A mum-of-two has transformed an old bowls club on the outskirts of Norwich into a tranquil yoga studio and wellness centre.

Rachel Sillett experienced several health issues in her 20s and early 30s and was left with debilitating symptoms such as fatigue and muscular pain.

She also faced a bout of post-natal depression when she became a mother in 2018.

The studio opened its doors earlier this monthThe studio opened its doors earlier this month (Image: Balanced Soul Yoga & Therapy)

Ms Sillett, now 38, said yoga helped both her physical and mental wellbeing through these difficult periods.

"When I stepped onto the mat or meditated, it was as if my worries and thoughts would float away and I was able to reconnect with a deeper part of myself," she recalled.

Yoga has helped the founder to 'reconnect' with herselfYoga has helped the founder to 'reconnect' with herself (Image: Balanced Soul Yoga & Therapy)

"I wasn’t trying to be anything but who I was and what I felt in that moment.

"I recognised that through my practice my thought processes and attitudes became calmer, more positive and I was able to see light at the end of what had been a long, dark and, at times, scary tunnel."

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Over time, she learned that yoga practices could be incorporated into everyday life to extend its effects beyond the mat. 

Ms Sillett eventually trained as an instructor to share this message with others in need and her new studio, named Balanced Soul Yoga and Therapy, opened its doors at the former bowls club in Swardeston earlier this month. 

The space has been designed to feel calming and safeThe space has been designed to feel calming and safe (Image: Balanced Soul Yoga & Therapy)

She felt it was the ideal location for the venture to be based, having lived in the village for 10 years and being frequently inspired by the locals' community spirit.

Ms Sillett will host a selection of classes and workshops which have been designed to centre around bringing peace and mindfulness.

Sessions can be booked onlineSessions can be booked online (Image: Balanced Soul Yoga & Therapy)

The sessions will include instruction on movement, posture and breathwork as well as some scientific theory which explains how these practices heal the body and mind.

In the future, she hopes the space will become a dedicated wellbeing hub for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

People can book a session online now.