Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre

Dorchester has a thriving yoga and therapy centre based above Coffee #1 on Trinity Street. The business has been the brain child of Sharon Cox-Button who has built up the centre to offer so much more than just a place to practise yoga. We spent some time with Sharon to ask her a few questions and find out a bit more about her background and the Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre business which she runs in the centre of town…

What is the history behind your business, and what made you want to open up here in Dorchester?

I started practicing yoga in 1980 when I was 15, so I cannot imagine life without yoga! I finished my 3 year yoga teaching diploma in 2001. At this time I was starting a family and my yoga training reflected this with subsequent training in pregnancy yoga, children’s yoga, and women’s health. Along side yoga I trained as a Holistic massage therapist and have been involved in bodies and natural health ever since.

Although it was always a dream to own my own centre, with three children and a busy practice I never really had the time to think about it. 4 years ago the two centres that I worked in suddenly were no longer available and I found myself with nowhere to work. At the time I was doing a Yoga therapy diploma so despite being incredibly busy studying I was suddenly faced with the idea of having to open my own centre. It was rather a bigger centre than I imagined running and I had to do some serious arithmetic to see if I could cover the bills, but at the age of 50, with my children grown up I decided to go for it!!!!

It felt like everything I had been doing in my life had come to this point, it seemed inevitable. Here we are into our fourth year, our timetable getting bigger and bigger and our therapy rooms offering a wide range practitioners. I love the way that we are more than a yoga centre; we have massage, healing, nutritional therapy, homeopathy, osteopathy, kinesiology, bowen therapy, reflexology and naturopathy.

Can you describe your business in 3 words?

A caring, calming, community

Do you have a loyal customer base?

There are 22 regular teachers that work at the yoga centre in our two studios. They all offer something special and different, meaning we have classes that will appeal to all: male, female, young, old, gentle, advanced. I love to see the changeover of classes, when you may have people struggling up the stairs with a walking stick eager to get to their chair yoga class or young energetic people bounding down after a vigorous vinyasa flow. Everyone is welcome, it is a friendly environment, we have something for everybody.

What health benefits (mind and body) can people get from yoga?

I think the biggest health benefit is to switch off from the fast pace of life that we are all getting dragged along by. It’s a time to think about ourselves, body and mind and spirit, stretch, release any tensions , relax , breath deeply and switch off. Students look very different leaving the building!!

Aside from running your business, what are some personal hobbies or local activities that you enjoy?

I got a puppy the same time that I started the centre, which at times seemed very foolish. But it means I walk for an hour everyday with my dog Uvi. This is a meditation in itself. It gives me time to think about things, but also means I have to leave the centre! I also have an allotment, which I have had for 10 years, and which I can just about keep going!!! Again it makes me leave the centre. I also belong to a local drama company and tread the boards when I can.

There are many variations of yoga, so what type would you recommend for someone looking get started?

Yoga is very popular at the moment, and when you look at the timetable it can be a bit daunting. The best thing to do is email or ring, and get some advice on what classes would suit you. Most people think of yoga as vigorous , physical postures, but there are breathing classes, slow relaxing classes, breathing and meditation classes. We also have lots of visiting tutors offering many different workshops.

Any exciting plans for the future?

We have just had a successful Natural Health Open Day and the next event is International Yoga Day on 21st June when we will be offering free classes for old students and new. It is a great chance to try out a variety of different classes and teachers.

To find out more about the classes on offer and how to book then head to the Dorchester Yoga website.

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