07/09/2026
A new week, a new teacher spotlight ✨️ introducing Martin Forsyth! 🧘♂️
Read his inspiring story below 👇️
"32 fantastic years playing football over. I thought I might explore this "Yoga" thing to keep fit and ease my aching back. Starting at "Breathing Space" in Harpenden with Ivan Amaral. Weekly classes weren't enough, so I found Jo Prakash in Luton and Jenny Sherwood at Hertford. I practiced hard and with much dedication. I became fit and happy. 5 Years into the Practice and I was persuaded to take the Ashtanga 200 hour teacher training course with Jenny Sherwood in Barcelona. I was given a class at her Hertford studio and at Breathing Space. I have never had a gap in my teaching since then. Coming to BAY YOGA since 2009 with my practice inspired by teachers Cathy Howarth, Caroline Barranco and Jayne Wilton, along with the international workshop guests.
Now I'm older, retired from a life time of manual work, my body is different, I am affected by arthritis causing both hips and knees to be replaced. Resistance gathers in my joints now. Following a heart attack in April 2025 I lost energy and some confidence in my practice. I now have to adapt and for a while felt "Less of a Yogi". Eventually I discovered that everything that Yoga offers, the benefits to the Mind, The Breathing, The Energy and Spiritual insights can be found doing a basic practice. Those complex poses remain open for me to explore.
When taking classes I look to share my Yoga experience with others, focusing on Breath and moving using the Ashtanga count system.
Aiming to guide students through both what I did and what I now do.
Creating a calm space where it becomes possible to look within and feel."
Martin will be teaching lots of Ashtanga Yoga this week - check out our timetable to see what's on! 🙏
With love,
The BAY YOGA Team 💚
