Fit Bits: Meet Paloma Yoga founder and wellbeing devotee Hermione Fairbairn

Paloma Yoga founder Hermione Fairbairn loves to helps students re-connect, reset and relax through her grounding classes. She’s also a primary school teacher with a penchant for cold water swimming. . .

My fitness story

I’ve been a yoga teacher for over 12 years now; this has accompanied me through several life phases and my style and influences are constantly evolving. The style of how I teach today is very different from how I taught when I began. I work most closely with Satyam Wellbeing Centre in Chesterton; with a weekly class, involvement in their teacher training program and specific workshops. I’ve led a class there since they opened and it’s a special place for many; creating an important community hub for health and wellbeing. I also teach alongside other fitness organisations, like Zone Fitness and I run private classes too. My other job is as a primary school teacher and SENDCo so my weekly work involves multiple interesting and varied hats (which I’m grateful for) but at times I feel a little less than Zen!

Why I love my job

I feel lucky to have a job where I have had the freedom to develop a way of working in direct response to the students that come to class. I enjoy holding a space for others within which they can re-connect, re-set and relax. . . that process of gentle healing is in their hands; guided by me. Raising student’s awareness through the senses using essential oils, like peppermint and lavender and an uplifting soundtrack have become central features of my classes. These can provide an effective gateway to our natural relaxation response. Seeing relaxed smiles and the effects of Yoga radiating from students when they step off the mat is reward enough.

My go-to quick workout

Since Covid, and the reality of lockdown with young children, I have been disciplined with my early alarm-call choosing a focused yoga session, workout or run before anyone else is up. My body and mind now need this focused space and activation to get my day off to a good start.

My favourite feel-good long workout

Since entering my 40s I’ve become a firm fan of the benefits of cold water swimming on body and mind. Nothing else re-sets or naturally elevates me in the same way and I swim at Jesus Green Lido most weeks of the year now. Although I have a background in competitive swimming, for me, this exercise is all about slow movement and a relaxed bodily state. You might find me resting my feet on a hot water bottle, cradling my cup of tea later in the day but I will also be extolling the virtues for my body and mood!

The energy-boosting snack I swear by

One of my favourite post-workout meals would be a nutritious brunch like Shakshuka (a North African tomato and pepper-based dish with eggs), definitely a cup of coffee and maybe a fruit smoothie or Jugo Verde.

My indulgent treat food

Chocolate and other staff room treats that are sometimes too hard to avoid after a busy day in the classroom!

How I kickback and relax

With life being so busy I’m afraid I genuinely am a yoga teacher who finds it hard to slow down. Yoga is a practice and I’m continually returning to that practice and re-connecting with the positive habits that I know are beneficial to my mind and body. I kickback enjoying music and I love a bit of a dance. My more successful routes to relaxation usually involve shifting some energy first!

My top tip for anyone who needs motivating to start exercising

Forming an achievable habit that works for you, making it realistic and enjoyable (ideally by adding your favourite music!). I like listening to podcasts like (the late) Dr Michael Moseley’s Just One thing to motivate me with the latest evidence-based findings on wellbeing. Finally, I know it’s not for everyone, but after a dip in Jesus Green Lido (and a warming cup of tea. . .) you can take on the world!

Find out more about Paloma Yoga by emailing yogapaloma@outlook.com or follow @paloma.yoga