Yoga business shows flexibility by hosting online retreat

Local yoga teacher and business owner has started a virtual yoga retreat, in the face of Covid-19.

Gillian Dodd, owner of Yoga For The Body You're In, was due to fly to Turkey to host her annual yoga retreat when lockdown hit.

Unable to travel, Gillian decided to look to technology as a way of connecting to her clients and continuing their health and wellbeing journey with online coaching and yoga sessions.

Gillian said: "When lockdown was introduced, this was a brand new business venture for me and I was very worried about the implications this would have on my business and my clients. I'm passionate about bringing yoga to people who think they can't do it, whether it's because they think they won't be able to afford it or that they think you have to be slim and flexible. Neither of these are true and my whole venture is to make yoga affordable and accessible for everyone, no matter what background you come from or what shape your body is.

"I decided to adapt my business model and host my retreat online via Zoom. I have also started hosting online yoga consultations so it is ideal for beginners. Yoga brings so many benefits to the mind and body and I wanted to be able to help others take care of themselves, especially during such a stressful time.

"So far, it has been a success and my local regular clients in Low Fell have been able to continue their yoga practice with me online, as well as women who would never be able to afford a physical yoga retreat. We have also had women joining from around the world, as far as Australia. We even have a mother and daughter who have been separated at either ends of the country due to lockdown, reconnecting thanks to my online sessions. We may not be in sunny Turkey but we are still learning, connecting and feeling the benefits of yoga from the safety of our own homes."

You can find out more about Yoga For The Body You're In at www.yogafbyi.com

Gillian received support from the New Enterprise Allowance Programme which helps people receiving benefits start and develop their own business. If you would like to find out more about starting your own business and how Business Gateshead can help, email us business@gateshead.gov.uk