Abby rolls out the mat for new yoga studio

Abby Hoffmann is the Founder of the Yantra Studio in Norwich city centre, a new city centre sanctuary for all things wellness which launches this weekend. Here she describes her yoga journey

When did your love of yoga begin and what is your yoga background?

I started practising yoga in the 1980s, as a contemporary dance student in London. Later, in the 90’s I got serious about Ashtanga yoga, a very dynamic sequence, and I devoted many years to practicing and teaching this form. I have also written a PhD which combined my dance and yoga backgrounds. This was investigating the use of yoga in dancers’ training. I turned this into a teacher training called Embodied Dancer.

I’ve been teaching yoga in Norwich since I moved here in 2002 and used to run The Yoga Room, which was the first real dedicated yoga space in the city.

What has led you to opening Yantra Studio and when does it open?

I sold my house last year and had a bit of cash to invest in a business. I looked at opening a franchised hot yoga centre in another part of Norfolk but at the last minute decided against it and realised I’d be much happier running an independent studio that could offer more than just hot yoga. We open on 9^th September!

What else, apart from yoga, will you be offering?

As a dancer and mover, I love to try different things and, as well as some great Pilates classes, we are offering Barre and a class called Shake the Dust which is like the best movement salad you’ve ever had! Shake the Dust mixes elements of HIIT training, free movement, yoga and meditation – all to an amazing soundtrack. We are also the only studio offering Hot Pilates: one of our fantastic teachers, James Jackson (another ex-dancer) created a class called HHIP (Hot High Intensity Pilates) – this will really make you sweat! I love the Barre workout, which is a blend of the New York City Ballet method, Pilates and yoga. Barre uses small, focused movements designed to lengthen and strengthen as well as small equipment like bands or hand weights.

Would you like to namecheck any teachers who are on board?

All the team are amazing, but I am really happy to have Rozzy Stoddart on board, who currently teaches at Triyoga in London and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her. She will be teaching Yantra Hot, Nourish & Restore and Ashtanga

Likewise, Marie Williams is a real gem. She teaches Shake the Dust and Nourish & Restore and is a qualified Yoga Therapist. Last, but not least, I am extremely happy to be able to share the creator of Taylor Swift and Beyonce yoga with Norwich: Clare McKenna, aka Yoga Clare, will be teaching two classes on a Thursday from September.

What would you say to anyone thinking of giving yoga a go for the first time? How has it changed your life?

Yoga is such a wonderful practice. You don’t’ have to be bendy or religious or anything to practice. It is a simple yet effective method of creating balance in your body and mind, and, if you want to, you can develop strength and flexibility for sure. Beginners need not worry, at Yantra all the teachers are so experienced and particularly love teaching newcomers. Yoga has been part of my life for so long (over 35 years) it’s hard to say how it’s changed it, but as I have just turned 60 and have the energy and drive to open a new business, I would say Yoga has a lot to answer for!

Where can people find the studio and/or find out more?

We are on Netherconesford and the corner of Mountergate, right under Studio Inn, the co-working space. yantrastudio.co.uk is our website where you can find out more about us, book classes and more. Oh, and we have an app, look for Yantra Studio in the App store and on Google Play.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

To open a second studio on the coast, and to win the Muddy Stilettos award next year for best Yoga Studio!

Yantra Studio launches this weekend, September 7 and 8, 2024. Visit yantrastudio.co.uk.

Featured image of Abby Hoffmann taken by Joanna Millington. Other image supplied