Reviews of AlisonFiddler.com services
A heartfelt thank you to all of your that have taken the time to write about your experiences!
It is always such a gift for me to hear all the different ways our sessions help you.
The hatha yoga classes with Alison are just fantastic and have helped me discover a new side of myself and a new side of life. I started aged 27 and had never done yoga before, I didn't really understand what it was, I just open-mindedly went along with a friend. From the very first yoga session with Alison, I knew I had discovered something different, something that was at the same time stretching myself, physically and metaphorically, as well as being calm and restful. Most importantly it just felt good, and with the kind encouragement from Alison, right from the beginning I felt like this was something that I could do, and, with practice, something that I could develop. I had always been very active with other sports such as cycling and running, but I soon realised that yoga offered a physical workout that was providing something very different, something that was caring for and developing my whole body. Likewise with the mind side of things, I had always had a very busy mind and was constantly seeking new ideas. Yoga provided a space for me to work on breathing and to focus my mind, which, with practice, became almost subconscious and unlocked a massive sense of freedom as if my body was following the sequence by itself. This in turn opens up the possibiities for reflections of the more existential and spiritual type: a deep sense of peace and acceptance of the self, along with a sense of enjoyment and gratitude for your own body, life and all life around you. Having a regular dose of this in my life has just been invaluable and through tough times, such as the pandemic, knowing that I can always rely on yoga has provided so much support and stability. Alison is alwasys very responsive and her experience means she is able to make adjustments and balances to the classes, as well as offering individual support. Whether you have done yoga before or are new to it like I was, I couldn't recommend Alison highly enough! - Roy
I've been going to Alison's hatha yoga classes for 6 years in person and then. online. Alison is a brilliant teacher and a beautiful person. She's warm, funny, and really knows everyone in the class and what they need. Going to the classes has made a big difference in my life, providing a source of grounding and peace during the last few turbulent years. I usually find it difficult to stick with exercise or mindfulness practice, but Alison’s class is the exception, that's how good it is! - Katie
I enjoy Alison's yoga classes because of her clarity, precision and attention to details.
I like her energy and the sound of her voice which help me to keep focused. Her voice is calm, uplifting, comforting and she has a good sense of humour!
I like her down to earth and spiritual's approach. It's also really nice that -at the beginning of each class- she asks us if there is anything we'd like to include during the class, movement-wise, or if we have any aches or pains that she can help us with. - Isa
I practice with Alison in her online classes. She always takes time to check how I am and gives relevant advice and recommendations for my practice. She offers options for my practice which I find very helpful and encouraging. Alison always encourages questions and checks in at the end of each practice. This is the only class I have consistently attended which I think is a reflection of Alison’s lovely energy and care she puts into her classes. - Angela
I have been attending Alison’s classes for 3-4 years now. I have been converted from a yoga sceptic to someone who really enjoys the benefits I get from focussing on myself for 75mins. I certainly feel like I’ve had a yoga workout after a class and it’s a great feeling. Alison is a lovely calm teacher and is always keen to build in all our requests and work to release those niggles. Now if only I could hold my boat pose longer..... I know anyone joining won’t regret it. Enjoy! - Sharon
I asked Alison to attend one of the days on my Hen Do to offer a wellness session for my friends and family! Alison and I planned the session in advance, but the session went so much better than I could even imagine!
I had a mixture of friends and family or age, movement ability and openness to this type of event. However they ALL loved it!
There was so much love in one room and everyone was able to be vulnerable in this safe space! I would so recommend this tailored event and I will definitely be doing this again! - Gemma
I have been attending Alison’s yoga classes now for a few weeks. Alison is a fantastic teacher and understands everybodies requirements in the yoga class. I would highly recommend both Alison’s yoga. Linda
Alison is an extremely experienced Yoga teacher who is patient, kind and caring, she is able to gently coach students of all levels.
I also attend her morning meditation group which is a lovely, positive way to start my day full of hope and loving self care. I would highly recommend Alison’s teachings . Louise
Coming to Alison's classes has been a lockdown joy. I've always enjoyed yoga, but have struggled to find a teacher that 'worked' for me, and I've tried a LOT. So, testament to Alison's classes that not only do I feel I have found 'the one', but I have never even been to one of her 'real life' classes. To be able to create such a supportive, calming yet challenging, focused class, especially via the internet, is a real skill. I feel cared for during the class, and a few times at the end I've just really cried. And I don't cry a lot. So that's another super Alison skill. She really is a special teacher. I feel I am noticed, and, am really 'part' of the class- again, particularly impressive when via zoom. I love the mix of stretching, calming, and physical challenge. Somehow the class is very well 'curated'- it just flows so nicely. Now I think I'm at risk of just repeating myself- I could go on and on about how much I like her classes. Thanks so much Alison! - Rachel
I've been doing morning meditations with Alison for about a year, and love starting the day in this way. I've always enjoyed the mornings, but also would set myself unrealistic goals (aka getting out of bed early to exercise). 7am meditation has been perfect for me because it's a really gentle and thoughtful start the day, whilst being a fixed routine that the rest of the day can build off. This is the first time I've stuck at a morning routine so consistently, which feels great.
There's also something special about being part of this group of people who join each morning from their own home, and though we don't speak, there's a real feel of cosiness and familiarity which I enjoy a lot. - Sarah
“Going to Alison’s pregnancy yoga class was my weekly sanctuary during my pregnancy. I have been to Alison’s classes throughout both my pregnancies and recommend them to EVERYONE. Alison is a brilliant yoga teacher and knows pretty much everything about having a baby. I loved having pregnancy class with such an experienced midwife. She had a wise, down-to-earth answer for everything. She even helped me find a doula that I used both times. I always had the best night sleep after yoga with Alison and her perfectly relaxing voice. Thanks so much Alison, I might be back for number 3.” Kate
“I attended sessions with Alison for both my pregnancies and they were consistently excellent. I used her techniques for the birth and they were so powerful! I remember hearing her calming voice in my head whilst using the breathing techniques. The yoga was amazing for my strength and recovery. Unfortunately, I moved away half way through my second pregnancy and I felt my body miss the sessions, great to see they are now online :-) if we decide on a 3rd I'll be back!” Sophie
I got so much out of Alison's pregnancy yoga classes before the birth of my son - helped to keep the aches at bay, kept me feeling strong and there was also a great social element. Really appreciated Alison's kindness and words of wisdom based on her midwife experience too. Would highly recommend. - Sarah
“Although things were a little different to what we were expecting due to Covid the labour itself was a really positive experience for me and I absolutely think this is massively down to your yoga classes! I used all the breathing techniques throughout - my favourite being the humming bee breath on all fours with lots of hip circles and cat/cow movements.
Wednesday evenings were an absolute highlight of my whole pregnancy - your classes made me feel so good; the healing yoga practice, balanced with your knowledgeable advice and experience, as well as the kind, warm environment you made was just brilliant.” Laura
“I really wanted to go to pregnancy yoga classes as I knew as a long-time yoga student myself how powerful yoga is and I wanted to get ready for my babies as best as I could. I was having twins and a very high-risk pregnancy for other reasons too and was told I could not come to pregnancy yoga by 3 yoga teachers, my midwife and all my doctors. I had given up all hope but my friend told me to try Alison as she really helped my friend in both her pregnancies and my friend said she was an experienced midwife and just lovely too. So, I then found Alison like a shining light of wise sanity and calmness. She understood that I needed to be with other pregnant women and relax and learn the breathing and all the other stuff just as much as anyone else. I didn’t do any physical poses but I always got so much out of the class as Alison’s classes are so much more than just a yoga class. Alison gave me just as much care and attention as she does to everyone and my stress levels just vanished. Alison helped me enjoy being pregnant and trust my body when everyone at all my hospital antenatal appointments just made me worry. I had a natural birth of one baby boy and one baby girl with no medication or interventions and I absolutely believe it was because I used all the tips and tools that Alison taught us and she had shown me how to have the power of confidence and trust in myself. Sorry for the long review but believe me it could have been a lot longer! I would recommend Alison’s classes to every pregnant woman.” Becky
“I've been doing yoga with Alison since 13 weeks and I've found it so helpful in my pregnancy! It's great to have a yoga teacher who was also a midwife with years of experience and it feels like a really tight knit class, even over zoom.” Sarah
“Pregnancy yoga with Alison has been one of the biggest sources of support in my pregnancy. I’ve valued the chance to continue practising yoga in a way I can trust is safe for my baby and the classes have also given me confidence to take part in non-pregnancy yoga and to know what I should and should not do. The combination of breathing and yoga postures have provided a lovely moment of calm in the week to connect with the baby and my body. It has also supported my physical health and helped me adapt to my changing body, and deal with muscle aches and stretching ligaments.
But the classes are about so much more than just the physical practice. Alison is so generous with her time and knowledge. She spends time at the beginning and end of each class checking in with everyone, and answering any questions we have. Knowing that I can ask her anything about the pregnancy and labour has been more valuable than I can say. Time with NHS midwifes is often short and infrequent, great as they are. But knowing that I have the chance to ask Alison any questions that come up week by week, with her many years of experience as a midwife, has been hugely reassuring to me.
Alison has also helped me feel confident that my body can cope with the changes coming its way and the labour, as well as looking after my baby once he’s born. This has meant so much to me when so many people want to tell me how hard and painful everything is.
Last but certainly not least, through the pregnancy yoga I’ve met a lovely community of women having babies around the same time as me and they have provided a lot of support too. Alison set up a WhatsApp group so we could all keep in contact.” Polly
“I only found Alison’s classes when I was 30 weeks pregnant after my friend told me about them. I had a never done yoga in my life or any exercise really so I was pretty nervous and felt like I would be surrounded by skinny yummy mummies chanting mantras. I did not need to worry! I made some of my best friends at that class – we are still friends now 7 years later and 3 of us our children go to school together! Alison’s class was so down to earth and filled with care and humour. The last 10 weeks of my pregnancy were the most enjoyable as I learned everything I needed to know to prepare for the birth and I found new friendships that will last a lifetime. Thank you Alison – it was a long time ago now but I always remember your classes with very happy memories.” Francoise
“Thanks Alison, I love coming to your classes every week. When you tell us every week that I am already the perfect mum for my baby (don't know if I believe it!) my eyes fill with tears and I smile. It is worth coming to your wonderful classes just to hear those words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Jenelle
“Wonderful news Alison, I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl last week and all I could hear in my head (as I was on all fours doing my hip circles of course!) was your lovely voice talking me through my breathing and telling me I could do anything for one minute. And I did over and over again with complete trust and confidence until baby Freya was in my arms. I could not have asked for a more peaceful, pain-free birth and although you were not in the room you were there with me every step of the way in my head. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Sofia
“I went to Alison’s classes throughout the whole of my pregnancy and at first I wanted to continue with my strong, physically challenging yoga practice that I loved so much. I had already walked out of another pregnancy class because they just wanted me to breathe and relax! I didn’t believe that pregnancy should change how fit and strong I am. Alison never said I couldn’t or shouldn’t but every week she invited us to listen to our own body and slowly I did. As my body changed so did my yoga practice until I was doing poses in such a gentle way that I would have rolled my eyes at previously but I started to feel the benefits to practicing this way. Thank you Alison for accepting where I was at (in my stubborn, don’t mess with my yoga practice because I am an experienced yogi mindset) and then gently guiding me to where I needed to be for me and my baby. I went onto have a fabulous, enjoyable, mind-blowing, pain-free labour and birth using everything I had learnt in class.” Caitlin