Yoga centre comes to Marton

Master yoga teacher Ali Tilley doing the bakasana yoga pose. Photo/ Stuart Munro

A master yoga teacher is making moves in Marton.

Ali Tilley started Sadhana Yoga School in Wellington 10 years ago but last week shifted her business to Marton on the corner of High St and Stewart St.

From New Zealand to Australia to London to India and back again, Ms Tilley comes with a world of experience.

She began her career in London taking teacher training courses and soon becoming a gym instructor for the YMCA. She later became national franchise manager for women's gym brand Configure Express in Auckland, where she helped open 12 gyms in three years.

In 2004 Ms Tilley qualified as a master yoga teacher.

"I had always had an interest in yoga. My godmother was a yoga teacher in New Zealand, and I had always been naturally fit and strong, so I'd always looked up to her.

"I got a deeper knowledge of yoga from my trips to India. Yoga is about gaining a better self-knowledge, breathing, balance and listening . . . not just the physical," she said.
After completing her masters degree last year, researching yoga communities in New Zealand, she decided she needed to go back to earning a living.

"Wellington prices had gone through the roof, and I decided this was my opportunity for a positive change."

Ms Tilley said she sees Marton as an undiscovered hub for business.

"I think there is huge potential here, and my hunch is that in five years Marton will see a revolution of positive change in business."

Ms Tilley will host a grand opening on Saturday, May 27.

The school will offer a broad range of yoga types and classes from beginners to experienced.

She will also offer teacher training courses later in the year.