Getting to Know Natasha Boyd

Natasha (or Tash) is one of our Stretch Academy graduates, completing her 350hr Teacher Training with us back in early 2019. Since then, she's also completed her mat Pilates training, and combined with her Personal Training qualifications is truly a wellness all-rounder! She loves teaching mums and bubs and prenatal (thanks to all of her experience with her beautiful son Noah), and brings a sweet and calming energy to every class she takes. We sat down with her recently to ask about what yoga means to her.

When were you first introduced to yoga?
I went to my first yoga class in 2006 while I was working in a gym. I can’t remember what I thought or how I felt about it but I didn’t go back (haha!). I was more taken by the Les Mills Body Balance, which is a yoga, Pilates, tai chi fusion. It wasn’t until a friend introduced me to a yoga studio down in Sydney. I took a stronger liking to it, loved the holistic approach, the mind-body-self connection and community feels.

What has helped you stick with it?
Yoga definitely makes me feel good! I feel better through every layer of my being and self. The peace and grounding solitude it gives to an over thinker is absolute bliss. I love the connection of coming back to my true myself each time I practise, as well as, sharing connections with others. I enjoy the spiritual, physical, emotional, self-discovery and exploration.

Which pose is your favourite and why?
Kakasana ~ Crow

“What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly? ~ Erin Hanson

I was really taken by it in yoga teacher training. I love the journey into the pose and return to the mat.

Crow strengthens the sacral chakra, connecting us with our feelings, emotions and creative energies. Invites me to focus in the present moment, embrace growth through fear, pain and acceptance. It fosters physical, mental and spiritual adaptation, awareness and connection.

I am strong, because I have been weak. I am fearless, because I have been afraid. I am wise, because I have been foolish. ~ Unknown

So many physical benefits to Crow:

• strengthening arms, abs, wrists, upper back and legs.
• hip opening.
• said to support digestion.
• upper back flexibility.
• spine flexibility and elasticity.

There are stack of drills, modifications and options to support your journey to Crow.

What is the biggest lesson you have taken from your practice?

I am so much more than I think I am. We are so much more. And we are more connected with each other and the world around us than we know.

Would you say that yoga has changed your life?
Yoga has 100-infinity percent changed my whole life (cue crying).

I recommend a yoga teacher training to anyone. Even if you never teach. It catalysed great change for me and infinite possibility.

I’ve ridden (and still ride) waves of emotion, growth, shifts and changes. But I found myself through yoga, (a banner word for some many things), it is very supportive.

I will always be eternally grateful for PJ and the Stretch community for everything they’ve done and continue to do.

What is your favourite thing about teaching at Stretch?
The beautiful community for sure! The support in this studio, not only by the teachers but also by each of the members is next level.

If you embrace it, it can be one of the most genuine, authentic, uplifting, kind, loving spaces you’ll ever find yourself in. It feels like home and everyone feels like family.

What 3 poses would you recommend for a beginner to practise daily?
Yin pose Cat Pulling Tail ~ it stretches so many areas at the same time.

Child Pose or Extended Puppy ~ calming and relaxing.

Downward Facing Dog ~ strengthening and energising.