ABOUT ME
I have a heart full of love for people and the planet. It is my joy to show nature lovers how to connect and relate their inner world with the outside world. Through movement, breath and relaxation practices that promote strength, flexibility and longevity in body, heart and mind, I lead my clients on a journey of exploration, introspection, friendship and fun.
I’ve been practicing yoga since my twenties and have spent countless hours immersed in my personal practice and self-study over the years. For me, yoga is a way of connecting with my inner landscape, of getting to know myself on a deeper level so that I may show up abundantly in the world as the best possible version of myself.
I’m an experienced 500hr+ certified yoga teacher based in Plymouth, Devon, UK. My main teachers include Amanda Dee Smith, Amy Ippoliti and Norman Blair. I owe a debt of gratitude to them for their part in my becoming the teacher I am today.
I love the Ocean, the Moon and Dartmoor. I’m passionate about living as close to nature as possible. I returned home to Plymouth in 2021 to be closer to these elements and the people I love.
I offer group classes, private 1-2-1 sessions, and classes in workplaces to fit in around the working day. I’m also available for one-off events such as wellness festivals and hen parties.
In addition to Yoga in Plymouth, I offer Sound Healing Therapy (tuning forks) and Reiki treatments. If you would like to know more, or to make a booking, simply use the contact form or send me an email. I would love to hear from you.
TRAINING, QUALIFICATIONS & CONTINUED STUDY
200hr Yoga Teacher Training – Sun Salute Studio, Spain
300hr Advanced Yoga Teacher Training – Vesselify
Pranayama Teacher Training – Divine Works Yoga
Pranayama teacher training: breath as a transformative agent – Richard Rosen
A Journey to the Centre of the Breath – Leslie Kaminoff
Functional Yoga Anatomy – David Keil
Yin Yoga – Norman Blair
Mentored by Norman Blair
The Art of Assisting – Bridget Woods-Kramer
Adjustments in Yoga Asana – Norman Blair and Melanie Cooper
Regular classes/study with Alva Malka
Yoga Therapeutics Advanced Teacher Training – Amy Ippoliti
PAST EVENTS ARCHIVE
For current events click here.
2022
MARCH
MOTHER’S DAY YIN YOGA
Find What Works For You
Saturday 18th March 3.30pm – 5.30pm
@Main Studio, Yoga Blend, 46 Mutley Plain, Plymouth.
Price: £25
Join Michelle for this Mother’s Day Yin Yoga workshop on the eve of the day that we celebrate Mothers.
Whether you are a Mother, have a Mother or simply appreciate the loving, nurturing energy of the archetypal Mother, this session is for anyone in need of a nourishing and heart opening practice.
When we care for others without refilling our own resources, we can be left feeling depleted. Sometimes our own needs can get put to one side. This workshop is your opportunity to focus on yourself and recharge your own batteries.
We will begin this practice with some grounding poses and then progress to focus more on the upper body, to gently stretch and open the area around the chest and shoulders, and release tension from the neck and upper back.
No experience of Yin Yoga is necessary as full guidance and assistance will be provided.
Book your place for Mother’s Day Yin Yoga here.
FEBRUARY
YOUR BODY YOUR YOGA
Find What Works For You
Saturday 25th February 11.30 – 1.30pm
@Main Studio, Yoga Blend, 46 Mutley Plain, Plymouth.
Price: £25
Do you suffer from back pain/crunching in some yoga poses? Or perhaps a twingey knee in others and you’re left wondering if it’s down to the way you’re doing the pose? In regular yoga classes we often lack the time or space to ask specific, detailed alignment questions.
This workshop is opportunity to zoom in on some commonly practiced postures and focus on individual assistance and detailed guidance around the pose. We will explore different alignment techniques and self-adjustments that can facilitate more freedom and a pain-free practice.
Whether you are a student looking for a deeper understanding of the poses or a teacher seeking new ways to help your students, this is an opportunity to solve some of these asana mysteries.
Book your place for Your Body Your Yoga Saturday here.
2020
FEBRUARY
MALA MAKING WORKSHOP
Saturday 22nd February 2 – 4pm
@ The Yoga Bar
Create your own 108 Mala and learn how to use it.
Michelle will teach you how to make your very own set of Mala beads that can be worn as either a necklace or a bracelet. You will learn about the different types of malas, the history, tradition and also why 108 is such a special number.
Once created, Michelle will teach you how to use the mala beads for japa meditation and for those who wish, she will personally cleanse and charge your mala with positive, healing, Reiki energy.
COST & BOOKING INFORMATION
£35 (includes materials to create your mala)
Click here to book
MARCH
MALA MAKING WORKSHOP
Saturday 28th March 1 – 3pm
@ Deva Yoga
Create your own 108 Mala and learn how to use it.
Michelle will teach you how to make your very own set of Mala beads that can be worn as either a necklace or a bracelet. You will learn about the different types of malas, the history, tradition and also why 108 is such a special number.
Once created, Michelle will teach you how to use the mala beads for japa meditation and for those who wish, she will personally cleanse and charge your mala with positive, healing, Reiki energy.
COST & BOOKING INFORMATION
£35 (includes materials to create your mala)
Click here to book
APRIL
APRIL RETREAT SOLD OUT!
SECOND RETREAT NOW ADDED
SEE SEPTEMBER BELOW
ANDALUCIA YOGA RETREAT – SPRING 2020
19 – 24 APRIL @ Lucia Yoga Retreat, nr, Cádiz, Spain
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
5 Nights at the beautiful Nature Reserve venue
4 Yoga classes per day: 2 Energising and 2 gentle/yin yoga. For all levels and ages
2 Yoga Workshop
3 Delicious healthy meals daily
Pick Up from Ronda Train Station to the Venue
Hiking tour to the big Dolmen and/or the White Village balcony
Five Swimming pools and a Dolmen in the venue
Visit Andalusian White Villages
Yoga Retreat Centre in the middle of a Nature Reserve
FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK, SEE THE 2020 RETREATS PAGE.
SEPTEMBER
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, THIS 2nd RETREAT FOR SEPTEMBER HAS BEEN ADDED!
ANDALUCIA YOGA RETREAT – AUTUMN 2020
8 – 13 SEPTEMBER @ Lucia Yoga Retreat, nr, Cádiz, Spain
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
5 Nights at the beautiful Nature Reserve venue
4 Yoga classes per day: 2 Energising and 2 gentle/yin yoga. For all levels and ages
2 Yoga Workshop
3 Delicious healthy meals daily
Pick Up from Ronda Train Station to the Venue
Hiking tour to the big Dolmen and/or the White Village balcony
Five Swimming pools and a Dolmen in the venue
Visit Andalusian White Villages
Yoga Retreat Centre in the middle of a Nature Reserve
FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO BOOK, SEE THE SPRING & AUTUMN 2020 RETREATS PAGE.
SEPTEMBER
KULA WORKSHOP
Sunday 13th September 2.30 – 4pm
Hosted by Michelle
@ The Yoga Bar
The afternoon will include a community catch-up and 1-hour Mindful Flow class.
Kula is known as the sense of coming together to share and to practice together, which is exactly what we are offering with this super special one-off workshop on Sunday 13th September at 2.30pm.
The Yoga Bar has really missed seeing you all during lockdown, and we’d love to nurture the sense of community that we feel has been so strong at TYB.
It would be perfect for those who want to see how the studio is working since re-opening and reconnect with each other.
COST & BOOKING INFORMATION
The nominal cost is only £5
There are 8 spaces available.
Click here to book
2019
JANUARY
Saturday 19th January – Kingston Yoga and Vegan Festival @ Southborough High School, Hook Road, Surbiton KT6 5AS.
Further information at the Yogific Website.
I am teaching Yin is In: Yin Yoga for Ultimate Relaxation and Stress Relief class in Room A; Class 9 @ 6pm
– tickets available here. Bring your own yoga mat for all classes!
Tickets for all classes are £4 (£4.43 with booking fee). A £4 class ticket also gives you access to the stalls, talks & free indoor sessions, with free entry for children (under 14 years) when accompanied by an adult.
DECEMBER
NEW YEAR’S EVE “SANKALPA”
Morning Yoga Retreat
with Harriet MacMasters-Green & Michelle Finlay
31 December 2019, 9am – 1pm @ The Yoga Bar, Twickenham.
Price: £55 (including nibbles)
– tickets are available via The Yoga Bar website.
[BOOKING CLOSES 15th DECEMBER]
“The entire universe evolves by Sankalpa; One becomes what one thinks”.
We welcome you to join us on NYE morning as you explore your hopes, dreams and how to bring to light your innermost landscape of wishes. Through presence, movement and creativity, we will be unravelling the layers of our physical body, enabling us to discover and unearth our innermost creative light.
You will also be invited to let your imagination run free as you create your own magical mood board.
All are welcome.
2018
JANUARY
On Sunday 28th I’ll be at the Kingston Yoga and Vegan Festival, Hollyfield School, Surbiton KT6 4TU
APRIL
Saturday 21st April from 4.30pm to 6.30pm – ‘Spring Yin’ Yoga Workshop @ David Lloyd, Kingston-upon-Thames.
This workshop will include meditation, an extended Yin Yoga practice, and will finish with a Yoga Nidra for an all round relaxing experience. To book your place, please contact Michelle directly.
JUNE
Saturday 16th June, from 11.30am -Yin Yoga & Yoga Nidra @ Synergy81
I am teaching a Yin Yoga practice followed by a Yoga Nidra at Synergy81, Chessington from 11.30am on Saturday 16th June 2018. Booking is via the Synergy81 Facebook Page.
JULY
Saturday 21st July from 4.30pm to 6.30pm – AcroYoga Workshop @ David Lloyd, Kingston-upon-Thames.
£25.00 – to book your place, please contact Michelle to book. Maximum 16 places!
Sunday 22nd July @ 10am – Core Focused Vinyasa Flow @ Richmond Yoga and Vegan Festival.
I am teaching a Core Focused Vinyasa Flow class at the Richmond Yoga and Vegan Festival on Sunday 22nd July.
For more details please go to the Yogific Website.
AUGUST
Saturday 11th August from 4.30pm to 6.30pm – Yin Yoga Workshop @ David Lloyd, Kingston-upon-Thames.
Please contact Michelle to reserve your space. Further details and pricing to follow.
DECEMBER
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December – I am guest-teaching at a Narnia themed Yoga Retreat @ the Barley Wood Estate, Wrington (near Bristol).
I am teaching yoga as well as running a mala bead making workshop for this event. Please contact me for further information if you are interested.