Love Your Local: The Yoga House + College of Therapy Yoga & Zen Shiatsu

COVID had a silver lining for Genevieve Paton and Lyn Keogh in the running of The Yoga House and the College of Therapy Yoga & Zen Shiatsu.

Both businesses have been part of the Gladesville community landscape for more than 20 years.

The college is a local Registered Training Organisation delivering short and comprehensive government-accredited health-based training courses such as yoga therapy teacher training, shiatsu massage and First Aid.

The Yoga House is a local therapeutic yoga studio to stretch, strengthen, breathe and relax to bring balance to a healthy body and a healthy mind.

The studio is re-opening in-person on 1 November, after switching to online during COVID.

Lockdown periods meant doing things differently.

“We had to pivot our business … last year when we had to go in to lockdown,” Genevieve said.

In 2020 and 2021, college courses and yoga sessions were delivered online during COVID.

The digital offering has led to the businesses attracting students not just locally but from all over Australia.

“We came up with technology that’s enabled our business to have a wider audience now, Genevieve said.

Genevieve said one of things she and Lyn loved about being local to Hunters Hill was that they had a solid group of seniors as students.

“We have lots of seniors that come along, 60-plus, they just love it,” Genevieve said.

“We love servicing that part of our community.”

“They come and do yoga with us so they can keep mobile, keep fit and strong.”

Being able to offer short courses through the registered training organisation to assist local people of various ages to improve their employability and their skill set was also very rewarding, she said.

Based on Victoria Road, the businesses’ premises back on to Massey Lane, where a colourful mural features on the building. It was painted as part of the Hunter’s Hill Council-led Magic on Massey laneway activation, held in March and April.

As part of our Love Your Local initiative we are highlighting local businesses. If you would like to suggest a business email: people@huntershill.nsw.gov.au.

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