Hello

My name is Martin Ellerby and I'm the founder of Yoga Republic here in Manchester.

I took up yoga in my mid-forties, initially to give my ageing body some TLC but, after a while, I realised how beneficial it was for my mind, helping me to sleep better and improving my clarity of thought.

I decided to train as a teacher in 2021 and, not long after that, decided to set up Yoga Republic to offer simple yoga classes that everybody, regardless of flexibility, fitness or yoga experience could enjoy. Yoga is simple, it's just moving and breathing, and anyone can do it.

See you on the mat!

The Yoga Republic Story

Having visited a number of yoga studios across Manchester city centre, I found some a bit too spiritual (I'm not a chanter!), too intense (I'm still terrible at remembering the Sanskrit translation of poses!), or too busy with customers crammed into a tiny windowless room.

So I thought maybe there was space for another yoga studio offering something a bit different.

I decided on Yoga Republic as I really want to get more people into yoga, a Peoples Republic of Yoga if you like! It's great for mind and body and really makes you think about what's genuinely important in life beyond consuming stuff and stuff consuming us. I just think if more people did 'the yoga' the world would be a better place...and it's such a simple practice that anyone can take up at any age.

So in Spring 2022 I opened the doors to Yoga Republic, offering simple yoga classes in a spacious studio with lots of natural lighting and panoramic view of Manchester city centre - no chanting, no sanskrit, no life advice.

Starting any business is tough and I've done my fair share of classes for just one person in the early days! But I knew the combination of values, location and studio environment was special and now find myself working alongside some amazing yoga instructors who share those values and we can't wait to see you on the mat.

Meet the Team

Keeping Yoga Simple and Enjoyable.

Every studio might say it, but our teachers are great fun to practice with and, whilst they take yoga seriously, they aren't too serious about yoga! They'll challenge you to 'find your edge', but also encourage you to have fun and leave with a smile on your face!

Arun Eden-Lewis

Arun has been teaching yoga all over the world since 2001 and is also a certified Thai Chi and Qigong instructor.

His mindful 'slow flow' yoga sequencing combined with focussed breathwork is suitable for all yoga abilities and will give you a 'roadmap' to help deepen your personal yoga practice.

Catherine Teague

After working in PR & Media, Cath decided to train as a yoga teacher. Her teaching style caters to all levels, specialising in Vinyasa, Yin, Hot yoga and pregnancy/post-natal yoga.

Cath wants to help you nourish your mind and body through yoga, giving you a safe space to detach from the pressures of everyday life.

Martin Ellerby

Martin founded Yoga Republic in 2022 after a long career in urban regeneration.

Having only taken up yoga in his mid-forties and trained as an instructorin 2021, Martin understands taking up yoga can seem a little intimidating.

Martin's classes are a blend of Hatha and Vinyasa with an emphasis on calm movement giving you space to listen and tune into the connection of breath and body.

Jen Wildes

Jen has a particular interest in Vinyasa, Yin and mindful breathwork.

Whilst her vinyasa flow will challenge you physically, Jen believes yoga is just as much about our internal state, weaving in mindful breathwork techniques that will leave you physically and mentally invigorated at the end of class.

Katie Asquith

For Katie yoga is much more than poses and breath, it's a way of life both on and off the mat. Katie believes that everybody can enjoy yoga, after all it's not about touching your toes but more about what you learn on the way down!

With a gentle yet empowering approach, Katie's classes will encourage you to explore the depths of your personal practice.

Lou Whitehead

Lou trained to become a yoga instructor in 2022 and has a calming teaching style that reflects her own personal yoga philosophy.

Lou is an advocate of yoga's ability to open up space in our lives, space where we can unwind, de-stress and look after our physical and mental wellbeing.