In it for the long stretch

It took breaking an arm in a surfing mishap 10 years ago for Charlotte Dodson to realise the power of yoga. Dodson, now a yoga instructor, was working in advertising, when the accident, which required a plate and pins to be inserted in her arm, changed her outlook in life.

“It was a blessing in disguise”, Dodson says. “I realised yoga was so much more than just stretching; it affects all areas of your life”.

Dodson used yoga as part of her recovery and over time it became the main focus in her life. After gradually stepping down from her advertising career, Dodson now teaches yoga to groups and individuals and just spent the past three months in New York working with fledgling Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr.

“My business is growing more on the private side, one-on-one and small groups, so I can tailor it more. Yoga is very individual so you have to connect with the person”, she says.

Dodson studied yoga at the Nature Cure College and has since undertaken training in India, London and New York.

“I travel with my clients and can teach it to anyone anywhere in the world”, she says.

As well as teaching people how to become yoga instrucors, the course also pairs students up with a suitable mentor.

“I meet with my teacher three times a week. It is important to practise as well as teach,” she says.

She teaches 15 classes a week which range from an hour to 90 minutes and vary in intensity.

“Helping people relax after a stressful day is extremely satisfying”, Dodson says.

- The Daily Telegraph, Saturday July 28 2007, page 17