Curvy Asanas Yoga

Yoga for everyone

"I believe yoga should be inclusive of all body types, curvy bodies and curvy minds alike. Yoga is for everybody"

Chaanah Mortlock

Registered Yoga Instructor

Email Me

Registered

Yoga School

"Supporting Children with Special and Additional Needs to Achieve their True Potential and Purpose"

Curvy Asanas Yoga

Yoga for everyone

"I believe yoga should be inclusive of all body types, curvy bodies and curvy minds alike. Yoga is for everybody"

Chaanah Mortlock

Registered Yoga Instructor

Email Me

Registered

Yoga School

"Supporting Children with Special and Additional Needs to Achieve their True Potential and Purpose"

Curvy Asanas Yoga

Yoga for everybody

"I believe yoga should be inclusive of all body types, curvy bodies and curvy minds alike. Yoga is for everybody"

Chaanah Mortlock

Registered Yoga Instructor

Registered

Yoga School

"Supporting Children with Special and Additional Needs to Achieve their True Potential and Purpose"

Email Me

ABOUT

About Us

What is Curvy Asanas?

Hello, I'm Chaanah, I'm based in the UK and teach in and around Northamptonshire. I teach class, groups/ communities, 1:1's and online. I am Yoga Alliance registered RYT 500. I teach mainly Vinyasa Flow style, adding some more restorative movements into it. I also teach Chair yoga, Meditation and I am now qualified to teach yoga to adults with special needs.

I have been practicing yoga for around 5 years, its changed my life and given me "a life" after a bike accident that reduced activities I once enjoyed; running, kickboxing, swimming and going on long walks or training for half marathons

I made the decision to teach yoga as I wanted to make people feel included and show them that there are no boundaries, yoga poses can be modified to suit your body type ad that yoga CAN be for EVERY BODY!

Curvy Asanas was born for a couple of reasons.

I have a strong belief that yoga is for anyone, it doesn't matter how curvy your body, how curvy your mind or what you wear, it's about listening and connecting to your body, breath and mind. Yoga is one!
I mentioned curvy minds...this is because I myself am neurodivergent...(what does this mean I hear you say?)

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and I'm on the autistic spectrum. I have always struggled with certain things; concentration being a major one and keeping focused.

Yoga has been a huge help, as it's helped with focusing the mind, reducing stress and anxiety levels as well as other benefits such as flexibility, aiding better sleep and improving my general mental wellbeing.

What to expect from my classes

In the past I have felt rather uncomfortable as I've always been the bigger girl in the class filled with much smaller and flexible students. I questioned myself many times, weather or not I should be a yoga instructor; as I'm not hugely flexible in areas of my body, (but my flexibility has improved since doing yoga), I'm curvy, have the attention span of a nat and don't wear fancy matching top and pants!! (all the things yoga magazines and social media show you, this is all I had only seen)

Students have often told me how calming I am to be around, how comfortable I've made them feel in class. This is exactly my mission its to ensure that Curvy Asanas Yoga is completely inclusive of age, gender, size, or levels of ability. Weather you are a beginner, someone that pops back to yoga as and when you can or an advanced student, I will guide you safely through your yoga session, offering plenty of modifications to suit all body types and shapes.

My only request is that you ensure you listen you YOUR body, work within YOUR means and not others around you and you come to class in what every makes you feel comfy and if that's your pj's so be it!! I want you to experience free movement

I offer a range of classes from online, in person and bespoke 1:1's; which comes with an exercise sheet of the poses I had prepared for your 1:1 session to either practice in between our sessions together or to practice in your time.

What is yoga to me?

It's being present in that moment, living the moment as it is, without judgement, it's moving the body in harmony with the breath.

The Bhagavad Gita has offered many words of wisdom, quotes that have helped me on my continuing journey. "To be ourselves is to be enlightened" According to the Bhagavad Gita, a happy or enlightened person follows their own Dharma (true calling)

Yoga to me other than lots of physical & mental benefits, yoga unites "you" with the "REAL YOU"

Namaste

Our Services

Yoga: Vinyasa & Restorative

The yoga I teach is made for YOU because we adapt and modify so that you can enjoy. I teach small to large groups online, in class and 1:1's, as well as corporate wellbeing days.

Yoga class, downward facing dog with the help of a chair done by three practitioners..jpg

Chair Yoga

Movement & Relaxation Manifested Sitting Down

Particularly helpful for those that have either limited ballance, or have restricted mobility

Meditation

10 minutes of Meditation, clear the mind & find a little piece within.

Come and untangle those knotted bodies and stressed minds, take a little time for YOU.

African female yoga teacher having online lesson sitting on green mat in light room showin

Breathing Techniques

(Pranayama)

Our outer world is a reflection of what lies within us and if we can create a sense of mindfulness and calmness from within we can deal with things better on the outside

Raw Food Nutrition

This is a bespoke 1:1 session, which will be carefully prepared for your individual needs, requirements and your own goals.

Diverse people resting after work out lying on carpets performing Shavasana or Corpse Dead

Yoga Nidra

Deep relaxation for the body and mind. The practice of Yoga Nidra is pure relaxation both for the body and mind and has so many benefits. Yoga Nidra can be practiced by anyone, but is especially good for those who struggle to let go, difficulty sleeping, stressed or suffer with anxiety.

Mature mother and down syndrome daughter doing exercise at home. Stretching at the living

SEND Yoga (yoga for adults with special needs)

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities I wanted to make my classes completely inclusive, giving those that are less-abled the opportunity to enjoy yoga also as it has many benefits for a healthy wellbeing.

WHAT DO I NEED

I had never tried Yoga before but Chaanah persuaded me to do a few sessions. I loved it and found that it took me completely out of my "work stress zone" and into a deep state of relaxation using breathing techniques. I have continued to do my Yoga regularly and Chaanah is always close by to help me if I find I can't do one of the moves. She is great with both beginners and advanced Yoga and never makes you feel like you aren't "good enough" to take part. I would highly recommend Chaanah and Curvy Asanas for any level you are at.

"I had never done Yoga before and didn’t know whether it would be for me or not. Since trying it with Chaanah at Curvy Asanas Im loving it. I’ve been doing it once a week and it’s great to help me wind down from the stresses of day to day life and 3 kids and also to stretch out my muscles after exercise. It’s definitely going to stay in my weekly routine for good!"

"I have been working with Chaanah and Curvy Asanas for over a year and she is amazing! Classes are always interesting and challenging but not off putting for those who are first timers. Chaanah is incredibly knowledgeable and patient and makes sure that everyone is comfortable and supported. Cannot recommend Curvy Asanas enough!"

"I recently bought some of the lavender eye/relaxation bags. They are brilliant, not only do they smell devine..but they are beautifully made too, with double seams and a washable cover. I bought one from Frosts a while ago and apart from the fact that it didn't smell very lavendery, I had bits of wheat everywhere within a month! These are top rate! Xx"

Louise Ahmed

Becka Blade

Ami Pendergrass

Denise Olby

TESTIMONIALS

Yoga Mat: Yoga mats are specially fabricated mats used to prevent hands and feet slipping whilst in your yoga flow. they have been refured as a "sticky mat". Yoga mats come in different thicknesses and materials and are a very personal choice. You could use a towel if you don't have a mat

Yoga Brick: A yoga brick comes in a smooth wood, hard foam rubber or cork. Yoga blocks are most often used as an extension of one’s hands but are also used to support the back, head, and hips, and to deepen awareness of alignment.

Yoga Block: A yoga block is similar to the brick as comes in a smooth wood, hard foam rubber or cork. It is used as an extension of one’s hands but are also used to sit on to bring the hips level in sitting postures

Yoga Strap: Yoga straps are an extremely versatile yoga accessory with many possible uses. The main benefit however, is to aid yogis with their stretching, increase flexibility and decrease tension.

Blanket: Dependent on how big or thick your blanket is, will depend on its uses. A blanket has many uses; from supporting the head when laying down, you can use it to tuck under your bottom for brining the hips level instead of the yoga block. You can also roll up the blanket (into a long sausage) and place under the heels in yogi squat

Stool: The stool, chair or small table can be a great prop in yoga, if you don't have Yoga bricks. Its also a great support if you can't get down as far as you would like.

Books: Books can also be either stacked or if you have a thick book this can also be used as an extension of one's hand, like the yoga brick. when using books be mindful not to dump all the weight on to the book

Cushion: Cushions can be used in the same way as a yoga block or the blanket. It can be used to support the head or neck when laying or in sitting postures to raise the hips. You can also stack cushions and lay on them for a more restorative feeling

Something to think about

Yoga props are valuable tools in an individual's practice. Yoga props help support, strengthen and improve the yoga practice of a yogi, whether a beginner or a long-time yoga expert. Choosing the best yoga prop can be challenging and time-consuming for some, but hopefully this list will at least guide you to some alternatives, but feel free to email me if you need to

Dressing Gown Strap: This is a great alternative to a yoga strap you could also use some rope if you had that too

What do I Need?

Lets take a look at some of the things that can be useful in your yoga practice. Yoga is something that should be accessible to everyone, so I would like to show you some of the things that you can easily use from around your home if you don't have the traditional items.

Traditional

OR

What you have in your home?

What do people say?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I practice yoga if I'm over weight?

Yes, you can practice yoga at any weight, size, and fitness level. I am here to help you adjust the poses and positions to accommodate your body type and shape.

2. What should I wear & does it have to be matching?

Absolutely not! Practice in what feels most comfortable to you – whether it be leggings, jogging bottoms, even Pj's. Its important to do what feels good for YOU and easy to move about in.

3. Can I eat before yoga practice?

It is best to wait a minimum of 1 hour after eating before practicing yoga, I prefer myself at least 2-3, but a small snack before your class is perfectly alright. Observe your body to learn how much time you need to digest your food before practice.

4. Is yoga strenuous? What If I'm out of shape?

Some modern yoga classes are very strenuous. Others like mine are more relaxing and gentle - with a little heat. However this is exactly what my 'Slow Flow Monday' class is for. The class has been specifically designed with absolute beginners in mind and students that have done a little yoga but want to take things at a slower pace, or for students that have various challenges around how they process instructions at a different pace. (like my self I am neurodivergent!!)

5. Do I have to meditate or chant to do yoga?

Some yoga classes and styles do not include a meditative practice. Some do. Currently none of my open classes do, but I am more than happy to plan this in to a class if this is what my students want. I do also offer 1:1's where your session is bespoke to YOU and what you're looking for.

6. Will Yoga Conflict With My Religion?

Yoga does not conflict with religion. Yoga is a mind and body practice. Yoga typically combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation and focusing practices of mindfulness and relaxation.

7. Do I have to be flexible to practice yoga?

The simple answer is no. If you are not flexible, yoga is a great way to become more flexible. You just need to be willing, I can show you ways to help with flexibility (and I'm not the most flexible of people myself)