In this series, we catch up with some of our inspiring Teacher Training graduates to see where life has taken them since the start of their Yogacampus journey. Here, we talk to Monique Fryer who has been bringing yoga to the East Midlands since graduating a decaded ago.
When was your first introduction to yoga?
Around 15 years ago, when my second child was just a few months old. I had a strong urge to move my body and do something just for me. I didn’t know anything about yoga and bought a power yoga video because you didn’t need any equipment. To begin with, I could only manage a few sequences but something kept calling me back to it.
At what point did you decide that you wanted to train as a teacher?
I had been attending regular yoga classes for around three years and loved it so much! I just wanted to learn everything there was including the philosophy and history of yoga. I wasn’t intending to actually become a teacher - just feed my knowledge!
Why did you choose to train with Yogacampus?
I had been researching courses for a while; 10 years ago there were a lot less courses to choose from. Yogacampus appealed to me because it was not teaching one specific style. There was input from more than one teacher and they all had great experience and different backgrounds. I was accepted onto the second intake of the course in London.
What was your biggest highlight on the course?
Having to choose an intensive opened my eyes and ears to wonderful, international teachers I had not heard of before. Such as Tias Little and Shiva Rea.
And the biggest challenge?
The most challenging thing was standing in front of your peers to teach a session for the first time, while your teachers observed you. It had never occurred to me before, all the things a yoga teacher must consider while creating a relaxing, safe space for the students.
How has your life changed since graduating from the course?
I qualified in 2005 and moved to Nottingham. Over the ten years, I have become a full time, well established yoga teacher, predominantly teaching vinyasa flow. I am also a registered SYT and a 200 hour certified vinyasa flow yoga teacher.
I still feel like a beginner though, as there is so much to learn about yoga and how to convey inspiring classes to all levels.
What is really exciting you right now in your work and in your vision of the future of yoga?
I love mentoring new and trainee teachers, it is wonderful to give support and encouragement, just as I have received. Yoga has evolved so much; I find it really exciting that as yoga grows, more people of all ages and abilities are open to stepping onto the mat and the greater availability of specific styles from vinyasa flow, yin to restorative.
Not starting yoga until my thirties and now hitting the big 50, I am passionate about not letting our own limiting beliefs and labels stop us from being fully who we want to be.
Monique trained with Yogacampus in 2005 and today teaches regular classes, workshops and mentoring in Nottingham. Occasionally she teaches at Triyoga and has led workshops for BWY East Midlands, Nottingham Wellbeing Festivals and wherever she is asked. Monique can be contacted at info@moniquefryeryoga.com or on her website: www.moniquefryeryoga.com
