Tuktuk Pilates & Yoga is a warm and welcoming studio located in Tunbridge Wells, New Zealand. With a focus on creating a relaxed and happy environment, Tuktuk provides the perfect space for individuals to exercise their bodies and calm their minds. The studio caters to individuals of all abilities and ages, encouraging each person to work at their own pace and intensity.
Lucy Raj, the founder and lead teacher of Tuktuk Pilates & Yoga, brings over 10 years of experience in teaching Pilates and has been practising Yoga since 2018. Her passion lies in helping people feel stronger and better both physically and mentally. Lucy is married with three children and has been a resident of Tunbridge Wells since 2002. After giving up her office job and commuting to London when her youngest child was born, Lucy feels fortunate to have been able to develop her own practise of Pilates and Yoga and share her knowledge through her classes.
Lucy's introduction to yoga dates back to her time at primary school in Belgium, where she immediately fell in love with its combination of ballet and gymnastics elements. Over the years, she has practised different styles of yoga, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Yin Yoga. During her pregnancy and childbirth, Lucy found the benefits of practising Antenatal Yoga and focusing on breathing to be invaluable. In 2018, she decided to pursue teaching and trained with Nicholas Barratt at Yoga Tree of Life.
Lucy has also taught at Boundes Studio in Bidborough before starting her own classes at the Toc H Community Hall in Tunbridge Wells.
In 2005, Lucy's husband recommended she try Pilates to help with a hip injury. Recognising its many benefits, she attended classes at Sandrine's Pilates and went on to qualify as a Mat and Standing Pilates teacher with The PhysicalMind Institute. Over the years, Lucy has continued to enhance her knowledge through specialised courses, particularly in areas related to pregnancy, hips, and shoulder joints. Recently, she refreshed her knowledge by qualifying as a Level 3 YMCA Pilates teacher in 2021 through Pilates Training Solutions in Farnham, Surrey.
Tuktuk Pilates & Yoga offers a variety of classes held at the Toc H Community Hall in Tunbridge Wells. The hall provides three parking spaces for participants (by prior arrangement only), and there is an NCP car park located opposite the venue. The class schedule includes Pilates on Monday mornings and Friday mornings, as well as a Gentle Pilates class on Friday afternoons. Yoga classes are also available on Friday mornings.
For individuals new to Tuktuk Pilates & Yoga, the studio offers the opportunity to try their first class for free. Following the free trial, classes are priced at 11 per session. The studio also offers a loyalty card system, where attendees can receive a stamp for each class attended. After ten stamps, participants qualify for a free class.
In a Pilates class at Tuktuk, participants can expect a warm-up followed by exercises on their back, sides, and front. The class ends with relaxation and an optional cup of herbal tea or a glass of water. The exercises are designed to improve mobility, flexibility, and core strength.
In Yoga classes, attendees can expect breathwork (pranayama), movement, and stances (asana) followed by a period of relaxation. The classes are focused on promoting physical and mental well-being.
Tuktuk Pilates & Yoga invites individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to join their classes, promising a supportive and inclusive environment. With Lucy Raj's expertise and passion for teaching, participants can enjoy a fulfilling journey towards a stronger, more relaxed, and flexible self.