Building a connection between like-minded individuals is something we’re passionate about at our yoga studio. “Kula” means community in the ancient and sacred language of Sanskrit. Not only do we provide locals from Hawthorn and Camberwell yoga classes, but we also provide them with a yoga studio where people can connect, share and grow. Our students come from all around the Boroondara area to sweat, play, learn and reach their health and fitness goals. Every day at Kula we come across individuals who have inspired us and continue to help shape our community; we wanted to share their stories with you.
Name: Kelly Chaplin (Kelly has been a apart of the Kula Community from the time we opened 5 years ago)
Kula: Favourite style of yoga at Kula?
Kelly: 12 months ago I experienced a serious shoulder injury which has since changed my yoga practice. I still love a strong power class but I have now learnt to listen to my body and focus on the strengthening benefits of a hot class. I really hope to get back to my power practice soon and return to my favourite inversions and arm balances!
Kula: Why do you practice yoga?
Kelly: I come from a gymnastics background so I love the fact that yoga still provides me with opportunities as an adult to play and see what my body is capable of. As a paediatric occupational therapist who works with children with physical disabilities, I see the therapeutic benefits of a yoga practice on both the body and the mind.
Kula: What do you love about Kula?
Kelly: I came to Kula’s opening day with a friend to check out a hot yoga class and have been a member ever since! Within the first few months I set myself a 60 day challenge and was then hooked! Over the years at Kula I have had the pleasure of learning from a number of wonderful, inspiring teachers. Kacey and her team have established such a warm and welcoming studio with a great sense of community and I wouldn’t consider practicing anywhere else.
Kula: Is yoga your main form of exercise or do you participate in other sports, fitness or activities?
Kelly: Up until my shoulder injury, I was practicing yoga nearly every day! Along with yoga I attend a group personal training session a few times a week with an exercise physiologist. These sessions help to build strength which has been very beneficial to my yoga practice.
Kula: What is the main health goal you are focusing on at the moment?
Kelly: At the moment I am really focusing on listening to my body and trying not to cause any further injury!
Kula: Apart from Kula, where are your favourite hangouts in the Hawthorn, Camberwell or Boroondara area?
Kelly: When I am in the area, I love to go to the Camberwell market and check out the shops along Burke Rd.
Kula: Tell us about your experience at the Thailand Retreat?
Kelly: I have been fortunate to go on the first Kula Cruise retreat to Bali and the recent retreat to Thailand. Both trips were a wonderful experience with fantastic groups of people. Our recent trip to Koh Samui was amazing. We really did experience a wonderful week in paradise! The main thing I love about Kula retreats is the good balance in the schedule and the excellent teachers. We got to experience two 90 minute yoga classes a day but still had time for other activities such as paddle boarding, snorkelling, hiking, shopping and chilling at the beach. I would definitely recommend this trip for anyone who wants an active holiday in paradise with a wonderful group of like minded people. Just be prepared to climb lots of stairs!
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Kula Yoga has a beautiful hot yoga studio on Camberwell Rd, Hawthorn, Melbourne. Kula offers ‘Hot Yoga’ classes for detoxification, dynamic poweryoga ‘Flow Yoga’ as well as a gentle ‘Light Yin Yoga’ option. Beginners through to advanced students are welcome to all classes. Kula also provides prenatal & postnatal yoga classes, and provides Melbourne workplaces with group corporate yoga programs to build employee health, fitness and wellbeing, and school yoga programs. Kula also runs an annual ‘Kula Cruise’ yoga retreat sailing from Bali to Lombok & the Gili Islands. Find out more on our website www.kulayoga.com.au. Or follow us:
Facebook: Kula Yoga Australia
Instagram – @kulayoga
Twitter – Kula Yoga Australia
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