About Adelene Cheong
(SYT / E-RYT200 / BWY Teacher / Adv R&R® Restorative Yoga Trainer / iRest® Yoga Nidra Level 2)
Adelene is a registered SYT with Yoga Alliance UK. This accreditation demonstrates excellent standards as set by Yoga Alliance UK.
Having studied various styles of yoga, Adelene’s practice in the recent decade has been greatly inspired by her teachers Judith Hanson Lasater (Senior Assistant to Judith H. Lasater) and Donna Farhi (Senior Associate to Donna Farhi). She also had the opportunity to work with world renowned experts Elise Miller and Marcia Monroe on the application of yoga for scoliosis.
Adelene has a passion for horse riding and scuba diving, which allows her to spend time with nature. Having diagnosed with a progressive S-curve scoliosis at age 13, these activities have not been on her list of possible experiences in the past. Adelene approaches her own scoliosis with patience, learning through practice, exploration and curiosity. Over time this has significantly improved her spinal health and general well-being. Since she met yoga, through dedicated practice, she is now able to enjoy riding and diving regularly. Yoga has been a crucial part in enhancing these experiences, and has unveiled a deeper connection with herself, with others and to living.
Adelene integrates her study, teaching and living experiences in her teachings, and is particularly interested in the therapeutic application of yoga. Using an alternative, non-invasive approach through this practice, many people with physical and emotional challenges have discovered a new-found freedom within themselves. Adelene's teaching focuses on anatomy, organic support and healthy alignment, with an emphasis on breath and spinal integration within the body, promoting a harmonious relationship with gravity. She is absolutely committed to a balance of both active asana and restorative practices. Restorative yoga has been and still is a big part of her practice to restore and reset balance at every level.
Adelene is glad that she started her journey and has more to learn each day. Yoga is a journey of continuous, liberating experiences. Yoga is for everyone, there is no destination but the present moment that one is experiencing. Yoga heals and nurtures the inner world of our hearts. Adelene continues to study and assist her teachers with great respect and gratitude to their generosity and kindness, who has influenced in her practice, teaching and living yoga. This practice is a precious gift that she looks forward to sharing everyday for the rest of her life.
Adelene currently teaches classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training in London UK and internationally, and offers private sessions on Yoga for Scoliosis / Backcare, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Yoga Therapy.
Read an interview on Adelene's journey and inspiration here.
Om Shanti
(SYT / E-RYT200 / BWY Teacher / Adv R&R® Restorative Yoga Trainer / iRest® Yoga Nidra Level 2)
Adelene is a registered SYT with Yoga Alliance UK. This accreditation demonstrates excellent standards as set by Yoga Alliance UK.
Having studied various styles of yoga, Adelene’s practice in the recent decade has been greatly inspired by her teachers Judith Hanson Lasater (Senior Assistant to Judith H. Lasater) and Donna Farhi (Senior Associate to Donna Farhi). She also had the opportunity to work with world renowned experts Elise Miller and Marcia Monroe on the application of yoga for scoliosis.
Adelene has a passion for horse riding and scuba diving, which allows her to spend time with nature. Having diagnosed with a progressive S-curve scoliosis at age 13, these activities have not been on her list of possible experiences in the past. Adelene approaches her own scoliosis with patience, learning through practice, exploration and curiosity. Over time this has significantly improved her spinal health and general well-being. Since she met yoga, through dedicated practice, she is now able to enjoy riding and diving regularly. Yoga has been a crucial part in enhancing these experiences, and has unveiled a deeper connection with herself, with others and to living.
Adelene integrates her study, teaching and living experiences in her teachings, and is particularly interested in the therapeutic application of yoga. Using an alternative, non-invasive approach through this practice, many people with physical and emotional challenges have discovered a new-found freedom within themselves. Adelene's teaching focuses on anatomy, organic support and healthy alignment, with an emphasis on breath and spinal integration within the body, promoting a harmonious relationship with gravity. She is absolutely committed to a balance of both active asana and restorative practices. Restorative yoga has been and still is a big part of her practice to restore and reset balance at every level.
Adelene is glad that she started her journey and has more to learn each day. Yoga is a journey of continuous, liberating experiences. Yoga is for everyone, there is no destination but the present moment that one is experiencing. Yoga heals and nurtures the inner world of our hearts. Adelene continues to study and assist her teachers with great respect and gratitude to their generosity and kindness, who has influenced in her practice, teaching and living yoga. This practice is a precious gift that she looks forward to sharing everyday for the rest of her life.
Adelene currently teaches classes, workshops, retreats and teacher training in London UK and internationally, and offers private sessions on Yoga for Scoliosis / Backcare, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Yoga Therapy.
Read an interview on Adelene's journey and inspiration here.
Om Shanti
Adelene and her teachers…
Her study with Donna Farhi over past decade and the Advanced Teacher Training in Christchurch inspired Adelene’s practice in adapting and working with rather than ‘correcting’ her body, that yoga offers possibilities when one is open and ready to receive. She has been invited to be an Assistant Teacher on Donna's Advance Teacher Training 2015, and continues to study and assist Donna during her teaching visits to London every year.
Her first taste of Restorative Yoga with Judith H. Lasater was transformational – a deep connection to her inner being, renewing her perspective on life and compassion to all beings. She experienced comfort and positive healing at a physical, emotional and mental level. As Judith's Senior Assistant, she continues to study and assist Judith during her teaching visits to London every year.
Her study with Donna Farhi over past decade and the Advanced Teacher Training in Christchurch inspired Adelene’s practice in adapting and working with rather than ‘correcting’ her body, that yoga offers possibilities when one is open and ready to receive. She has been invited to be an Assistant Teacher on Donna's Advance Teacher Training 2015, and continues to study and assist Donna during her teaching visits to London every year.
Her first taste of Restorative Yoga with Judith H. Lasater was transformational – a deep connection to her inner being, renewing her perspective on life and compassion to all beings. She experienced comfort and positive healing at a physical, emotional and mental level. As Judith's Senior Assistant, she continues to study and assist Judith during her teaching visits to London every year.
Testimonials
'Adelene’s approach is gentle but informative. The poses she showed us were simple but extremely effective – I could feel the tension melting away and was able to breathe fully into my upper back for the first time in ages! I’ve been doing the practice at home and finding it hugely beneficial…..to say the workshop fee was money well spent is an understatement!
Amanda (participant on Yoga for Upper Back, Neck + Shoulders), 42, Sales Administrator (Mar 13)
'I have suffered from back problems for a while and what I can say is that I can’t remember a time when it has bothered me so little. This transition begun when I started Yoga late last year but Adelene’s tuition and extensive knowledge of Yoga has given me a much greater awareness of how to alleviate my back discomfort on a near permanent basis.'
John (participant on Yoga for Backcare course), 31, Consultant (Mar 13)
'I would recommend this workshop (Relax and Restore) to anyone who lives in the fast-moving contemporary environment assailed as we are by constant information and over stimulus. This workshop affords you the opportunity to experience deep levels of stillness and relaxation - an opportunity to slow down.'
Sylvia Paskin, 69 , Writer and Film-maker (Feb 13)
'Adelene's classes are a vital part of my week. She teaches the incredibly important benefits of drawing inward and finding an inner awareness and alignment as well as allowing and acknowledging the body's power to heal itself. She teaches subtly profound classes with a light touch, making yoga accessible and enjoyable for all. By taking the time out of the busy schedule to attend her class I return back to it with vigour.'
Bridget Stacey, 30, Yoga Teacher (Jul 11)
'I have practiced yoga with various instructors and using different methods for 15 years, and have had the good fortune to find Adelene and have her guide me over the past two years. I sought her out at first because of her expertise in using yoga as a therapy for scoliosis. There is no doubt that she has helped me tremendously on that front, but the wonderful surprise has been the powerful breath work and inner connectedness she has taught me.
Adelene’s approach is very specific to the individual, and I am constantly amazed that she seems to intuitively know where I need to focus each session. Her approach to yoga is difficult to describe and totally unique. Her working with breath and the energetic body has release my spine, and brought me greater inner awareness and opened me up to the power and wisdom that resides within us to constantly improve our health and peace of mind.'
Kristi Jernigan, 47, Argonaut Capital Director of Marketing (Jun 10)
'Adelene's (Scoliosis) introductory workshop is a powerful invitation to learn more about what yoga can do for people with scoliosis. It is the minimalism of the exercises - and their simple use of gravity and stretching to alleviate pain and tension - that really impresses.'
Madeleine Holt, journalist with scoliosis (Nov 09)
'I would highly recommend the Yoga for Back Care class to anyone whose life is affected by back pain. As someone with scoliosis I have learnt so much about my body, how the pain is caused and how just small changes to my posture and daily routine can really reduce the discomfort I was experiencing previously. I noticed an increase in my energy levels and a more overall sense of wellbeing. Adelene is extremely knowledgeable, inspirational and very gentle in her teaching. Thank you.'
Anonymous, 27, Student
'I found the course (Yoga for Back Care) with Adelene gave me great insight into how to work with my body and its various aches and pains. I have an over curved lower back and because of this and my consistent use of computers I sometimes get acute back and shoulder pain. The course gave me time to explore in depth where my particular problem areas are. By going slow and steady the emphasis was definitely on gaining a quality personal experience and not about forcing the body in anyway.
Since having taken Adelene's course I have become mindful of my everyday movements and anytime a twinge occurs I can ease it away by putting into practice some very basic guidelines given by Adelene. I am a regular yoga practitioner and I have found that my classes and home practice have greatly benefited by remembering the instructions given by Adelene in terms of opening and maintaining length both in the spine and muscles.
Adelene's careful instruction and guidance have led me to a better understanding of my body and so has literally changed my life. I now sit, stand, walk, with a better degree of ease and freedom. I cannot thank her enough.
So thank you again Adelene, and good luck with your future undertakings.'
Roberta Boyce, 36, Illustrator and Resources Officer for Children with Visual Impairments
'I was diagnosed with scoliosis at a very young age and have tried various different therapies (physio, osteopathy etc) to help me with the pain which I started to experience when I was a teenager. During the few months I’ve been working with Adelene I’ve learned so much about the way my spine works and how yoga can help me to reduce the pain through a much more long-term focused approach. Adelene has given me the tools to help my own body and has completely changed my attitude towards my scoliosis which is now much more positive and confident. I find her approach very inspiring and her teaching patient yet always challenging.'
Christine Schulte, 28, Sales Manager
'I have practised yoga for several years, but Adelene's approach offered me a new perspective: a careful, subtle way of working with my individual spine which I have subsequently incorporated into my regular practice. Her own body sensitivity - her ability to adjust her movements to her curvature - is proof of the effectiveness of her method, and gives her students a positive goal to aim for on their yoga journey.'
Anonymous, 43, Receptionist
'I found this course (Yoga for Scoliosis) to be an excellent insight into scoliosis and how to approach doing yoga with scoliosis. Adelene has a very thorough knowledge of the subject and is knowledgeable and clear about her instructions in class. I think everyone really appreciated her sensitivity and expertise. I myself gained a good understanding of how to teach yoga to someone with scoliosis because Adelene not only took us through various asana and pranayama but also explained well the reasoning behind what we were doing and she always had an appropriate modification for anyone who needed it.'
Amanda Owen, 47, Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist
'Adelene's Yoga for Back Care Course was extremely beneficial and enjoyable. The exercises were simple and beneficial - and her way of explaining and demonstrating things, as well as the individual attention and hands-on assistance she was able to give as the group was small, made the course enjoyable and a profound learning experience. As someone who has scoliosis and suffers frequently from back/shoulder pain - exacerbated by a desk job and the lack of discipline to exercise regularly - I found the course eased my pain and general discomfort, and has led to definite improvements in my posture. The course has enabled me to experience ways to manage and improve my condition. With continued practice and sessions I am sure I should see further improvement and benefits.'
Student on Yoga for Back Care Course (Jan 09)
'I have severe scoliosis and have been practising yoga for 9 years. My classes with Adelene have taught me a new level of body awareness and increased my ability to instinctively make the necessary adjustments within asanas. Beyond this, I am slowly learning acceptance of my physical body rather than trying to force it to be "normal", something that Adelene's approach has very much encouraged. As a result, Adelene's teaching has very much changed my approach to yoga, leading to a more fulfilling practice.'
Amy, aged 30
'I am very grateful to you Adelene for designing a course specifically for people with back problems. I have been put off doing yoga for years because I had to sit out so much of each class. It was wonderful to re-connect with yoga through a very sensitive and knowledgeable teacher and learn to enjoy yoga again. And the most important thing is that my back is feeling the benefit – so that makes me feel much better. A long way for me to go still but now I feel I am on my way. Thank you Adelene.'
Sue Byrne, 60, Marketing Consultant
'Adelene’s approach is gentle but informative. The poses she showed us were simple but extremely effective – I could feel the tension melting away and was able to breathe fully into my upper back for the first time in ages! I’ve been doing the practice at home and finding it hugely beneficial…..to say the workshop fee was money well spent is an understatement!
Amanda (participant on Yoga for Upper Back, Neck + Shoulders), 42, Sales Administrator (Mar 13)
'I have suffered from back problems for a while and what I can say is that I can’t remember a time when it has bothered me so little. This transition begun when I started Yoga late last year but Adelene’s tuition and extensive knowledge of Yoga has given me a much greater awareness of how to alleviate my back discomfort on a near permanent basis.'
John (participant on Yoga for Backcare course), 31, Consultant (Mar 13)
'I would recommend this workshop (Relax and Restore) to anyone who lives in the fast-moving contemporary environment assailed as we are by constant information and over stimulus. This workshop affords you the opportunity to experience deep levels of stillness and relaxation - an opportunity to slow down.'
Sylvia Paskin, 69 , Writer and Film-maker (Feb 13)
'Adelene's classes are a vital part of my week. She teaches the incredibly important benefits of drawing inward and finding an inner awareness and alignment as well as allowing and acknowledging the body's power to heal itself. She teaches subtly profound classes with a light touch, making yoga accessible and enjoyable for all. By taking the time out of the busy schedule to attend her class I return back to it with vigour.'
Bridget Stacey, 30, Yoga Teacher (Jul 11)
'I have practiced yoga with various instructors and using different methods for 15 years, and have had the good fortune to find Adelene and have her guide me over the past two years. I sought her out at first because of her expertise in using yoga as a therapy for scoliosis. There is no doubt that she has helped me tremendously on that front, but the wonderful surprise has been the powerful breath work and inner connectedness she has taught me.
Adelene’s approach is very specific to the individual, and I am constantly amazed that she seems to intuitively know where I need to focus each session. Her approach to yoga is difficult to describe and totally unique. Her working with breath and the energetic body has release my spine, and brought me greater inner awareness and opened me up to the power and wisdom that resides within us to constantly improve our health and peace of mind.'
Kristi Jernigan, 47, Argonaut Capital Director of Marketing (Jun 10)
'Adelene's (Scoliosis) introductory workshop is a powerful invitation to learn more about what yoga can do for people with scoliosis. It is the minimalism of the exercises - and their simple use of gravity and stretching to alleviate pain and tension - that really impresses.'
Madeleine Holt, journalist with scoliosis (Nov 09)
'I would highly recommend the Yoga for Back Care class to anyone whose life is affected by back pain. As someone with scoliosis I have learnt so much about my body, how the pain is caused and how just small changes to my posture and daily routine can really reduce the discomfort I was experiencing previously. I noticed an increase in my energy levels and a more overall sense of wellbeing. Adelene is extremely knowledgeable, inspirational and very gentle in her teaching. Thank you.'
Anonymous, 27, Student
'I found the course (Yoga for Back Care) with Adelene gave me great insight into how to work with my body and its various aches and pains. I have an over curved lower back and because of this and my consistent use of computers I sometimes get acute back and shoulder pain. The course gave me time to explore in depth where my particular problem areas are. By going slow and steady the emphasis was definitely on gaining a quality personal experience and not about forcing the body in anyway.
Since having taken Adelene's course I have become mindful of my everyday movements and anytime a twinge occurs I can ease it away by putting into practice some very basic guidelines given by Adelene. I am a regular yoga practitioner and I have found that my classes and home practice have greatly benefited by remembering the instructions given by Adelene in terms of opening and maintaining length both in the spine and muscles.
Adelene's careful instruction and guidance have led me to a better understanding of my body and so has literally changed my life. I now sit, stand, walk, with a better degree of ease and freedom. I cannot thank her enough.
So thank you again Adelene, and good luck with your future undertakings.'
Roberta Boyce, 36, Illustrator and Resources Officer for Children with Visual Impairments
'I was diagnosed with scoliosis at a very young age and have tried various different therapies (physio, osteopathy etc) to help me with the pain which I started to experience when I was a teenager. During the few months I’ve been working with Adelene I’ve learned so much about the way my spine works and how yoga can help me to reduce the pain through a much more long-term focused approach. Adelene has given me the tools to help my own body and has completely changed my attitude towards my scoliosis which is now much more positive and confident. I find her approach very inspiring and her teaching patient yet always challenging.'
Christine Schulte, 28, Sales Manager
'I have practised yoga for several years, but Adelene's approach offered me a new perspective: a careful, subtle way of working with my individual spine which I have subsequently incorporated into my regular practice. Her own body sensitivity - her ability to adjust her movements to her curvature - is proof of the effectiveness of her method, and gives her students a positive goal to aim for on their yoga journey.'
Anonymous, 43, Receptionist
'I found this course (Yoga for Scoliosis) to be an excellent insight into scoliosis and how to approach doing yoga with scoliosis. Adelene has a very thorough knowledge of the subject and is knowledgeable and clear about her instructions in class. I think everyone really appreciated her sensitivity and expertise. I myself gained a good understanding of how to teach yoga to someone with scoliosis because Adelene not only took us through various asana and pranayama but also explained well the reasoning behind what we were doing and she always had an appropriate modification for anyone who needed it.'
Amanda Owen, 47, Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist
'Adelene's Yoga for Back Care Course was extremely beneficial and enjoyable. The exercises were simple and beneficial - and her way of explaining and demonstrating things, as well as the individual attention and hands-on assistance she was able to give as the group was small, made the course enjoyable and a profound learning experience. As someone who has scoliosis and suffers frequently from back/shoulder pain - exacerbated by a desk job and the lack of discipline to exercise regularly - I found the course eased my pain and general discomfort, and has led to definite improvements in my posture. The course has enabled me to experience ways to manage and improve my condition. With continued practice and sessions I am sure I should see further improvement and benefits.'
Student on Yoga for Back Care Course (Jan 09)
'I have severe scoliosis and have been practising yoga for 9 years. My classes with Adelene have taught me a new level of body awareness and increased my ability to instinctively make the necessary adjustments within asanas. Beyond this, I am slowly learning acceptance of my physical body rather than trying to force it to be "normal", something that Adelene's approach has very much encouraged. As a result, Adelene's teaching has very much changed my approach to yoga, leading to a more fulfilling practice.'
Amy, aged 30
'I am very grateful to you Adelene for designing a course specifically for people with back problems. I have been put off doing yoga for years because I had to sit out so much of each class. It was wonderful to re-connect with yoga through a very sensitive and knowledgeable teacher and learn to enjoy yoga again. And the most important thing is that my back is feeling the benefit – so that makes me feel much better. A long way for me to go still but now I feel I am on my way. Thank you Adelene.'
Sue Byrne, 60, Marketing Consultant
