For several years I’ve suffered with Sciatica and lower back pain on and off which has gotten progressively worse until by early 2016 I was having at least one “flare up” every month, whereby I would need to take pain killers and muscle relaxants to stay mobile and keep working. It was clear I had to be pro-active and address the lack of strength and mobility in my lower back and core to overcome this problem – Neurologists and Physical Therapists recommended I take up yoga, and I was lucky enough to find Mel. Over the course of around a year Mel has tutored me one-on-one twice a week, and I cant speak highly enough of her skills and knowledge. Mel has helped me regain flexibility and mobility not just in my lower back but my whole body. My core and overall strength has improved, and most importantly of my back pain has been almost nonexistent. It’s a result I wasn’t sure was possible. Once we started working together it became clear that my stiff and “delicate” back had led to other parts of my body compensating and stiffening up, which only served to further compound the back issues. Every session Mel would build on the last and quite quickly I saw tangible improvements that gave me confidence that I had found the right tutor to help me. As an instructor Mel is motivational, and is able to tailor a session around a person’s ability – our sessions became incrementally more challenging at a pace that suited my own increasing capabilities and the strength and flexibility that I was developing. Each session pushed me a little bit further, and was always rewarding as a result. I wasn’t sure if Yoga would be right for me and my physical issues, but it has without doubt improved my back condition and overall flexibility and strength. I can highly recommend Yoga as a tool for improving physical strength and fitness, and Mel as an instructor is the perfect person to help you on that journey.