Kim Anderson on Finding Balance and Her Journey to Teaching Yoga

When it comes to balancing work, family life, and personal passions, Kim Anderson is no stranger to the art of juggling. A 37-year-old mum to Eva, 7, Ruben, 4, and a Training Officer for a charity supporting adults and young people with Learning Disabilities and Autism, Kim has a lot on her plate. 

Yet, amidst the chaos of daily life, she’s found a sanctuary: yoga. Now, she’s taking her passion one step further by sharing the practice she loves with others, as a newly trained yoga instructor.

So, how did Kim, who loves family walks along the North Coast with her husband and dog Sam, end up trading her mat as a student for a mat at the front of the room? 

Explaining that her decade-long journey with yoga began as just another exercise class. But unlike the others, yoga offered something deeper.

“I started over 10 years ago, just trying out a new exercise class really,” Kim recalls. “But I just loved it.

“I’ve always been up for trying different classes, but yoga was the one that stayed with me. Over the years, I tried so many types—vinyasa, hatha, Iyengar, aerial, yin, restorative, rocket - but now I mostly love vinyasa flow.” 

For Kim, yoga was more than a workout; it became a way to manage stress, find balance, and feel grounded amid life’s demands.

“I Just Want to Share That Feeling With People”

For years, Kim had a quiet hope of becoming a yoga teacher.

“We’re so lucky around here to have some amazing yoga teachers,” she says. “I always thought, one day, I’d love to do what they do. Yoga has helped me physically, mentally, and emotionally, and I just want to share that feeling with people.”

After finding a holistic teacher training course at The Yoga Quarter in Belfast, Kim decided it was finally time to make her dream a reality. Though the course was demanding, she embraced the challenge, balancing study with her busy family life and career.

Kim’s Class: “A Relaxing, Calming Space for All”

Now, Kim is excited to welcome newcomers and seasoned yogis alike to her Monday night vinyasa flow class at Coleraine West Community Centre. Her teaching style is all about inclusivity and accessibility. 

“Vinyasa flow is a dynamic style of yoga that links movement with breath creating a smooth continuous flow from one posture to the next. 

“My classes are suitable for all levels so whether you are just wanting to try something new or are a regular yogi I offer plenty of options through the class to suit different bodies and abilities. We also use props (blocks, belts, cushions) to make the poses accessible for everyone. The class can be as strong or as gentle as you.”

Kim describes her class environment as a “relaxing, calming space”.

“People can expect a warm welcome when they come to class. I really love to see people coming along for their first time, just to try something new. I

“We start classes with a short grounding relaxation and then do a gentle warm-up, a flow sequence and finish with some relaxation.

“It’s so rewarding to watch people come in, relax, and just focus on themselves.”

Why Yoga Matters in Today’s World

For Kim, the benefits of yoga go far beyond the physical. 

“Yoga is an invaluable practice in today’s fast-paced world because it addresses both physical and mental well-being, which are increasingly important for managing stress, improving focus, and maintaining balance. 

“Beyond physical fitness, yoga offers tools for mental clarity, emotional resilience, and relaxation, helping people to cope better with daily pressures. 

“The combination of movement, breath, and mindfulness makes yoga a holistic practice that supports overall wellness, providing people with a chance to reconnect with themselves in the demands of modern life.

Kim firmly believes that yoga is for everyone. “A lot of people feel intimidated, thinking they’re not flexible enough or fit enough,” she says. “But flexibility is something you build over time. 

“I always offer modifications for each pose, so you can start slowly and progress at your own pace. 

“Yoga is a personal journey, and there’s no perfect version of a pose. The goal is to connect with your breath and listen to your body, so let go of any comparisons or expectations.” 

Looking Ahead: Dreams of Expanding Her Yoga Practice

With her Monday night class gaining traction, Kim has plans to expand her offerings. 

“I hope to add another class in the new year,” she shares. “And I’m also really interested in doing Pregnancy Yoga training. 

“I practised yoga while I was pregnant, and it was wonderful for stretching, breathing, and relaxation before birth. I’d love to offer that support to other mums-to-be.”

For Kim, teaching yoga is about creating a supportive, inclusive space where people can come together to strengthen their bodies, relax their minds, and reconnect with themselves. 

Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned practitioner, Kim’s class is designed to meet you where you are and help you find balance at your own pace.

Kim’s class is on a Monday night at Coleraine West Community Centre at 7:30pm.  Any class details are posted on her  instagram page @_yoga_with_kim