Spotlight On……Katie

A photo of Katie in her hockey kit standing next to a quote that inspires her

Habit and Identity, overcoming adversity, Resilience, the power of hope, Uncategorized, Yoga Community, yoga journey, yoga spotlight

Spotlight On……Katie

💬 “Yoga has brought so much more than just stretching—it’s brought calm, focus, and even helped me sleep better!” Katie Bedford, world champion hockey captain and yogi, shares her journey from competitive sports to yoga, the lessons she’s learned, and her favourite poses (and challenges). Read more about her inspiring journey here.

Jordanna Campbell

December 25, 2024

4–6 minutes

Name: Katie Bedford

Age: 59

Occupation: Retired teacher and now an AirBnB Host

How do you know Jordanna? Jordanna used to be my lovely neighbour. We would chat about the madness of having 3 children but with busy lives our children probably knew each other better than we did.

Which of her classes do you go to and how long have you been going to her classes?

Erskine centre, although I started at the Thursday evening class and immediately felt like I had found a place to belong. I have been going since the beginning of Jordanna’s classes. Is that 2 years?

(No, Katie. It’s not. It will be the start of my 4th year teaching in January!!!)

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into yoga?

As a super competitive person, a team player and a busy Mum, I have rejected the notion of ‘being in the moment’ and doing something ‘just for me’ for so long. I have carried many physical injuries from years of competitive sport and knew it was time to add some form of stretching into my routine. What I wasn’t bargaining for was the mental impact too.

Yoga Journey:

What motivated you to start practicing yoga?

Injuries

How has yoga positively impacted your life?

It has brought so much more than simply stretching! Yes, I know most of you are aware of that, but I am the person who got a dog because it would be company for going on runs and am blown away by how much I love her. The same has happened with yoga.

Do you have a favourite yoga pose or sequence? Why?

I struggle with holding poses for a long period of time but it is something I am working on and probably something I need, so at the moment I prefer ‘flow’ yoga as I love the continuous movement and the concentration it requires to calm my active brain. I also love the silence of a flow, just being in the moment of continuous movement.

Least favourite yoga pose? Why?

My excuse is that I have broken both my ankles, torn ligaments in my calves and have never stood still for long, hence balance in any pose is a huge challenge!

Off the Mat:

Aside from yoga, what are your other interests or hobbies?

How long have you got! As a PE teacher I have been involved in so many sports but my long lasting love is hockey. I have played for most of my life, met my husband through hockey, breastfed all my children on the sidelines during matches and much of my social life revolves around friends from hockey. I also manage to fit in running, yoga, gym classes, dog walking and my mid-life crisis (before yoga) which was learning to ride a horse. In November, I travelled to New Zealand as part of the England Ladies Over 60’s hockey squad (even though I’m a mere 59!)to play in the World Cup. Following 8 matches over 10 days we were eventually crowned World Champions. I am rather proud of that!

How do you balance your yoga practice with other aspects of your life?

I now try and keep yoga as an important part of my routine. Tbh I need more time allocated to it as I am realising the benefits physically and mentally.

Mind-Body Connection:

How does yoga influence your mental and emotional well-being?

I have used breathing techniques to stay calm and help me drop off to sleep.

Have you noticed any changes in your mindset since starting yoga?

I am working on the non-competitive element of yoga which has been a challenge. I love watching those super supple yogis and pretend I look like them!!

Community Involvement:

How did you become a part of this yoga community?

I would say that I sit on the outside of the community because life is busy, but it is exactly where I want to be. Just looking in. But knowing that I can step in whenever I want to.

Are there any community events or activities that you particularly enjoy?

My yoga group IS my community. Everyone is different and I love that.

Wellness Practices:

Do you have any other wellness practices that complement your yoga routine?

What is wellness?? I read. I eat well. I listen to others. I love to laugh and chat with friends. The yoga community is wonderful friendly and accepting. It’s very healthy.

Personal Growth:

Can you share a specific instance where yoga played a significant role in your personal growth?

I find yoga is very restorative. I use it as a time to reflect and be calm and have ‘me’ time. I love the silent yoga for these reasons.

Favourite Quotes or Mantras:

Do you have any favourite yoga-related quotes or mantras that inspire you?

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up (Babe Ruth)

Advice for Others:

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their yoga journey?

It gets easier! It is an adventure that constantly changes and challenges and you can accept the challenge whenever you are ready.

How do you stay motivated to continue your yoga practice?

Physically it has helped to keep my body centred to complete all the other activities I do. Also, Jordanna is amazing and she has become a constant in my life which I enjoy.