LOCKDOWN YOGA INSPIRES HOME FITNESS
LOCAL sports yoga coach Helena Shirley has helped over 600 young athletes stay fit since launching her online sports yoga course at the start of the latest lockdown.
Helena, a Yoga Alliance Professionals Specialist Yoga Teacher and one of only a few qualified Sports Yoga Teachers in the UK, launched the online programme, for athletes aged 16 and above, just twoweeks ago and has already delivered over 20 online sessions to more than 600 participants.
Helena, who is based inWaltham St Lawrence, decided to launch the course to help keep young athletes stay fit, healthy and injury free during lockdown.
Shewanted to keep the teams connectedwith each other and nowup to 100 athletes are taking part at any one time.
“I wanted to support our aspiring young athletes to try and do something really positivewhile they are unable to train, play matches, and enjoy their sport,” said Sarah.
“I sent details of my free trial session to football, tennis and netball clubs in the area andwas delightedwhen Berkshire Netball’s Lead Coach, Sarah Feast, sawhow beneficial these sessionswould be.
“I immediately contacted Helena to arrange a taster session andwas totally convinced about howit would benefit netballers.
“I am really keen to encourage as many netballers as possible to get involvedwith Sport Yoga as it has huge benefits for them andwill help them to be ready to return to court strongly and safelywhenwe are allowed to do so and hopefully prevent them from picking up injuries having not been able to train face-to-face for so long.”
Formany, this is the first time they have experienced yoga but the young athletes are already seeing massive benefits to their flexibility, mobility, and stability.
Helena is currentlyworkingwith Woodley Netball Club and Berkshire Club Academy playerswhilst supporting a number of teams in Maidenhead and one in High Wycombe.
All classes are delivered live, four times aweek, via Zoom and Helena has capacity to help more young athletes as lockdown continues.
“I’d love to get more people trying sports yoga, from tennis players and runners to footballers,” she continued.
“Young people are cooped up all day over a desk doing online school lessonswhen they are used to training hard, playing matches and socialisingwith team mates. I’m not trying to turn them into yogis.
“I justwant to help them to become better athletes.”
Helena nowhas aweekly class for parents on a Fridaymorning who have seen howbeneficial sports yoga has been for their children.
The sixweek coursewhich only costs £3 per session or £15 for 6 is available for individuals aswell as teams.