The Movement Connection

23/03/2026

One day, 3 comments.
Three examples of how the language we use can affect our perception of ourselves and others.
The first, a student talking about her injury.
The second a comment on a planned activity.
The third, related to food intake.
All subtly reinforcing existing narratives around age, activity, strength and fueling.
Remember;
You are not fragile.
You are not broken.
You are allowed to try.
You are allowed a new story.

Elena

(Video of a random back squat day and a reminder that I didn't start training until my 40's)

04/03/2026

I'll never be someone that shares their entire day on Instagram (there would be way too much footage of me reading and going to the supermarket for the 4000th time that week), but I will share my practice. And I'm sharing it to show you that practice exists outside of perfect conditions. I'm a yoga teacher, AND I practice in whatever I'm wearing, in a messy house, with kids and pets interrupting at times. I do this because if I waited until things were perfect, I would never practice. This ability to show up outside of perfect conditions is a skill that can be learned. It can help you get things done when life inevitably lifes. So when you're moving on or off the mat, rather than waiting for the perfect outfit, setting or conditions, let it be messy, and let this help you move forward.
It all counts

Elena

05/01/2026

Back to teaching yesterday and it feels so good! Hope to see you on the mat in 2026.

Photo credit Rachel Elizabeth Photography

03/01/2026

I didn't make any resolutions last year...
After two full years of parenting, studying and teaching, it was time to slow down enough to notice the shifts in my internal landscape. To lean in with curiosity and compassion, to find my footing again. It took a while, there were stumbles and tears at times. Noticing what filled and drained, what sparked fear, excitement and joy. What I was avoiding.. Letting this awareness guide the next steps forward. So this year, I have some new goals, some things to move towards. But I will continue to let curiosity and compassion lead the way. And my hope is that whether or not you set resolutions, you too let curiosity and compassion be your guides.

Elena

Photo credit

20/12/2025

As I head into my last class of the year, it's time to take a moment to look back, at the challenges and learning that shape how I move forward from here. 2025 has taught me a lot, but these three things stand out:
1. Recovery isn't optional.
I've swung from doing all the things to fully crashing out at times because I've missed this part. I've noticed that the weeks where I can best meet what life offers (in all shades), are the ones where I have deliberate rest in my schedule. Whether that's nature time, yin and meditation or extra sleep, these practices are essential.
2. It's not balanced, it's balancing.
A wise friend reminded me of this while I was bemoaning my ability to do everything. We aren't arriving at a fixed destination, but rather constantly adjusting to meet demands. This might mean being all in on something or narrowing down your priorities, and that's ok.
3. You are free to explore new versions of you.
Try the thing. The haircut, the Paddleboard, the new hobby. Notice what shifts and grows (your courage, maybe?) as you allow yourself to try. Repeat as needed.

And, if you've made it this far, thank you. Growth and learning don't happen in isolation, and each connection made helps me take the next step.

See you in 2026, Elena

13/12/2025

To hold and be held..
As I think about what I do and what comes next, I've been sitting with this question ; "Why am I here and in service to what?"
And this is what keeps coming up. To hold and be held. To hold space for others, to be held in community, to be reminded that I am part of a larger tapestry of care.
So while my offerings may shift and change, this will stay the heart of my work.
Wishing you all that warmth and care as we move towards 2026.

Elena

02/10/2025

It's a reminder of what can do. A year ago I developed Bicep Tendinopathy. I couldn't lift my arm over my head without pain, let alone kick into a Handstand. But physio and a progressive training plan meant that I was able to lift again within weeks, and am now squatting, deadlifting and overhead pressing more weight than before my injury. Ive built more confidence in my ability to navigate lifes challenges, and to support my clients too. Building strength helps us in so many ways.
And its never too late to start...

29/09/2025

Last chance to practice with me at Waimea starting soon. Would love to see you on the mat.

Term 4 Adult Yoga Flow Courses - Spots Available Now!

Tutor: Elena Hill
Dates: 16 Oct – 4 Dec
Fee: $120 or $60 with subsidy

Beginners Yoga Flow: Thursday 5.45 – 6.45 pm (8 weeks)
Gentle Yoga classes that build from floor-based postures into standing sequences. Led by an experienced teacher with a background in exercise science, these classes are designed to help you move and live well, building strength, flexibility and balance. Perfect for those new to yoga or with less than a year's experience. Most people are eligible for a 50% subsidy.
Booking link https://www.trybooking.com/nz/17076

Beyond Beginners Yoga Flow: Thursday 7.00 – 8.00 pm (8 weeks)
A dynamic flow class suitable for students with some prior experience of yoga asana. Led by an experienced teacher with a background in exercise science, these classes are designed to both challenge and support students with balance, strength and flexibility, offering a wide framework of options to suit student preferences and a strong emphasis on exploratory, feel good flows. Most people are eligible for a 50% subsidy.
Booking link https://www.trybooking.com/nz/17077

19/09/2025

Come and unwind with me every Tuesday...

We are excited to announce that our lovely teacher, Elena, will be now guiding your Yin practice on Tuesday evenings!

Elena is a E-RYT 200hr teacher and Personal Trainer, who loves to teach Yin. She has trained in Yin and Meditation with Yoga Medicine, as well as Therapeutic Yin Yoga and has been teaching Yin for several years now. Expect a supportive practice with lots of options and props, a chance to unwind, recover and reset.

🌟 Starting Tuesday 23rd September 🌟

18/09/2025

Term Four Schedule starts next week! A new Candlelit Yin class at Kindred Studio on Tuesday evenings, and the last ever term at Waimea College too.
Hope to see you on the mat, Elena

16/07/2025

Come to Yoga with me?

Adult Yoga Flow Courses - Be quick for the last spaces!

Most people are eligible for a 50% subsidy.

Tutor: Elena Hill 24 July – 11 Sept Fee: $60 with subsidy

Beginners Yoga Flow:
Thursday 5.45 – 6.45 pm (8 weeks)
Gentle Yoga classes that build from floor-based postures into standing sequences. Led by an experienced teacher with a background in exercise science, these classes are designed to help you move and live well, building strength, flexibility and balance. Perfect for those new to yoga or with less than a year's experience.

Booking link https://www.trybooking.com/nz/15989

Beyond Beginners Yoga Flow:
Thursday 7.00 – 8.00 pm (8 weeks)
A dynamic flow class suitable for students with some prior experience of yoga asana. Led by an experienced teacher with a background in exercise science, these classes are designed to both challenge and support students with balance, strength and flexibility, offering a wide framework of options to suit student preferences and a strong emphasis on exploratory, feel good flows.

Booking link https://www.trybooking.com/nz/15990

08/07/2025

Term Three is nearly here!
So grateful to be able to share this practice with you all, see you on the mat.