Teaching yoga in Prisons

After completing her 200-hour yoga course, Robin taught yoga for over a year at Eastwood Park Women's Prison. She found the experience eye-opening, working with women who had experienced significant trauma. It was deeply rewarding to see the transformative impact yoga had on some of them, as they incorporated breathing techniques and practices into their daily lives, even using them in their cells.

Robin received training from The Prison Phoenix Trust during a five-day residential program, where she learned specific practices and adaptations for teaching yoga in prison. The focus was on trauma-sensitive teaching, a concept that continues to influence her approach today. Robin believes it’s crucial to teach yoga in a trauma-informed way, as many people carry some form of trauma. This approach ensures that yoga classes remain safe and accessible, particularly in educational settings where students come from diverse backgrounds.

Robin believes it’s essential to regularly participate in training, courses, or retreats to deepen one’s passion and understanding of yoga. She maintains a daily yoga practice and has completed an additional 300 hours of training in various areas, including trauma yoga, prison yoga, yoga for young people, and yoga in healthcare.