Meet the team behind The Yoga Social

The Yoga Social has been a fantastic success at The Royal Barn.

We’ve hosted the event twice and it has received 10/10 reviews and recommendations on both occasions.

The next Yoga Social (the final event of 2019) will be taking place on Sunday, 1st December, and will offer the chance to unwind, replenish and create a sense of calm before the festivities.

Launched by Claire Braithwaite of Yoga by The Lune, and Francesca Klottrup of PREP Therapy, the popular event combines yoga and food to nourish the mind, body and soul.

We thought you might like to get to know Claire and Francesca a little better, ahead of the final Yoga Social of 2019.

Tell us a bit about yourself – are you local? How long have you lived in Kirkby Lonsdale?

FK: I moved to Kirkby Lonsdale only recently (February 2019) having spent the last 10 years based in London. Why Kirkby? Because my mum is from the Lake District, so I used to spend most of my childhood holidaying around here, and when my parents retired up here it just felt like this was meant to become home.

CB: I have recently moved back to Kirkby Lonsdale having spent the last 3 years in London. I am from Kendal but spent a lot of my childhood (at QES) and 20’s in Kirkby Lonsdale, most people are likely to know me from my days working in Avanti.

What is your job and what does it entail?

FK: I’m a chef and a nutritional therapist, I work predominantly as a private chef, offering catering for events and private households. My nutritional work mainly involves providing one-to-one consultations for people looking to help their health with food. However, I’ve worked in restaurants, catering companies, taught in culinary schools plus tv production and styling. I just loved all areas of cooking.

CB: Where to start with this question… I am a Creative Producer and Yoga Teacher – these jobs are worlds apart but my business and marketing background have provided a good foundation for setting up Yoga by the Lune, and The Yoga Social. The producer work spans digital marketing, advertising, app development, documentaries, music videos and emerging technology. Yoga is my passion, I teach vinyasa classes but draw on many forms of asana and teachings to bring the local community yoga.

What did you do before your current job?

FK: I was an office assistant/PA after finishing University. I only lasted 2 years before accepting that the corporate world is not where I’m meant to be.

CB: Before my producer life I was a Marketing Manager for a digital agency in Lancaster.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

FK: The creativity.

CB: The variety and freedom.

What do you like doing in your spare time? Any hobbies?

FK: Exercising. Sounds like a cliché, but I love moving and being outdoors. I also love learning, I have too many books for shelves.

CB: Yoga, weight lifting, open water swimming, going to gigs, travelling and generally just having fun – up for trying new things! But sometimes you can’t beat a brew and an afternoon watching a film.

Tell me a surprising fact about yourself that people might not know.

FK: I’m 33. I have a baby face. Everyone thinks I’m younger, my trademark kitchen top knot look probably doesn’t help!

CB: I ate 8 ferrero rochers in a minute as a freshers challenge at university, the world record is 10.

Why do you believe yoga and nutrition is important?

You wouldn’t give your petrol car diesel. Don’t feed your body junk. It’s the same logic.

Modern day life is endless and yoga brings us back to our body, mind and breath – things we forget to check in on but without them we wouldn’t be here.

Yoga can help us unpick some of the overuse and stress that we put on both our mind and body. Bringing together the physical and mental disciplines to help us relax, improve our posture, increase flexibility, muscle strength, improves respiration and energy, and increases self-awareness.

What are the benefits of yoga and nutrition?

Food is the thing our body needs to move, grow and repair.

There are so many benefits of yoga – it is great for the body, mind and soul.

– Improves cardiovascular health
– Reduces stress
– Decreases tension in the body
– Improves strength and range of motion in the body
– Allows you to breathe better
– Increases productivity

What’s a common misconception of yoga and nutrition?

FK: That you only need help with food if you are overweight or have digestion issues. People don’t realise that headaches, moods, sleep, skin, hormonal health etc…are all impacted by your daily dietary choices.

CB: That you have to be flexible to do Yoga. The line I hear most is “but I can’t touch my toes”.

How did you both meet?

FK: Claire ran past my market stall in Kirkby Lonsdale, followed up with a message on Instagram to say hey and we went for a cuppa in The Royal Barn.

How did the idea for The Yoga Social come about?

We both felt like there was a lack of this kind of thing in the area, we shared a passion and ambition for running wellness events, so it felt natural and logical that we should do something together.

Why did you decide to host The Yoga Social at The Royal Barn?

Well it is where we met but the ethos and atmosphere fits with what we are doing. The coffee is great, the staff are really friendly (Stu has been so supportive), plus it’s so local and a key part of Kirkby Lonsdale’s community – something we strive for.

What’s your favourite memory of The Yoga Social so far?

Watching it all come together during our first event. Looking around the room and taking it all in was an amazing feeling after all the planning. As it was our first event, there was a lot of work behind the scenes. We wanted to get the branding right, then we had to promote it and spread the word. We also wanted to bring in the right local companies that complement our offering and ethos too, so it was great to see everything come together in one space and of course, seeing everyone enjoying themselves.

What’s been your favourite choice on the brunch menu so far?

FK: The vegan donuts. It’s hard to nail a really good vegan bake so I’m pretty chuffed with that recipe.

CB: I would agree! Although the Turmeric Hummus was dreamy (I am bias as it is my fav spice)!

What’s the best bit of feedback you’ve received?

The praise about the food and flavours. But generally everyone saying how thankful they are to have such an event going on in the area.

What’s your long-term goal for The Yoga Social?

We have so many ideas! You’ll have to watch this space.