Spotlight on Zuri

Meet Zuri, 2021 NZ Yoga Teacher of the Year, awarded in December. Zuri has been teaching yoga and Pilates for over 30 years and a yoga teacher at Habit Health Majestic for three years. Her embodied flows incorporate breath, movement and stillness, helping you open and move deeper into your body. We are so grateful to have talented instructors like Zuri at Habit Health. Continue reading learn more about her journey.

What brought you to your yoga practice?

My mum first introduced me to yoga back in the early '80s. At the time, I didn't actually enjoy it, which is now quite ironic! I eventually found my way to the practice at 28 years when I was pregnant with my second child, living in Cork, Ireland. I fell in love with it. I trained to become a Yoga Teacher over in the UK just two years after that, and the rest is history.

What does yoga mean to you?

Yoga is all about connection. We often associate it with healing because it helps us reconnect to all parts of ourselves, such as pain, joy, success, failure and even shame. My yoga practice has also played a significant role in my own healing and well-being.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their practice?

Have FUN and always bring an element of play to your practice.

What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching?

I love watching students relax into their bodies and enjoy the practice.

What do you incorporate into your yoga classes?

I was a dancer before teaching yoga. I also taught aerobics and step aerobics, so I have a deep understanding of how bodies move and how my body has always moved as well. I bring intuition into my yoga lessons with a therapeutic approach to postures and alignment. This allows students to get to know their bodies in the practice and learn what is possible for them. People are more capable than they think, so I encourage students to get out of their heads and into their bodies.

What do you do for joy in your spare time?

Dancing is still my biggest joy, and I also love gardening.

What's your favourite song?

I love "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince.

Favourite quote?

In stillness, we find strength.