Our Teachers

THEIR KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND PASSION WILL GUIDE, INSPIRE AND CHALLENGE YOU

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Fiona Allen - Bikram Hot Yoga, Inferno Hot Pilates

Having worked professionally as a dancer and then qualifying as a personal trainer Fiona always wanted to find a fitness substitute that would provide the same level of strength and muscle tone and as in her prior ballet training.

She went to her first Bikram class over 10 years ago and soon realised it had all the elements she craved. “It was amazing for me as a beginner, but also powerful in how quickly it enabled me to develop even more flexibility and balance in addition to providing an unparalleled workout! 

I love the discipline and the challenge in class and the sweaty feeling of how cleansed and stretched my body is afterwards . 

Not to mention the benefits of a longer and healthier life and am now excited to be able to motivate my students too.”

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Alessandro Mauro Vanegas - Bikram Hot Yoga, Inferno Hot Pilates

Alessandro has been teaching Bikram Yoga full time since graduating in 2010. Alessandro strongly believes in the healing powers of the practice and sees it as the perfect tool to enable us to enjoy the things we love in our lives. He firmly believes that absolutely anyone can do yoga and gain real benefits from their practice.

Alessandro is also an Inferno Hot Pilates teachers and loves to create high energy, fun and accessible classes. He sees combining Yoga and IHP as a great way to stay active, healthy and happy as we tackle all the challenges that daily life throws at us.

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Amanda Lennon - Inferno Hot Pilates, Power Hour

Amanda is a life-coach who has radically transformed her life over the last 7 years, one of the tools she has used is yoga and Inferno Hot Pilates. She is invested personally and professionally in self-care and the belief that anyone can change. I made the decision to upgrade my life on every level. My first love of yoga is Bikram which opens the door to other styles.

Initially, yoga helped Amanda to alleviate her injuries and then to tone and strengthen her body and mind.

Amanda has since qualified in Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Inferno Hot Pilates.


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Barton Young - Bikram Hot Yoga

Barton Young is both a teacher and a student at The Yoga Quarter and feels each helps the other. “As a teacher my focus is in guiding students through their practice. I like to see those who, like me, may lack confidence in what they feel their body is capable of, practicing alongside experienced yogis, sharing the same strengthening energy in the hot room. If you are new to Bikram, my class is relaxed and open to all, and aims to help you discover what I did: a new, purifying, ennobling colour I never knew I needed in my life.”

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Cici Coleman - Inferno Hot Pilates

Cici puts her own body transformation down to Inferno Hot Pilates, so you can be sure to receive a killer workout with her regular Tuesday night classes in the studio. Always a killer playlist and a workout that will give you an afterburn for days. Not one to be missed!

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Davide Felicella - Rocket, Power Hour

Keeping the body active has been fundamental for Davide since he was 12 years old and he started break-dancing for the first time. The life changing effect of the stamina that it gave to his physical body developed into a visceral understanding of the importance of the physical=psychological/mental health connection. At that early stage of his life, he became aware of the role that the connection between body, mind and spirit plays for the well being of the individual.

Following a knee injury in 2015, he decided to expand his interests and dedicated himself to the study of Yoga, manual therapies, physical movement, anatomy and physiology. Since then he has experimented with a variety of disciplines, sports and styles in the realm of physical movement.

 
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Fleur Poad - Yin

Fleur has been teaching yoga and meditation in London for the past four years and before that taught movement and performance for over 8 years . Coming from a performing, dancing and singing background she has always been interested in the body and feeling free and joyous in yourself . She trained initially in Ashtanga and Rocket Yoga, added Mandala Vinyasa, Forrest yoga training and also teaches pre/postnatal, Yin and children’s Yoga . Using various styles and techniques to help you connect to the stillness inside, her Yin and Yoga Nidra Class on Friday afternoons is where you can find her at the Yoga Quarter.

This class will encompass Yin Yoga, meditation, hand mudras and pranayama (breath exercises) leaving you refreshed, calm and focused.

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Almania Colombo – Bikram Hot Yoga

After a first disastrous Bikram class Almania started to practice regularly in the fall of 2010.

It was not love at first sight, but she grew in love with it more and more with every single class. After only 6 months she decided to go to the teacher training.

She teaches Bikram Yoga and practices it simply because it works.

“Through my work I hear and see the changes in the students lives every day. How they come in the studio with little or many issues, and soon after taking a series of classes they shine again. It’s moving and inspiring! 

It’s good for my mind and for my body...

The one thing I never regret, is spending 90 minutes of my life in the hot room.”

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Fraser Murray - Sweat and Stretch

Fraser’s love for fitness and teaching is huge, always providing energy and a guaranteed smile. Dancing from birth, Fraser has trained in various styles from Jazz, Ballet, Tap to Hip Hop. Now he’s spent years teaching fitness with the love to make people sweat! Training at one of the best dance schools in the UK Italia Conti, his training has given him all the knowledge and all the passion. 

From dancing on UK tours, to tv shows, to runaways and fitness exhibitions and festivals he’s giving you nothing BUT fun and killer playlists.

 
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Michael Eley – Bikram Hot Yoga, Yogasana, Power Hour, Hippy Therapy

You can’t live the same moment twice. That’s why no two of Michael’s yoga classes are ever the same. If you really want to know what his classes are like, the only way to find out is to step into the hot room with him!

Michael first went to a yoga class in 2001. In 2009 he went to the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training in Las Vegas, where he met his wonderful wife Sindy (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas). He continues to study and practise to deepen his knowledge and understanding, and teaches various types of yoga all over London.

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Melanie Lowe Fismer – Bikram Hot Yoga, Power Hour

Mel was called to yoga by a deeper intuition that she did not yet understand. Mel was 19 and a bit lost and didn’t want to end up like her dad who’d had a massive stroke 4 years prior at the age of 38 as a result of a disconnection between his mind, body and spirit.

Mel’s class in three words: Playful, connected, supported

Mel’s best piece of advice: “If you don’t have anything good to say about someone, then don’t say anything at all.” – My beautiful mum.

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Georgia Davis - Barre

Georgia attended the The Urdang Academy is Islington and is our Barre teacher who will have you shaking. Expect a class that focuses on the lower body and core, developing strength and flexibility from the ankles up though the calves, knees, thighs, glutes and abdominals.

 
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Hannah Knight - Inferno Hot Pilates

Hannah’s passion for Inferno Hot Pilates started soon after she attended one of Fiona’s classes, loving the challenge it provided and she quickly saw results. When you come to her class, expect a low-impact but high intensity workout that is accessible for all. Hannah teaches with high energy, and a hint of competitive spirit. Whether you are just beginning your fitness journey or looking for a consistent, fun way to workout, come join Hannah for Inferno Hot Pilates. You will see results. 

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Sindy Haque – Bikram Hot Yoga, Yogasana

Sindy strongly believes if she can do yoga, ANYONE can do yoga.

Years of battering her body through high impact sports such as athletics and volleyball, meant physically she’d been through the mill.

After surviving the 2004 tsunami, Sindy suffered quite a lot of trauma in her body and mind. For a while she messed around trying some “yoga moves” on a beach in Thailand and then a friend suggested she try it for real. For the first time she felt a sense of calm; how her body changed was an added bonus.

Sindy has been teaching full time since 2009 and has also qualified in advanced personal training. She’s always looking to educate herself further so she can deepen her knowledge, stay connected and teach her students to the very best of her ability.

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Kage Douglas - Barre

Kage began his journey as a professional singer, dancer, actor and model and has performed in musicals such as Saturday Night Fever, We Will Rock You, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Hair, Ghost and Dirty Dancing. He was also a dancer for the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics and in Mamma Mia! – The Movie.
Teaching fitness has always been a passion of his. In between his theatre and modelling jobs he teaches dance to kids and professionals in training.

Kage's classes are fun, upbeat, challenging and empowering. He will instil you with confidence and push you – so that you believe in yourself and feel confident as you can go harder. With lots of high energy, positivity, good vibes and banter.

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Andrew Jungwirth – Bikram Hot Yoga, Vinyasa

For Andrew, the inspiration and energy he has benefitted from the practice of yoga has been transformative. Through his practice over the years, he has gained insight into and have drawn the strength to slough off unwanted and unnecessary layers: unsatisfying careers, enervating work, situations of negative energy, destructive relationships (with people and things!).…and fried food and red wine (err…mostly: some Friday evenings excepted). “Yeah, think my dharma and adharma still fight it out! But yoga most certainly is on my side in that struggle.”

In the course of leading and instructing hatha yoga asana (Bikram and vinyasa flow) he has been and continue to be inspired by many students’ dedication and commitment to their yoga practice. “I am enriched by observing the benefits – physically, physiologically emotionally and in subtle other ways – they have gained and been empowered by over time through a regularly maintained practice. I am always energised by the warmth, strength and kindness of fellow dedicated yogis and yoginis.”

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Kiraly Saint Claire - Inferno Hot Pilates

Kiraly’s classes blend his knowledge of nine years of working as a professional dancer, focusing on musicality, alignment and embracing the community spirit of group exercise. Born and raised on the tiny Caribbean island of St. Lucia movement has always been an integral part of his culture. Travelling to the UK at age 16 to pursue a career as a dancer eventually delving deeper into kinetic exploration of the body as a massage therapist, yoga wheel and fitness instructor. His Hot Pilates conditioning class is an amazing way of toning and strengthening with high energy moves seasoned with Caribbean sounds. Bring an open mind and come join the party!

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Laura McDonald – Bikram Hot Yoga, Yin Yoga

Laura stepped into a yoga studio for the first time in 2005. It was a Bikram Yoga class and it was love at first sweat. At the time she was pursuing an acting career but spending a lot more time doing other jobs to pay the bills rather than doing what she loved.

In 2009 she made the decision to go to Bikram Yoga teacher training, thinking that it might work as a part time job alongside the acting, she didn't realise just how much she would enjoy teaching and that this passion would in time completely take over.

She teaches full time, teaching at various studios in London as well as in Bristol and Bournemouth. In 2016 Laura travelled to Vancouver, Canada to train with Yin Yoga teacher Bernie Clark and is finding that this slower paced, meditative form of yoga is an excellent compliment to the more 'Yang' style practice of Bikram Yoga.

Follow her on Instagram @postcardsfromlaurasville

 
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Koral-Leigh Webb - Yin and Sound

Koral-Leigh is a London based Yoga Instructor leading a variety of rejuvenating yoga practices. From Vinyasa and Power Yoga to Yin Yoga, Sound Healing and Meditation, Koral-Leigh provides a unique learning experience, fit for all levels. Paying particular attention to the breath, Koral uses the key of the breath to anchor guests down into the present moment, allowing the buzzing of the mind to slowly quieten whilst the body breaks free of any tension. Expect an energising practice to get your juices flowing or enjoy are more relaxing approach by joining a Yin Yoga class to allow you to feel fully restored.

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Paul Slack - Yin

After years of throwing himself around the stage as an actor, what started out as a bit of gentle stretching to ease an aching back and creaking joints has opened a world of treasures. On the advice of a friend Paul signed up for an intro offer at a Bikram Studio – the first class was a gamechanger, however, it was discovering the subtle gem of Yin that really blew him away! “I suddenly realised my life was totally yang-centric and craving its Yin side to be honoured.” Slowing down, spending time in the more meditative, gentle but challenging holds of Yin poses, opened a path of exploration and inquiry that eventually led to teacher training. Proving it is never too late to learn, he has since broadened his teaching with Daoist Flow Yoga – a somatic combination of Vinyasa and Qi Gong – studying with Jean Hall and Mimi Kuo Deemer. Drawing on his experience as an actor and voice artist, his classes are a weave of asana, stories, poetry and guided meditation.

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Nina Rashid – Yin and Yoga Nidra

Nina has been practicing and teaching Yoga since 1998, her first yoga class was on a beach in Kerala, India.

Since leaving the airline industry which took her around the world, Nina now teaches hot yoga, yin, restorative and yoga nidra at various studios in London.

Nina is also an Accessible Yoga ambassador, working to make yoga accessible to everyone regardless of ability and background.

 
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Sophie Caton - Bikram Hot Yoga

Sophie trained in Musical Theatre at Arts Ed in Chiswick and has appeared in many West End and touring productions. She took her first Bikram yoga class over 20yrs ago and knew it was ‘for her’. As a keen runner, completing several half and full marathons she found it was a great way to stretch out, build up strength and stamina and train without the impact involved in pavement running. In 2014 she went to Thailand to complete her Bikram teacher training and on completion was offered a six month teaching appointment at Namaha Bikram Yoga in Hyderabad, India. Sophie is a passionate and energetic teacher and loves discovering something new in every class.

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Martin Wieser – Bikram Hot Yoga, Vinyasa

Yoga has improved every aspect of my life. I believe regular practice leads to a stronger, flexible and eventually more calmer mind & body. 

I believe that people from all walks of life practice yoga for various reasons and their hard work and dedication inspires me every time both when I practice and teaching.

After years of failed attempts at 'getting fit' and kicking bad habits, the strict routine; breathing exercises and mix of tension and release had me hooked immediately. 

People together practicing yoga in a class creates a special energy, never have I found myself in a more supportive and non-judgmental environment than a yoga class and I feel blessed to be part of a great community striving for health and self-awareness.

 

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Ana Wood – Bikram Hot Yoga, Inferno Hot Pilates

Ana loves working with people who are interested in the benefits of exploring a mind-body practice that improves every aspect of life. 

For me it all started with a sneeze 10 years ago that left me with agonising back pain. It turns that I had a prolapsed disc, which several times confined me to the floor. After a discectomy and a recommendation from a friend I found yoga. I firmly believe that Bikram yoga helped speed my recovery and has given me the muscle tone and flexibility to avoid this happening again.

Perhaps like you, when I started yoga, my body hurt, I was stiff and sore, couldn't focus or even balance! The physical challenge was less frightening to me as I was a national-standard kayaker in a past life and understand the demands of an intensive training block. What I struggled with was the letting go of expectation, being so competitive and always wanting to be first. 

I've changed a lot after that first class, the deep relaxation I felt afterward and the sense of pride at having done something so good for myself was tremendous. The benefits only keep increasing; stress relief, developing my mental ability to focus on what is really important in life. The change is still happening thanks to all my wonderful teachers and of course, you students! 

What I get inspired by are the people who can barely finish but never give up.

 
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Ahmed Zambarakji – Yogasana and Dynamic Vinyasa Teacher

Ahmed is a bodyworker and healer whose practise draws on elements of Bikram, Ashtanga, Jivamukti and element-based yoga. His emphasis is on the therapeutic benefits of asana and connection with the subtle energy bodies, rather than ‘picture perfect’ postures. Students can expect a pacy, sweaty class that's set to music and features lots of hands on adjustments. Meditation, philosophy and massage are key elements of every class.

His own discovery of yoga came at the tail end of a long period of physical and mental healing some 10 years ago. Ahmed had turned to somatic therapy, Chinese Medicine and Shamanic Arts in an effort to heal persist issues with his own body. A yoga practice cemented his recovery and is now a central part of his life. He is deeply grateful to his mentors: Stewart Gilchrist - with whom he recently completed a 200hr training - Shomit Mitter, David Manning, Ena Vie and Louka Leppard.