology, working as a teacher for over 10 years, specialising in advising parents & children with Special Educational Needs. Even within the conventional school system, her role was often to bring empowerment & hope to those who most needed it.

Carrie’s niche is sharing a higher perspective to facilitate positive transformation for all. Carrie has been a Holistic Practitioner of Naturopathic therapies including Kinesiology and a Teacher of Reiki & Meditation since 2001. She trained with Tama-Do Academy in 2010 and as an Energy Practitioner and Teacher of Sound, Colour and Qi Movement, she always finds joy & inspiration to share Tama Do, ‘The way of the Soul to the Light’. Carrie is a Certified Practitioner offering 5 Element Sound Acupuncture, Sound Therapy, Colour Therapy, and energy work. She is also a Reiki Master certified to teach all Levels of Usui Reiki and Shibashi Qi Gong and offer Soul-self Path readings.

HANNAH COATES

Yoga plays an ever increasing role in Hannah’s life – what began as a hobby, soon became a passion, eventually developing into a lifestyle.  Hannah undertook her 200 hr Yoga Teacher training with Vikasa Yoga and aims to practise yoga both on and off of the mat, bringing a fresh sense of gratitude and acceptance to every day.

Alongside this passion she adores gardening and works as an Art Director – running campaigns and editorials for brands and magazines. She has come to discover and cherish the peace and creativity that both yoga, and gardening can bring, and loves to offer this to others in whatever form she can. Her classes are a blend of Hatha and Vinyasa – exploring challenging postures that test physical and mental strength, along with improving flexibility.  This effort is closed with a guided meditation, and a relaxing savasana, allowing you to return to your day with a peaceful state of mind. “I can’t wait to see you on the mat!”

LUCY PASHLEY

I first came to yoga during my first pregnancy with twins over 35 years ago! The effect yoga had on me was profound, finding a deeper connection with myself and a deep calmness amongst the chaos of life with a young family. In fact when I gave birth to my third baby, it was my yoga teachers’ voice that was in my head, and the techniques she had taught me that guided me through the birth with calmness and control in the midst of a chaotic maternity unit.

I trained as a yoga teacher with the UK centre for Sun Power Yoga in 2005 and then specialised in perinatal yoga with Francis Freedman at Birthright in London gaining my perinatal diploma in 2007. I taught antenatal and postnatal classes for several years at a private studio in Leicester alongside working as a midwife. I completed my 500 hour post graduate diploma with Sun Power yoga in 2021 and my diploma in Hypnobirthing in 2023.

Yoga for pregnancy, birth and beyond promotes mental and physical wellbeing, calm, strength and inner balance. Every woman’s unique journey from conception, pregnancy, giving birth, and becoming a mum involves great physical and emotional changes. Knowing how to use and adapt yoga techniques, to breathe, move and relax during pregnancy, will honour and empower you through labour and birth, whether it is natural or caesarean section, and provide a spectrum of support tools throughout your life as a mother.

My yoga sessions build and focus on strengthening and supporting your pregnant body, your positions for labour and birth and yoga breathing techniques to promote control and relaxation. You can expect safe uplifting movement practices and meditations to connect you to your baby and each session finishes with deep relaxation.

Pregnancy and yoga for birth classed can be attended from 14 weeks of pregnancy and you are welcome to attend post natal yoga with your baby after your have been signed off by your GP, usually around 6 weeks.

LUCIE MEURA

Lucie started practicing yoga in 2012. Since then, she discovered various styles of yoga and decided to deepen her knowledge of the discipline by completing her 200 hrs Yoga Teacher Training in South Goa, India in 2018, specializing in Ashtanga-Vinyasa. Since then, she led Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin and meditation classes in Indonesia, Belgium and the United-Kingdom. As a teacher, she strives to provide a serene space in which anyone can safely explore and discover the spaciousness, strength and flexibility of one’s mind and body.

BHAVESH RAMJI

Unlike most yoga teachers Bhavesh’s first experience of yoga was not through the physical practice. As a child Bhavesh was introduced to the practice of meditation by his parents. He is a very active person who loves being outdoors in nature. In 2016 Bhavesh started his yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India. Wanting to learn from where yoga originated, he completed his 200hrs training in hatha yoga. Bhavesh has been teaching Yoga professionally since 2018. Going back to train further completing 300hrs course in Ashtanga in late 2019. He is committed to making Yoga available to all who wish to practice. His aim is to help people experience Yoga as a complete mind, body and spirit energy practice. As it helps to keep a calm, focused mind and a healthy body. Bhavesh has a warm and engaging personality and is super passionate to share both the physical and mental benefits of yoga helping students in developing their own practice to a level which meets their abilities and potential. Expect to flow beautifully with Bhavesh and experience an authentic style of teaching straight from India.

LOU TRINDER

My passion for Pilates grew when a class was introduced at my place of work. With a hectic media job in London and 3 young children, Pilates became a reset tool at the start of each week. I loved how it didn’t matter if i was feeling exhausted or a bit blue, an hour of Pilates on a Monday lunchtime never felt like a chore and I’d step back to my desk feeling far more positive and prepared mentally for the week ahead. I could quickly see and feel the benefits physically too and relished the opportunity to learn new moves and challenge my body. And so my Plan B was born and as we relocated from London to Market Harborough I transitioned from my desk job to Pilates teacher. I continue to enjoy attending classes and taking courses to develop my teaching skills, so I can share my enthusiasm for the principles of Pilates in my own classes.

LEONIE LITTLEJOHN

10 years a yoga teacher, Leonie’s yogic repertoire includes: Sun Power Yoga, Yin Yoga Fundamentals, Pre and Post Natal Yoga, Aerial Yoga and also Reformer Pilates.

She has taught locally and consistently in Leicestershire at gyms and studios alike, but has also taught internationally in mystical locations such as Bali, Cambodia and Morocco.

With the aim of beautifying not only the body but predominantly the mind, her classes orientate around an equilibrium of strength, stamina and flexibility.

A passionate mother of two, you’ll find Leonie baking vegan cakes with her daughter or on dog walks with her son in the baby carrier.

CAROLINE BRENNAN

Caroline is excited to join the team at Optimum You Yoga studio and sharing her passion for Pilates.

Her journey began some 25 years ago as a Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist, teaching Aerobics, Body Conditioning and Indoor Cycle Classes – it was during this time Pilates hit the UK market and Caroline was fortunate to be working for a health club provider who embraced the trend and it was literally a ‘light bulb moment” and went on to train with many Pilates and Yoga Training providers to bring a movement integration class, that has variation, whilst maintaining the principles of pilates:

• Centering
• Concentration
• Control
• Precision
• Breath
• Flow

“Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind and spirit”  (Joseph Pilates)

Pilates is not just about great posture and rock-hard core. It is more than just a physical exercise, and can radically enhance mental, emotional and spiritual well being too.

Caroline looks forward to meeting you in the studio.

PAUL HODGETTS

My name is Paul and when I’m not doing yoga, I enjoy playing golf, watching Sheffield Wednesday Football Club, and cooking. I have been married for 34 years to my wife Judy and we have two grown up children, Chris and Katie.

Professionally, I have worked most of my life in senior management positions within the computing industry. The pace and stress of this environment led me to search for an outlet that would provide calmness and stillness – I have found this, and more, with yoga.

I believe yoga is a great tool to deal with life’s stresses. I have been practising yoga for over 15 years and 5 years ago gained my yoga teaching qualification in India under the guidance of Oceanic Yoga. It would be great to see you at one of my classes.

MICHAL AVRIEL

Michal has been a Pilates and fitness instructor for over 23 years.  She is 47 years old, with 3 children, and came to England from Israel about eight months ago, following her husband’s work.

All her life she has been involved in the fitness industry and back in Israel, ran two studio spaces, one focused on Reformer Pilates classes and the other with a broader range of fitness classes.

Here in the UK she was delighted to discover the Optimum You community and beautiful studio space. She now runs her 1-1 and duet Reformer Pilates classes in the smaller private studio room. You can book the 1-1’s sessions directly by emailing michal.avriel@gmail.com or contacting her on: 0775 472 3478.

Michal has a wealth of experience and knowledge and her style of teaching is both dynamic and fun and will get great results.

Michal also teaches a group mat Pilates class on Friday mornings as part of the weekly timetable.

OLIVIA MITCHELL

Olivia came to Pilates following an accident which required her to undergo spinal surgery. Pilates was suggested by her surgeon to support her rehabilitation.  After a few months of committed practice, Olivia started to notice positive changes to her body including less pain and more function, not only in her spine but in the rest of her body too. From a follow up scan 6 months later, she could see for herself that the results were real.  Her discs were all healthy and her spine health was that of someone considerably younger.  It was then Olivia decided she wanted to support others with their health and took the step to train as a Stott Pilates teacher. Olivia believes that movement is an integral part of wellbeing and focuses her practice around controlled, precise movement and breath work.  Pilates requires a mind to body connection, working together as a whole.  In Pilates a focus is core strength, and yes Pilates will certainly give you a stronger core  but it will also support your posture, help main mobility, flexibility and improve balance too.  The result is better health and functional movement.

Karmi Yogi Programme

Share Your Good Vibes and Get Free Yoga

Our Karmi Yogi Energy Exchange program gives students the opportunity to deepen their yoga practice, regardless of their financial situation.

Karmi Yogi’s are an integral part of our studio family – their passion and dedication is what makes our community special. In exchange for working 4 hours per week cleaning and supporting the studio, Karmi Yogi’s will receive unlimited yoga and lots of other perks!

Want to become a bigger part of our community in exchange for free yoga? Have 4 hours a week to spare? Our Karmi Yogi Energy Exchange program is for you!

To apply or if you know someone who would like to be considered, simply contact us at hello@optimumyouyoga.com