Sophia Ashford
Each class with Sophia is an invitation to reconnect, to move with awareness, breathe with intention, and rediscover what’s already strong and steady within you.
Sophia teaches Yoga Sculpt Wednesday 5:30pm
Sophia discovered yoga as a source of healing and empowerment. It became the foundation of her resilience and strength, shaping a mindful life that she now inspires others to experience through movement and breath.
Grounded in the discipline of Ashtanga, Sophia brings over five years of experience. Her classes are designed to help students build resilience, confidence, and inner balance. She offers clear guidance and supportive adjustments that empower each person to grow safely in their practice.
She founded her own yoga studio in her native Philippines, where she built a diverse community of locals, expats, and travellers. Now based in Leeds, Sophia continues that mission of creating spaces where students of all types and ages feel seen, supported, and empowered in their own practice.
Each class with Sophia is an invitation to reconnect, to move with awareness, breathe with intention, and rediscover what’s already strong and steady within you.
Teaching Style: With a strong foundation in Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa, Sophia also guides deeply relaxing sessions that blend Yin and Restorative Yoga with gentle head massage to help release stress and invite calm.
Is there a quote, mantra, or philosophy that guides your teaching – or your life?
“Life is practice.”
Inspired by the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois -practice, and all is coming and 99% practice, 1% theory. Alongside the four Ds of ashtanga practice (discipline, devotion, dedication, and discernment) ; this reminds me o practise intentionally, with patience and sincerity, both on and off the mat.
- Sri K. Pattabhi
What inspired you to become a teacher?
What inspired me to teach yoga was experiencing how the practice transformed my relationship with myself. Yoga helped me slow down, become more aware, and reconnect with something steady and resilient within me beneath the noise of everyday life.
My intention in teaching is to inspire students to discover that same strength and steadiness within themselves. I see yoga practice as a mirror; an opportunity for honest self-reflection and deeper self-awareness. Through practice, we begin to notice our habits, reactions, and inner narratives, and from that awareness, the possibility for meaningful change naturally arises.
How would you describe your teaching style and the kind of space you hold?
My intention is to connect with my students and meet them where they are. My teaching is grounded, breath-led, and immersive. I hold a calm, supportive space where students are encouraged to move with awareness rather than pressure. Through clear guidance and thoughtful adjustments, I aim to create an environment where people feel safe to explore, soften, and build trust in themselves.
How do you want people to feel when they leave your class?
I want people to leave feeling like they’ve come home to themselves -calm, supported, and deeply connected to their body and breath. A little lighter, a little clearer, and reminded that they don’t need to fix anything, just listen.
What can someone expect if they’re coming to your class for the first time?
Students can expect a practice where they feel guided, supported, and gently inspired to move with the intelligence of their own body. I use simple, clear instructions and hands-on adjustments to help students understand the shapes from the inside, encouraging awareness rather than overthinking. The focus is on feeling the practice, listening inward, and moving in a way that feels natural and intelligent for them.
Is there a quote, mantra, or philosophy that guides your teaching – or your life?
“Life is practice.”
Inspired by the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois -practice, and all is coming and 99% practice, 1% theory. Alongside the four Ds of ashtanga practice (discipline, devotion, dedication, and discernment) ; this reminds me o practise intentionally, with patience and sincerity, both on and off the mat.
What do you do for fun outside of teaching?
Outside the studio, I enjoy exploring through food, art, and nature. I love dining out, visiting museums and galleries, and going for long walks or hikes. When I’m in the Philippines, I reconnect through the ocean with scuba diving and freediving. I’m drawn to experiences that feel immersive and grounding, wherever I am.