Simone's Testimonials and Personal Thank Yous

I found Simone through her wesbite. I was looking for a week of yoga and retreat. A lifelong gym addict and a new yoga convert having practiced for only 6 months I was looking to hone my yoga skills. Simone helped me with the yoga fundamentals with exercises I could do at home to fit my schedule and she tailored a program that suited me, one to one, and reflected how I live on a daily basis.

Simone spent time getting to know me and some honest and emotional discussions helped me realize that my goals with yoga were intrinsically linked with my life. The reflections and discussions on how I work, how I live, yoga practice, eating, reflection and relaxation made a huge impact. I remember one discussion where Simone said, "you know life and love doesn't have to be hard to be good". That hit home and we started to see a change on the second day of working together on my body, my mind and my spirit.

I feel like I was destined to meet Simone at the right time in my life. She has a glow and calmness that makes you feel good and she inspires you to do the best you can. Her yoga instruction is peaceful yet effective.

I went to Simone to learn more about yoga but in the end I got so much more. That week with her made such an impact on my life and I wouldn't have got to that place without Simone.

Catherine Steele
Basel, Switzerland

Pregnancy Yoga Testimonial

When I first discovered I was pregnant, all I seemed to hear were pregnancy and labour horror stories. If the truth be told I started to get a bit anxious, especially about the birth. Then a friend told me about her wonderful birthing experience - she had a home birth without any pain relief and amazingly didn't need any stitches even although she had a big baby. When I asked my friend what her secret was, she attributed her easy pregnancy and labour to Simone's guidance and her daily yoga routine. Worth a shot, I thought.

Simone takes a holistic approach seeking to prepare both the body and mind for pregnancy, labour and motherhood with each session tailored to your specific needs. For example, within minutes of meeting Simone identified the tension in my neck and shoulders and gave me exercises which successfully eased this pain, which had been reoccurring for years, in a matter of days. Thereafter we worked together to stretch and strengthen my body ensuring a comfortable and mobile pregnancy throughout, even during the latter stages of my 42 week pregnancy. Then there was the actual birth. My partner and I felt prepared; we knew what to expect and had the confidence to manage the process with little input from the midwives until it was time to catch the baby. I required no stitches, was able to leave the hospital the next day, and took a comparatively short time to recover.

Simone offers more than custom made yoga routines. She has a great knowledge of the workings of the body and mind, is an expert in nutrition, practices alternative therapies and has access to a wide network of experts in relevant fields that she generously shares. I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from my sessions, and would highly recommend Simone to anyone. I will happily be back for more coaching for baby number 2!
Hari Farzin, Glasgow
 

I met Simone whilst recovering from pneumonia in 2003. In hindsight, I was in a very bad way. I took a couple of informal classes and then asked Simone what she could do for me. Both what she said and the way she said it, struck a chord and I decided to make the commitment! So started a few months of private lessons and classes, rehab really, as I pulled my basic fitness out of the mire. I've never looked back. For me Yoga does what it says on the tin. Read the first chapter of any yoga book and you feel better already. Read the magazines, talk to other yogis - it's the same message. As a fitness regime/lifestyle it ticks the boxes and must be one of the most efficient ways of keeping you fit for life and sport. I have always hoped to work hard/play hard to the end and feel now that I can reasonably expect to do so. Thanks indeed Simone!
Kenny Craig

When I started one on one yoga sessions with Simone six months ago, I could never have imagined the progress I'd make.  Simone is a truly gifted teacher, intuitive, warm and enthusiastic, with so many skills and techniques that every session is different, tailored exactly to what I need.  I've seen a huge improvement in my health and fitness, stamina and suppleness but, more than that, in my overall sense of 'well-being'.  My sessions with Simone are an investment in myself, the ultimate 'me-time'.  I feel privileged to be working with Simone, and would wholeheartedly recommend her classes.
Anne Galbraith

My one on one time with Simone has been one of my most favourite of discoveries over the last two and a half years.  I LOVE it!

When I started personal training and EFT with Tobias, Simone's partner, in late 2008 I was not in great shape emotionally or physically.  They have both helped and inspired me so much that it has been an utterly wonderful, positive, rewarding and enriching experience. I am now so much healthier than I have ever been in my life and everyone keeps telling me how good I look, plus I am two dress sizes smaller too! But really it is about the bigger picture. Mind, body and spirit. My one on one sessions with Simone are like gold dust to me because I know that no matter what tugs, demands, stresses and strains are happening in my everyday life outside our time together is an oasis of calm where we work together to replenish, restore and revitalise. I always walk out of our sessions like a prize fighter!

Isobel Campbel, singer and song writer

Simone's sessions were tailored to meet my very specific needs and capabilities. She inspires great trust, and clearly knows all there is to know about how bodies work, so that for the first time in any kind of exercise class, i wasn't worried about aggravating existing knee and lower back problems. I knew that she would ensure they were 'safe'. The fact that she was additionally available by e-mail or on her mobile to clarify anything in between classes was really helpful. What Simone teaches is not about a quick fix. You have to build on what she teaches in your own time. But she made sure I had the ability to do that by providing a combination of simple exercise routines, meditation techniques and insights into her personal philosophy designed to suit me and help me achieve my personal objectives.
Elaine Cooper, Glasgow

I had had extensive surgery on my shoulder after it was hit by a ski chair I.A. Simone worked closely with me throughout a 4 month rehab period. She was able to suggest suitable exercises at a time when my Physiotherapy excercises were causing painful inflammation and were prooving counter-productive. Her help was invaluable in enabling me to regain a full range of motion and rebuild strength so that I could return to myusual Power Yoga practice and other exercise regime.

Hilary Kane, Solicitor, Glasgow

I had a complete mental & physical breakdown last year, punished myself for things that went wrong in my life. Couldn`t go out, no food would stay in my body I couldn`t sleep and could see no reason for being on this earth, was on all sorts of pills, saw a multitude of doctors and psychiatrists, the usual. Then, my boss (thank you) found Simone, who through EFT , helped me clarify my thoughts and emotions, address long lost (but not forgotten) issues, repair my broken heart and swept away my deep sadness, self loathing and guilt, within a matter of weeks my friends, were astonished at the transformation in my whole demeanour, after each hour I had with Simone I came out recharged spiritually, glowing.. I was on a natural high. Don`t get me wrong, Simone doesn`t wave a magic wand; although she is my inspirational angel! Simone you have given me a whole new way of life and you were always there to guide and direct me, teaching me that it is entirely between you and yourself, to practice on a daily basis. Simone also changed my entire diet, and again, within weeks, my pain had gone, food actually stayed in my body, I started to put weight on, I was sleeping, I came off the medication. Simone, through EFT and yoga you have shown me a whole new meaning to life and for the first time in my life I am happy with who I am. Words could never express my heartfelt thanks for your love and support, I am back to my normal weight, I am taking dance classes, I have a new found confidence,I embrace all that life has to offer,good and bad, but most of all.

Thank you , thank you, Simone, you saved me from myself!.

Love jane x

After falling ill in March 09, I stumbled my way around different practioners of different techniques until one day I stumbled into the Natural Health Service on Glasgow's high street.

Through meeting Simone and attending her One to One, Simone has definitely helped me change my views on life. She helped me fall in love with yoga, showing me the benefits of it are more than just flexibility. I now practice most mornings and attend her yoga class on a weekly basis. With a long road ahead of me to fully recover, I am glad to have Simone helping me through it.

C.Wiseman, IT consultant

Working with Tobias and Simone has been truly inspirational. Their commitment and dedication has given me the strength to focus and reach for my health and well-being goals. With Simone's yoga practice, I have realised the benefits of poses and breathing and how such principles can be applied to all areas of my life. Working with Tobias, I have seen results at the gym quicker than ever before and this is in contrast to years of working out and never being happy with the end results. My gym routine has been supplemented with excellent nutritional advice which has been able to be applied to my busy lifestyle. Furthermore, key barriers and hurdles have been attended to with the practice of Emotional Freedom Technique and this has been integral in allowing progress to occur. Working at both a mind and body level is a harmonious combination which is the key to unlocking the door to success. I feel that their joint approach is the future of health and fitness practice. Thank you Tobias and Simone for helping me to find the new and improved version of myself and for that I will always be grateful!

Dr Salma Iqbal, Clinical Psychologist

Simone is an inspirational teacher - why else would I get up at 6.00am to practice my yoga?! She offers a very personal service to her clients, taking time to create a yoga programme which meets individual needs. I feel great benefits from having worked with Simone for over 3 years and my strength, flexibility and breathing are all much improved. I have also appreciated Simone's holistic approach-her advice regarding diet and lifestyle has enhanced my sense of well-being.

Heather Drysdale, Psychotherapist, Glasgow

I ve had a stroke when I was 30yrs old, half paralyzed in a wheel chair, my life was over. On my own, not listening to the limitations of Medicine, I needed to make a change! Through challenging times, hard work and determination I am now walking, working and driving a car again. I did all I can but I carried this deep sadness inside, which doomed and possessed me. "If I could only walk the streets feeling happy again", was the first thing I said when I met Simone, not really believing anything could be done about it, as I saw all sorts of head doctors in the past. 1 Hr later and this shadow on my heart was gone without a trace! And it has not been back since. Yoga gave me what I was looking for my whole life. It is truly amazing! I can't wipe the smile of my face! Thank you.

Jaxon Bright, Printer

I experienced back problems in June 2006 which escalated into a disc bulge in the L5S1 disc of my spine (diagnosed by CT). This caused severe & agonising sciatic nerve pain for a period of 6 months due to the bulge pressing against the sciatic nerve. I was prescribed the anti-inflammatory, dicolfenac 3 times per day to manage the pain from the spasms.

A total of 12 private practitioners, over a period of 15 months, tried a cocktail of treatments on me including acupuncture, the Bowen technique, massage, chiropractic treatment and electrotherapy (to name but a few!). I then found Simone's website - hallelujah!

Within 3 months of Simone's personally tailored yoga programme, I had reduced my diclofenac dose by a third. After 4 months I was completely drug free! I had tried reducing the dosage in the past, but the pain always returned within days. Simone's carefully chosen yoga programme has relieved my muscle spasms and she is now working on my core muscles to ensure a repeat performance isn't on the cards! Simone friendly nature is a tonic and her encouragement is relentless. Moreover, her vast knowledge of various treatment regimes translates into holistic treatments and successful outcomes.

Dr. Susie Palmer, Corporate Policy Officer

I started yoga in October 2004 to try and improve my fitness for playing rugby. At that point I woke up every morning with back pain and had problems even with dressing. My number was up for the next injury after having injured my neck badly a few month back and all my GP recommended was stopping to play immediately - this is not an option for me.

Since starting my yoga practice and power stretch routine with Simone I no longer experience back pain at all and my flexibility has improved dramatically. The improvement has allowed me to get back to playing rugby for the first team and my performances here have been much better than previously. Being a hobby diver, my breathing improved drastically and I get so much more out of it, thank you.

Iain Graham, General Practitioner

I have been inspired by Simone's way of teaching. She seems to intuitively know what my body needs. Simone teaches yoga and much more. She is always able to pick out something healing for me from her little bag of holistic tools and gives graciously. Being a therapist myself I value and honour the energy the puts into every hour we spend.

Liz Stephen, Psychologist

I started going to Simone because years of high impact aerobics and weight training had considerably reduced my flexibility and I was always getting injured. Ashtanga has actually made me fitter and less prone to injury. What I hadn't expected were the overall benefits to my health and well being.

As a long time sufferer of chronic Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I couldn't believe how quickly my symptoms disappeared after a session of My One on One yoga therapy. She has now given me a "self-help plan" to do at home. A dose of the flu was also made a lot more bearable after an intensive session. I have a very stressful job and I think I'm coping with it much better since I've started seeing Simone.

Friends are telling me that I look less stressed and seem much calmer. So it must be working!

Shereen Nanjiani, Journalist

I studied yoga in Miami for a couple of years with different instructors but did not fully understand the impact it could make on my body and focus until i met Simone. My One on One sessions with Simone took me to a higher level working closely with my breathing technique and understanding what parts of my body needed work and when. I found that many instructors of yoga where excellent at the practice but not at explaining the why and how, this is Simone's strength in engaging pupils of all levels to ensure they understand the practice and how it can work with each individuals body.Kind Regards

Patti Docherty, Recruitment Director

Attending Simone's class was the best thing I did after becoming pregnant. Her classes left me feeling challenged and relaxed. She was very reassuring with the positions/moves I could carry out. As well as advising me when I had to take it easy so I did not overstretch or strain my body. The nights I went to yoga I always slept better and felt refreshed the following day.

I was able to practice yoga right up to the birth of our little girl 'Cara'. The last class I attended was the week before she was born. I would definitely recommend yoga to anyone, and more importantly to anyone who is pregnant. It was an exercise, which I was able to carry out at home on a daily basis and really feel the benefits.

I had a wonderful pregnancy and the birth went well, with a short labour of 2 1/2hours. Now five weeks later I am going back to Simone's wonderful yoga classes.

Helena Lawson, Mother

I have been learning yoga for about one year and have 1 My One on One a week with Simone and train 2-3 times per week on my own at home.

Results I have seen have been, at 28 years old my flexibility is better than when I was 14 years old more benefit to me than I could have expected, yoga builds strength quickly also. After training with weights for 14yrs I find Yoga a refreshing change a better challenge and an enjoyable form of exercise, which requires no equipment, you can train almost anywhere - no more excuses. I have been training with Simone and can honestly say she is a professional, always doing her best to motivate and encourage you to reach new targets all the time.

Yoga has improved my performance at work as a window cleaner, working at great heights my confidence and balance is 100% better, making me faster and able to earn more income.

John Muldoon, Window cleaner

After years of weight training and high impact aerobics having done more harm than good, I was in almost constant pain with my back and I had RSI in my right wrist for several years. I was a mess. Although dubious at first that any or all of these problems could be sorted through a few stretches, I was pleasantly surprised. By my fifth lesson I was no longer in pain anywhere. When I think of the money I have spend on chiropractors and gyms over the years it makes me really upset. This has been a really life changing experience for me. More than just fixing things - opening the mind above all.

Barbara Price