Meet Laura
The practice found me over 15 years ago when I was a busy IT Executive.
I desperately needed a way to manage stress and move my body, so when a leaflet for a local Yoga class came through the letterbox I decided to try it out.
It was not love at first try – in fact I really disliked it. I felt completely stiff, awkward, and uncomfortable in my body but I went back because I had paid for a block of classes. It really wasn’t until the 2nd class that something clicked and I started to feel that I had found something that would change my life. And change my life it did!
My aim is always to encourage you to work within your own individual potential and to have you leave my classes, feeling better than when you arrived.
Two years later I graduated as a Yoga teacher and I started teaching straight after the birth of my daughter – ironically in the same room where I took those first classes. Within 2 years I made a career change and started teaching full time and Bay Area Yoga was born.
Back in those days, there weren’t that many Yoga Studios in Dublin so I focused on running my own classes in local community halls and I also taught Night Classes in Marino College.
I taught full-time for three years working in my local area and building a community with small and personal classes. After my son was born I made the decision to go back to college and complete a degree in Physiotherapy. I’ve always had a huge interest in health and wellness and this degree would allow me to merge my medical training and knowledge of Yoga and to be of service to people. Even though, very demanding 4-year long Science Degree at Trinity College, while juggling family life and two children under the age of 5, I continued to teach Yoga. It is such a huge part of who I am and something that I can never imagine not doing.
I love my job as it allows me the opportunity to work with some pretty inspiring little humans every day.
I now work as a Paediatric Physiotherapist specializing in treating children with neurological impairments such as Cerebral Palsy. I love my job as it allows me the opportunity to work with some pretty inspiring little humans every day. They get to practice lots of Yoga with me too. I also work in private practice and of course, I still teach Yoga Classes.
Over the years I’ve practiced and trained with some amazing teachers and I am so grateful to them for all the learning.
Last year I completed a teaching mentorship with Naomi Absalom and this year I completed my Advanced Teacher Training Hours with Jason Crandell.
My classes aim to cultivate a balanced approach towards practicing Yoga where we can explore poses together - it’s a collaboration where each student has a voice. I aim to offer a space where students can cultivate grit and grace in a friendly and personal class environment.
My Credentials
Collaborations
“You are this vastness. This vista you see, this grandeur, this enduring strength—if you go deeply enough inside yourself, you will find not something small but something immensely spacious.
This is the essence of the human spirit.”
-Donna Farhi
Kind Words
“I've been attending yoga classes for about two months online from Italy and it's simply great!!! I'm not very flexible but Laura is able to push you to your limits without you realizing it!
She is patient and kind and gives you several options so that it's suitable for beginners and advanced students. Her classes are very professional but at the same time friendly and relaxed so you end the day feeling refreshed and good all over..... Highly recommended!!!”
- Maria Long
“I've been attending Laura's yoga classes for a number of years - so no surprises that I think they are great. It's a crowded market out there, but I go back again and again for her skills (as a yoga teacher and physio - what a great mix!) and her fantastic attitude. She is kind and open, always encourages us to progress, but with very low fuss or pressure. A great mix overall, to challenge and get the best out of attendees.”
- Maria Long
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Flow / Vinyasa Yoga?
Flow and Vinyasa mean the same time. In a flow class, the poses are linked together to form a sequence rather than being taught separately. Flow classes are not always fast-paced and I prefer a slow flow where each pose is held for a while before it evolves into the next pose.
Flow classes focus on synchronizing movement and breathing and I place a large emphasis on the breath and mindfulness throughout the practice.
2. Are your classes suitable for beginners?
Yes, my classes are suitable for beginners. Everyone is welcome! I ask that you chat with me before our first practice together and let me know you are a newbie.
3. What level are your classes?
Most of my public classes are mixed level and I offer variations depending on students’ needs and abilities. If I’m offering classes for more advanced students, I will list them as Level II-III.
4. Can I practice with you if I have an injury?
Yes absolutely. I’m a Chartered Physiotherapist so I am more than happy to help you adapt your practice to suit. I ask that you chat with me well before our first practice together and let me know you have an injury or limitation, so I can offer your variations of poses if needs be. If you have more injury-specific needs, I may ask you to attend a private session beforehand in order to help you prepare for potential things that might come up during the class.
5. Can I practice Yoga if I’m not flexible / am male / over a certain age?
I can’t tell you how many times these questions come up and the answer is always a resounding ‘yes. Absolutely. Definitely. Yes. You are so very welcome to join.
6. What is Clinical Yoga?
Clinical yoga sessions are one-to-one sessions that are partly a Physiotherapy Assessment and partly Yoga Therapy. They are suitable for students recovering from injuries or looking for a more nuanced practice to target a particular muscle or movement. In a nutshell, if you are experiencing pain in your Yoga practice or you have an injury, I will assess you and then use Yoga Poses instead of conventional exercises to help your recovery.
7. I’ve never practiced online, what happens during a live online class?
Once you register you will receive a link and password to join the online class.
You can log in to Zoom using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Please log in a few minutes before the class is due to start to ensure there are no IT issues and to give yourself time to settle.
You are encouraged to keep your camera on so that we can practice Yoga together but please feel free to turn it off once class starts if you are more comfortable that way.
I always create a Spotify playlist to accompany classes and this link will be made available in the group chat before class starts. I invite you to listen to it as we practice together.
8. Can I try before I buy?
If you are practicing online with me for the first time simply enter 1sttimeonline when you book and checkout and join the first class for no charge.
9. What will I need?
Just you, your mat and some playful curiosity.
10. Are your classes recorded?
Yes all online classes are recorded and available for hire in my online library.
11. Do you teach meditation and mindfulness as well as Yoga?
Yes absolutely. Every class that I teach has elements of mindfulness and meditation included. I focus my classes entirely around breath awareness and mindful movement and we will always conclude the class with a brief meditation practice.
If you are interested primarily in meditation practices please connect with me as I am happy to arrange this on an individual basis as required.
12. Do you teach Prenatal or Postnatal Yoga?
I am a qualified Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher.
Currently, all of my classes are mixed level which means in some cases, pregnant students are able to join in with my group classes.
If you are pregnant and interested in coming to my classes please connect with me and let me know and I would be happy to chat with you about what is available. I am also available for Clinical Yoga sessions in the event that you have a pregnancy-specific condition that you would like to address such as Diastasis Rectus.
13. How do I book?
Contact me or visit my e-store and book the class or product of your choice.
14. How do I Pay?
All classes and services can be booked and paid for via the e-store using either Paypal or Stripe to pay.