Here are some of the comments received from the yogi's and yogini's who attend Nikki's Yoga classes. If you would like to add your comments, click here.
I began going to Nikki's class September, 2008, and haven't looked back. My bad neck is practically as good as new - and I've now got an idea of what to do if it starts hurting again. But more than that, I have gained more flexibility and mobility than I have had for many years. I'm finally starting to feel fit and strong again after having kids. I really enjoy the class - which is pretty challenging. Nearly everybody is quite a bit older than I am, which is inspiring when they can do more things than I can. I don't feel I'm on a downhill slope anymore - on the contrary, I'm convinced that I'll be doing lotus position aged seventy and still standing on my head (which was a buzz when I first did it the other day). Yoga makes me feel more balanced and confident - I am really proud of the way I have improved. I am becoming calmer overall, and more able to make important decisions, because I seem to have a more positive outlook. I am aware that it is a long path and I have only just begun the journey, but I am really looking forward to new discoveries on my way!
Susan Nicholls, Vall De Gallinera.
I was a bit unsure as to whether I would enjoy yoga when I first started about a year ago but Nikki certainly took my doubts away. Learning yoga with her is hard work but good fun as she is somehow ALWAYS in good humour! She gets the best out of everyone and is always encouraging and supportive. There is no pressure on you to keep up with the whole class, you can take it at your own pace which is really great. Nikki is very good at taking you that little bit further each time you do a pose. She is thorough at explaining exactly where your limbs should be in relation to your torso and getting you relax so that you can move into the pose that little bit more. She also frequently explains the 'why' which is helpful if you like to have knowledge as well as the physical experience. Just doing it in class once a week has helped so much and I have achieved levels of flexibility I never thought possible and consequently gain much more enjoyment of life. The relaxation sessions at the end leave me feeling bodily and mentally chilled and I rarely suffer from aching muscles afterwards. Yoga is a great tool to calm your mind, allow you to focus inward and strive towards being a better individual. I find that Yoga brings out the best in me.
Jasmin Blattler, Denia
At 64 (nearly 65) I have led a particularly sedentary life - the most exercise I ever achieved in my latter years has been walking the dog, and that only because it was necessary. I was persuaded 6 months ago to take up Yoga by a very dear friend of mine, and have never looked back. I must admit that I was a little nervous of some of the postures to start with, and also admit that many of them are still beyond me - but I enjoy it more and more each week and each week I find I can do things I never thought possible - squatting was something I have never been able to do - and in the last few weeks that has been achieved too.
The practice of Hatha Yoga has given me a different outlook on life both mentally and physically - the calm that Nikki ensues at her classes follows me throughout the week, and all my friends have commented that I am a changed person- for the better I add. I have more energy to take up more activities and make more new friends - thank you Nikki.
PATRICIA, Vall de Gallinera, Alicante
I started to practice yoga just over 6 years ago when I came to live in Spain and have never looked back. I only wish I had taken time out of my busy life to start sooner! Yes I was apprehensive at first, I remember feeling really nervous walking into my first class, and I found it quite difficult to do even the most simple postures. I needn't have worried though, I was made to feel very welcome and everyone has to start somewhere. Yoga is non- competitive, you just do as much as you can. I am so glad I continued as it has made a real difference to my life. Now I can do more and more of the postures, I am much more flexible, and generally fitter and healthier. In class I sometimes find myself in positions I never dreamed possible 4 years ago! Yoga has taught me about general well being, the benefits of good posture, how to breathe properly, how to relax and how to cope with any stresses that life throws my way. The added bonus is that through my yoga classes I have made some really good friends and it is a social occasion as well as a great form of exercise. Remember you are never too old to start so why not come along, what have you go to lose? Nikki is a fantastic teacher and we would all love to welcome you to her classes.
Anne, Monte Corona
It is never too late to take up yoga. I advise all my massage clients to practice yoga as it is investing in your body's health for the long-term. I often advise clients to do particular yoga stretches when they have a back problem and it certainly helps. As they say 'if you don't use it you lose it'. I, personally, really notice the difference when I have taken a break from Nikki's yoga class as I am so much stiffer. Regular yoga helps keep me supple, feeling younger and more active without overstressing the body. Anyone can do it so give it a go.
Fiona, Oliva
They say life begins at 40. well, at 51, I thought mine had ended. I was taking prescribed medication and I was like a zombie. I suffered from strained ligaments and joints and my chiropractor suggested I take up yoga. At first I couldn't do much but he said to keep at it. Two years ago I started with Nikki and with her guidance, postures are becoming more manageable. This has been the most challenging time in my life, but I am starting to see results and have even managed to reduce my visits to the chiro. I've found my stomach muscles and my shoulders, hips, knees, arms and neck are all so much stronger, thanks to yoga. My balance is also improving and although I still get sore at times, yoga has given me the will power to continue.
Sue, Adsubia.
I started Yoga in my early fifties in an attempt to keep mobile and active as I got older. This has happened, many years later I can reach parts I couldn't reach then, and am generally pleased with my agility and fitness level. I only wish I had started years earlier. But there have been other benefits, both obvious and subtle. I can swim further now because my breathing is more controlled. I am calmer and less inclined to get stressed about anything. I see things from a different viewpoint. Yoga for me is much more than an exercise regime, it is a way of life.
Tina, Oliva
Initially, I started yoga as a therapy for my migraine. During the first hours of practise I watched to clock wishing the class to be over. Getting past these first few classes, I started enjoying the breathing, the movements and the stretching. My bad back got a lot better as a side effect. In the beginning, I went to class once a week, now I am attending class as often as possible, sometimes 5 times a week. Besides a lot more physical strength, my body got toned. And the most important thing: my mental attitude towards life changed. I am now able to recognise stress and know how to react so it won´t affect me as much as it used to. I learned to appreciate other things more than I used to before: such as spending time with friends and familiy is much more important to me than working, cleaning or other stuff "the world" would expect me to do. Live in the very second instead of waiting for things to get better. For me it is not only a practise but a philosophy for live.
Britta Kröger, Denia.
to talk good, that is not being good, to do good, that is being good - chinese proverb.
Hatha Yoga with Nikki Bates.
