‘I have been doing yoga classes with Charlie for about two years and was a complete beginner when I started. I am much stronger, my flexibility has improved and I have become more aware of my posture. Charlie has taught me so much, she plans and researches meticulously for each lesson and is very attentive to everyone, making sure they are working in the best way for them as individuals. Charlie ends class with an inspirational quote or thought which is always uplifting and interesting. Yoga has become a part of my life thanks to Charlie.’

Charlotte Flood, Wittersham

‘I’ve been practising yoga with Charlie in Peasmarsh for just over a year and have been very impressed by her teaching. She really understands our issues and adapts the practice to the needs and capabilities of the group, giving individual attention when needed. The classes are varied, often challenging, and always rewarding. The physical and emotional benefits are wonderful! This class offers a perfect balance of excellent teaching in a relaxed, friendly environment for everyone.

Fiona Bevan, Beckley

‘l started doing yoga with Charlie when a friend suggested it would help me after my husband died. It was the right advice and definitely helped with my long road to recovery.

Charlie is a wonderful teacher, very kind and incredibly professional. Not only has it helped me mentally, it has definitely made a difference physically. l no longer feel so stiff and I feel more flexible. I have a neck injury that always caused me discomfort but since doing yoga it doesn't hurt anymore.

l have found that yoga has helped to keep me grounded and it is now part of my weekly routine. l cannot recommend yoga classes with Charlie more highly.’

Penny Reeves, Peasmarsh

‘Charlie’s yoga class is the highlight of my week. Her warm and knowledgeable approach to yoga is right up my street. She combines all the best bits of my 25 years of yoga practice into an hour and fifteen minute class. The winning formula of Charlie’s expertise and her thoughtful teaching style are addictive. I’m constantly recommending her classes and workshops to people as they genuinely have the feel-good factor.’

Katie Clarke, Director, The George in Rye

‘After knee and foot surgery, I had abandoned my beloved yoga. Charlie has gently eased me back into practising again and I have rediscovered all the old benefits of flexibility, body awareness and serenity. What a gift!’

Sue Crowe, Cranbrook

‘I have suffered with polymyalgia, which is a debilitating disease, for two years. Steroids have reduced the inflammatory markers but meeting Charlie & discussing the benefits of Yoga changed my life.

I reluctantly joined her gentle class in Cranbrook in November 2018 & instantly realised this is going to help me physically & mentally. I now look forward to my weekly class & the quality of my life has changed. I am so much more flexible & can walk fast with very little pain.

I was always told one of the most important things in regard to Yoga is the teacher & it is so very true. Charlie is absolutely amazing & all I can say is Thank You 😊’

Elaine Lowe, Tunbridge Wells, 2019

‘I've done yoga for years with many different teachers -- Charlie is very special. For her, yoga is not a hobby but a way of being and it illuminates all her classes and practice. Charlie constantly progresses her own practice and shares most generously with her pupils. She has a wide breadth of interest in all types of yoga and integrates them while maintaining integrity to give you just what you need. Her classes will push you to be better, and most of all, bring you joy!’

Robyn Reeves, Tenterden

‘As a GB triathlete and gardener I find Charlie’s yoga perfect for keeping me supple and calming me at the same time! She has a wonderful manner and is always very conscious to encourage everyone whatever their capabilities and experience. I wouldn’t be without her.’

Jane Pendered, French teacher and Pendy’s Patch (vegetable gardening guru!), Smarden

‘I suffer from a movement disorder in my neck called dystonia, which means
my head involuntarily twists to the right. Charlie is brilliant at adapting my yoga moves so there is no strain put on my neck. She has also taught me how to better focus my concentration during the yoga moves, which helps enormously with controlling my disorder.’

Lorraine Jones, manager of Benenden Village Hall

‘It's far more of a workout than I ever imagined – & I feel great after it. I have been going to Charlie's classes for several years & would be lost without them. I can feel my flexibility improving, it's not too late – even at 52!’

Sue Wood, Cranbrook

'I was introduced to Charlie's yoga class about 3 years ago having practised yoga for some years. It became evident almost immediately to me that Charlie stood out from other classes I had attended through her complete dedication to the practice and in her unfaltering ability to transmit positive enthusiasm and passion for yoga onto to her pupils.

Through her encouragement I have made steady progress and every class is a joy to attend. There is no pretentiousness and she is inclusive of all, whatever one’s ability. Her years of devotion, refining and improving, allows us the opportunity to draw on the benefits.’

Jo Humphreys, Super Legna, Hawkhurst

‘Charlie has the ability to encourage positive change by bringing awareness to breath and posture in a gentle yet powerful practice. She helps me to concentrate on a very personal inner practice that leaves my body and mind energised for the rest of the day. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone who is looking to join a committed and friendly Yoga group. In our busy lives it is so appreciated to enjoy a mindful practice under the supervision of such a talented teacher.’

Caroline, Cranbrook

‘Charlie has been teaching me yoga on a one to one basis for 8 years and I also attend some of her classes. Charlie teaches in an intelligent and conscious manner and through encouraging me to become aware of the subtleties of what I'm asking my body to do combined with her positive encouragement and great demonstration, she has completely transformed my yoga. Her teaching is grounded in her astute observation of me as an individual and she has the amazing skill of connecting with my yoga experience and how it feels, rather than how it looks. Yoga with Charlie is the antithesis of today's world of competitiveness and egos and is a fantastic blend of holistic practice – food for body & soul. Thank you Charlie x’

Helen Gorman, Benenden

‘It was suggested to me that I should try Yoga to help my breathing and improve my non-existent body balance. I was aware of Yoga but I had always thought it was for women – not men and certainly not old ones. Charlie was recommended to me by several people.

Initially I felt strange and apprehensive walking into a room full of ladies and was self-conscious for I had no idea what would be coming! No reason to be so – once you start you just do it and enjoy it and come out feeling better than when you walked in! Everyone was friendly which helped!

There was no reason to be worried for Charlie made sure I was all right and guided and kept an eye on me throughout (and still does). You forget you are the only male and are probably the oldest and just do it. It’s really super, would have loved to have done it earlier in my life rather than at the end of it! Certainly Charlie could not be a better teacher/leader. Yoga has to be recommended to everyone. As does Charlie.’

Ian, 76, GB Triathlete (75—80), Iden Green

‘Yoga has been part of my life since my pre-teens, and in that time I have enjoyed a variety of different Yoga styles and teaching methods.

I have been attending Charlie’s classes for several years and would thoroughly endorse both Charlie’s teaching methods and the relaxed non-competitive environment that is created in the class with an element of fun thrown in!

The classes remain challenging whatever the level and experience of the student and are undertaken under the assurance and guidance of an extremely competent teacher.’

Julia Deane, artist, Cranbrook

‘I met Charlie four years ago and have rarely missed a class since. I find that her classes make me think creatively about different yoga poses and have pushed me to go beyond what I am used to; so much so that we have recently started a new class in my restaurant. She is patient, encouraging & non-judgmental with students who are at different levels. Charlie has inspired me to practice in my own time & to use yoga to find calm in my otherwise hectic life! For me she is absolutely the perfect teacher and I hope that she will remain my teacher for many years to come. Thanks, Charlie.’

Vanessa Ferret, Bodiam Boating Station, Newenden

‘When I moved to this area, I struggled to find a yoga teacher with whom I felt confident and I could trust. I was delighted to discover Charlie’s classes in Rolvenden. She makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

Charlie puts a lot of thought and expertise into each class but has no difficulty in adapting to fit in with the individual’s needs. I have been doing yoga for over 20 years but feel that Charlie ensures I continue to grow, both in body and spirit.’

Jane Livesey, Newenden

‘I have been attending yoga lessons with Charlie for about 8 years. Charlie is an amazing teacher. She is very knowledgeable, she can easily deal with people of differing abilities giving clear & precise instructions to adapt poses so beginners & advanced can attend the same classes and she manages to keep classes interesting & fresh every week. Charlie inspired my love for yoga so much that I became a kids & teens yoga teacher. I highly recommend anyone looking for a yoga class to come along and see Charlie.’

Hayley Sanderson, Kids & Teens Yoga Instructor, www.namastekids.co.uk

‘I have been practising yoga for about 25 years and have experience of many teachers and Charlie is in my view one of the best you can get. She is a natural teacher and her classes are both energising and inspiring. I recommend her to anyone interested in starting yoga or continuing with their practice.’

Henrietta King, Sissinghurst

‘Charlie’s classes always leave you feeling pleased that you have done them. The sessions are interesting and varied, with just the right amount of challenge, and the instructions are easy to understand. Charlie takes account of any issues particular people may have and tailors exercises to the individual. I think it is such a good thing for my health and am always so pleased that I have been.’

Sue Ford, Hawkhurst

‘Charlie has such a passion for yoga and that shines through in her teaching. Her classes flow beautifully, you feel challenged and rewarded after each class. I have been attending Charlie’s classes for a couple of years now and my yoga has improved dramatically. She guides you to challenge your mind and body leading to a deeper understanding of yoga.’

Jenny Sawyer, consultant, Arbonne International, Hawkhurst

‘I’ve been doing yoga with Charlie for a couple of years now. I get so much out of it. It’s good for mind, body and soul. Charlie is an excellent, knowledgeable teacher and healer. I feel energized and much more at peace after each session. I’ve also learnt the importance of breath and balance. Thank you, Charlie.’

Helen Crossfield, business consultant

‘Charlie is a wonderful yoga teacher; she has undoubtedly helped me with my muscular and skeletal issues. I cannot praise her enough with her passion, patience and skilful teaching qualities!’

Jules Davies, travel consultant, Baldwins Travel

‘I started yoga several years ago when Pilates was no longer working for me. I am so thankful to have met Charlie at that time as her knowledge, wisdom, kindness and expertise have not only guided me through the physical rehabilitation required after major surgeries, but more importantly I have learned that yoga is such an incredible tool for maintaining balance, strength, poise and grace in this fast-paced life.’

Michelle Pearson, craniosacral therapist, Cranbrook

Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs

‘A few weeks after finishing Charlie’s Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course, someone said that they had seen me out walking and remarked on my amazingly improved posture. They did not know that I had been on the Lower Backs course. That is proof of Charlie’s excellent teaching and her encouragement to practise the set exercises regularly. I would recommend doing the course.’

Pat Stearns, Sissinghurst

‘I work in Forestry, an industry where lower-back problems are endemic.

I found the course extremely helpful and supportive (no pun intended). Charlie’s teaching is excellent. She is helpful, patient, friendly and pays attention to the small details to make sure we learn correctly. I’ll miss the weekly sessions and the friendly group atmosphere.’

David Rossney, Esus Forestry-Training

‘Over time I’ve tried osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors and worn back supports for a painful lower back. Since going on the Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course, I haven’t needed so much as an anti-inflammatory. It’s fantastic to have found something that really works and is enjoyable to do. Charlie is a terrific teacher and her classes are happy and fun, too.’

A Bond, Cranbrook, 2018

‘I took Charlie’s back course after a bad period with my back. The course was very gentle and well designed to ease me back into health. I have gone on using some of the exercises to keep my back supple. It has changed my life as I’m now much more supple and I’d highly recommend the course with Charlie to anyone struggling with their backs.’

Clare Winchester, artist, Benenden

‘My 3 years of Yoga classes with Charlie Hartley have been a joy. Charlie encourages, gives sensible options on poses and uses props for the individuals’ needs. She varies the exercises to make the class more challenging and interesting, emphasising to us to work to our own capabilities, relaxing into postures, not forcing any movement. She teaches us to focus on the here and now whilst on our yoga mats and concentrate on following our breath.
After experiencing some discomfort in my lower back I did the 12 week “Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs” course with Charlie. It has taught me to really listen to my body and helps me manage any stiffness or pain with exercises to suit my needs. Charlie has shown me the importance of good posture and making time for more relaxation.’

Carol Redfern, Benenden

‘Over the five years that I've been practicing yoga with Charlie I have learnt a great deal about what my body needs in order to keep it ticking over in a positive way. Charlie has a unique talent of remaining quietly constant & encouraging, not only in the physical opportunities she challenges me with, but also the spiritual side of yoga that marries mind, body & soul.

I am eternally grateful for her diligent guidance in a special lower back course she ran.
I had not realized how simple everyday things like standing & sitting correctly would impact my general wellbeing. These small adjustments in my daily routine have made a considerable difference in managing back pain issues suffered from an injury in childhood.

I highly recommend anyone to hand over the controls to an hour’s yoga practice with Charlie, best gift you can give yourself on a regular basis!’

Cath O’Reilly, The Croft @ Frogs Hole Barn, Sissinghurst

‘Charlie's Yoga for Lower Backs course has helped to strengthen not only my lower back but my core, which has given greater stability to my posture overall. Also the advice on how to engage your core has been invaluable in helping to protect the lower back. I highly recommend this course to anyone with lower back problems.’

Sue Brooks, Benenden

‘As I have painful osteoarthritis in the spine which in turn causes many painful muscular problems the best thing I ever did was to attend Charlie's Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs class. It has meant I can exercise and strengthen my core muscles in a gentle positive way which in turn has enabled me to enjoy everyday life. Thank you, Charlie.’

Annie Morrison, Rolvenden