Hotpod Yoga
Gateshead

Susan Searle

Working as a PT in the fitness industry for years, Sue began practicing yoga as a way to balance her time in the gym. She quickly came to realise the multifaceted nature of yoga, finding there is a practice to suit every mood.

After moving into a stressful corporate job, the true benefits of yoga shone through: the connection between breath, body and mind. Sue found that after every session, whether challenging or restorative, she felt calm and centered. It changed her mindset and life in so many ways. From then on she decided she wanted to share this and help others see the benefits yoga can have on their everyday lives.

Francina Connolly

I first found yoga at my local gym in 2002, I practiced weekly and felt great then in 2009 a friend recommended hot yoga and my life changed forever. I practiced daily and became part of a wonderful and supportive community, my practice and the people around me gave me more strength (physically and mentally) than I could ever have imagined.
In 2014 I took my 200hr teacher training in London. I LOVE teaching yoga. My mission is to spread the love, to support and encourage my students to have the confidence to do the things they never thought possible.

Joanne

My first yoga experience was with Hotpod, when I visited the studio in 2018. I loved being cocooned in the pod with no distractions, the mood lighting, aromas, working with the heat, and how I felt when I finished a class.

In 2021 I travelled to Mexico where I completed my 200 hour teacher training. I continued to travel, experiencing many styles of yoga classes and teachers. Once I returned to the UK, I decided to start an advanced 300 hour mixed styles teacher training.

I am very interested in Nutrition, Holistic therapies and Ayurveda. I love to travel, exploring different cultures, being in nature and the outdoors.

Gary Walker

Spiritually a White Tiger is renowned for its strength and majestic fierceness. It traditionally symbolizes strength, courage, willpower and vision.

After first finding yoga in 2009, Gary Walker, the man behind White Tiger experienced a life changing event which led to the spiritual awakening of his yogic practice.

From India to Cape Town learning the practice of Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa his down to earth approach will guide and relax you into the practice no matter what your level.

Terri-Anne Edgar

I truly believe that practising yoga is one of the most amazing things you can do for yourself, it has transformed my life in so many ways, as the benefits for both your body and mind are endless.

I completed my yoga teacher training in 2019 so that I could share these benefits with as many people as I could. I love both teaching and practicing yoga at Hotpod, the atmosphere, the heat, and the music are everything you need for an amazing yoga class, to melt away all your stresses and leave feeling like you’re floating on a cloud!

Kim Wells

Kim has been involved in the fitness industry for over 30 years, both as an instructor and as a lecturer for fitness qualifications. She holds an L4 Diploma in Teaching Yoga as well as qualifications in Pilates, Low Back Pain Management and Pregnancy. She believes everyone can benefit from yoga and aims to provide thoughtful modifications, adaptations and progressions in every class.

Becky Mendoza

Despite my growing curiosity it was eventually shin splints that actually got me through the door of a yoga session way back when. I can understand the difficulties we can face in booking that session. I therefore think it’s important to create a welcoming environment, and like to think my classes are pretty down to earth.
Plus, yoga REALLY is for every body. Part of the appeal is that in yoga there is no competition, the mat asks nothing of us, we just need to turn up and move a little, breathe a lot and hopefully leave a bit lighter.
I’ve absolutely loved my journey to teaching and developing my knowledge. I continue to seek ways to expand what I can offer people. I’ve trained in various styles of yoga and love a vigorous flow as much as I enjoy something calmer. I like to thread balance throughout my sessions and encourage us to work with what our body brings us that day. I have delved deeper into working with injury, yin, breathwork and yoga nidra since qualifying in 2018.

Grace Johnson

Grace first began practising Yoga in 2013, as a way to ease injuries & stress she was beginning to struggle with day to day. Whilst originally the practice started out as simply a physical challenge, it wasn’t long before the overall benefits of the practice began to impact on not only her physical wellbeing, but also her mental health for the better, and is something that she really believes can benefit everyone, in some way.

After completing her first 200Hr teacher training in 2017, 300Hr in 2019, plus a Fitness Instructing qualification in 2021, Grace’s classes are constructed to connect strength and softness, improve mobility & flexibility, all the while making sense to our bodies on a anatomical & cellular level. You will be encouraged to release expectation, explore new movement patterns, in an accessible environment.

Natalie Lyon

Natalie’s background is based in fitness and dance, loving physicality and movement as a way to express and release. “Yoga has so many physical, mental and spiritual benefits, balancing both the mind and the body.” After completing her 200 hr YTT in India, Natalie is excited to share her love of Yoga with as many people as she can reach!

Emily Harkness

Emily’s love of yoga began in 2007, when she first stepped on the mat in her university gym. As a teacher, she brings a playful energy to her classes, helping students develop their practice while not taking themselves too seriously. In her spare time, she loves going to gigs, staying active, reading, and eating Korean food (she lived there for 3 years).
“As a Canadian who hates the cold, hot yoga has always been a personal favourite and I can’t wait to welcome you to Hot Pod Gateshead!”

Ania

Having a background in contemporary dance, I’ve always been attracted to various forms of movement. I dabbled with different styles of yoga in studios and online, but it wasn’t until I found Hotpod Yoga that I started seeing yoga as my favourite form of exercise and self-care. I’m a 200 hrs certified vinyasa teacher who loves surprising her students with creative transitions and introducing them to new poses. My classes are challenging, yet inclusive, aiming to create a space where you can feel supported as you explore the limits of your practice. I hope everyone can leave my classes feeling energised and accomplished. When not on my mat, you can find me hiking up the hills of the Lake District or exploring coastal walks in the North East—almost always in the company of my dog!

Zoe Moorton

In 2016, Zoe trained in the foot of the Himalayas, India and has been teaching in a variety of styles since.

“My favourite thing about yoga is the warm buzz at the end of the class when everyone has messy hair, big smiles and are feeling more human.”

Zoe liked to match my style and sequences to the energy of the room and always encourage students to listen to how they feel both mentally and within their bodies. She teaches in an inclusive, friendly and relaxed manner.

“It’s always my goal to make people laugh and feel at home.”

Greta Heath

Whilst studying for a degree in Contemporary Dance, Greta discovered the restorative, physical and mental benefits of exercise and yoga. Having completed the 200hrs yoga teacher training Greta began exploring opportunities to teach and realised that she had a great passion for working with people and helping them to discover the benefits of yoga. It also helped her in understanding how her own body operates and how best to work with students therapeutically. To further complement her dance and yoga training Greta has also completed further qualifications in The Alexander Technique, Yin Yoga, Personal Training and Exercise referral.

Greta’s classes focus on relieving stress and promoting wellbeing through movement. Her classes are always designed around individual needs and are aimed at improving concentration and restoring balance as well as increasing physical fitness. With her background in yoga and dance Greta always places great emphasis on the fluidity of movement and the importance of breath in movement. She teaches a range of styles including Vinyasa flow, Hatha and Yin Yoga. She also teaches dance and exercise classes in a variety of settings around the North East.

Bethany Demelza

Bethany completed her Yoga teacher training in 2020 where she has been trained in Hatha and Ashtanga based Yoga. “I began practicing Yoga 6 years ago, at a time in my life that was particularly challenging. It changed my life completely, leading me onto a new path, and sharing its benefits was a top priority.”

Stacey Olson