Yoga Reviews
"I had never done yoga before I went to Simon's class for the first time, so I was unsure what to expect and, frankly, a little nervous. I really needn't have worried - Simon was kind and attentive and keen to make sure he understood my level, as well as any injuries or other issues I was worried about. I have now been coming to Simon for several years and consider his yoga class to be an important part of my overall fitness regime. In fact, I have noticed real improvement in core strength and flexibility - not to mention the money I have saved on osteopaths (I used to have frequent adjustments on my neck and back and I go a lot less often these days). Simon's approach is to talk and coach you through each posture offering options for level and intensity, which means that whether you're a total beginner or a seasoned practitioner you can get the most out of every class. Simon has a lovely aura and this, coupled with his professional expertise, means that everyone leaves his class with a great feeling of physical and mental wellbeing."
Lindsay, Company Director
Lindsay also attended my online yoga classes which started during the COVID pandemic,, and kindly wrote this additional testimonial:
“I have done Simon’s yoga classes over many years and always enjoyed them so I was delighted when he decided to do online sessions. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I find they are working really well. I can see and hear him clearly and Simon can see us to give instructions and make adjustments etc where necessary. I thought it would be a useful stop gap during lockdown but in many ways I prefer these home sessions. Not least because the gym I usually go to can get very busy, so it’s nice to have your own space and not worry about getting in the way of other people (or vice versa!)."
Lindsay
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"Simon is keeping us sane and supple during lockdown with his online yoga. I had done his classes for a number of years at my local gym and always enjoyed them, so It was fantastic when he moved his classes online. My husband has started doing yoga for the first time and he is really feeling the benefit of them. Simon makes his classes enjoyable and easy to follow. He is able to clearly explain verbally on how to get into the different positions and offer advice on what you are doing."
Sarah and Boggie
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"Simon’s yoga classes offer both teaching - and healing. I injured my back just before the 2010 General Election, shifting a heavy duty printer (on my own) from my Parliament office to the MP's flat where I was due to work from for half the week.
It was agony - my GP referred me to a physiotherapist for two lots of 12 one-hour sessions, including having my back strapped up for days on end and many sessions of sports acupuncture. I had only mild relief and on occasion had to visit A&E when it ‘went’ again.
And then, through word of mouth from colleagues across all Parties, I was recommended Simon Bradley's lunchtime classes in the House of Commons basement gym. I was told there were a few yoga instructors there, but only one whose classes were all fully booked - with good reason. They were right and I discovered his classes actually really helped my back. I could move again without fear of re-jarring it.
And, despite these surreal times, one of the few benefits of lockdown is that Simon’s wonderful classes are available via Zoom online - which means I - now living in Scotland - and so many other of my Parliamentary colleagues have been able to rejoin them. Best thing that has happened so far in 2020! Cannot recommend highly enough."
Elizabeth Dudley, Director, Community InfoSource
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"I have been doing yoga for over 16 years and have followed Simon Bradley's classes for the last seven. His approach to yoga opened up new ways of seeing and developing my body. One of the most difficult things in life is to accept who you are and to deal with it as best you can. Simon's breakdown of the sequences and his personal way come together to show how to effectively bind together body and mind. As a result I have made tremendous progress in both my flexibility, my physical well-being and peace of mind. He is a unique teacher."
Rachel Odier, Textile Designer
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"Having taken up yoga as a senior citizen and having attended a weekly mixed ability class for a number of years now, I can offer an observation or two...
Does your instructor ask, every time prior to class commencing, whether there are any injuries, if anyone is new to yoga or if there are any questions? If there is a question, does your instructor incorporate an illuminating response into his class narrative? Does your instructor emphasise that its not how far you can take a posture that matters, but how it feels? Does your instructor draw attention to the body's left and right sides behaving differently? Does your instructor say that no movement should hurt, and that if it starts to you should back off, stay away from your "edge"? Does your instructor draw attention to anatomy, especially the spot where you should feel the effect of a posture? Is the routine varied? Is your instructor approachable? Does your instructor pay attention to every member of the class, throughout the class?
If you've said "yes" every time, the odds are that your instructor is Simon Bradley."
John Roycroft, octogenarian
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“Thank you for another lovely class. It's nice to be taken care of in a class, meaning that someone else has the responsibility of balancing the choice of postures. It really is like being chauffeur driven through a beautiful city...”
W. Y. Shiu, Musician
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(Photo on this page by Cecile Faure)