Rachel Trevallion – Yoga Teacher
What is yoga all about?
Yoga is a form of ancient exercise that originated in India about 5,000 years ago. It focuses on breath control, posture and simple meditation, and is designed to improve physical and mental well-being.
What type of yoga do you specialise in?
Ashtanga inspired Vinyasa flow! Which basically means it’s not just postures on a mat - it’s a complete yoga exercise focussing on all ‘eight limbs’ including mind and soul. We rest our minds and let go. Some of the moves are a bit more energetic than other forms of yoga.
What do you want people to go away feeling?
Calm, relaxed and happy.
What are the health benefits?
It builds up our flexibility, strength and balance.
It can help people with high blood pressure, heart disease, general aches and pains and it’s a great exercise for those battling depression and stress.
Can anyone do it?
Absolutely. There’s a misconception that yoga is just for bendy people - it’s not at all - it’s an exercise for everyone, all ages, all abilities. I love helping people learn the art of yoga, I’m passionate about sharing simple and accessible well-being practices that support us to create balance and harmony in our lives.
Where and when are your classes?
Blackawton Village Hall, Tuesdays at 9.30am and Thursdays at 6pm. Harbour House Kingsbridge, Wednesdays at 9.30am then the Flavel at noon. Classes usually last 90 minutes.
How did you get into yoga?
I had a stressful job as an account manager and would drive 600 miles a week, so I used to enjoy chilling out with yoga before work. As the years went on I realised I was enjoying the job less and less and yoga more and more, so I gave it all up last year and went on a four-week intensive course in India!
Tell us about your time there?
The course was in a retreat in the foothills of the Himalayas. It was hard going, with classes from 6am to 6pm! As well as the key elements of yoga I also studied philosophy, anatomy and meditation. There were 37 of us from all around the world and we still keep in contact.
Where can we find you if you aren’t on your mat?!
If I’m not in lycra I’ve usually got my walking boots on! I enjoy getting out on the coast path. I must have done the Little Dartmouth walk a thousand times.
Are you a healthy eater?
I try to be. I eat fish but not meat. I cook most things from scratch and love making my own hummus. I have chocolate and a glass of wine at the weekend – I’m human!
Best thing you’ve seen?
The Taj Mahal. It was breathtaking. I was quite moved especially as it was built out of love. (Shah Jahan had it commissioned in1631, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died during childbirth).
What would you take to a desert island?
A good pillow, sun cream and a selection of my favourite music (and a way of playing it). I guess I should say a yoga mat, can I take that too?!
What celebrity would you like to attend your class?
My yoga teacher from India (Lalit) or Madonna!
Bravest thing you have done?
To give it all up and follow my dreams.
If you’d like to attend one of Rachel’s classes find out more at www.yogaforbodyandsoul.com
First published in By The Dart magazine March 2019
