Tell us a bit about yourself…

I started yoga in 2001 as I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time, I was addicted to step aerobics, spinning and Gauloises Blondes. I was teaching at University College Dublin while writing a PhD thesis. I also spent 7 hours a week in the gym, smoked 30 cigarettes a day, and had a busy social life. I thought sleep was overrated. I hated the word ‘balance’ and thought that life was all about pushing boundaries.

Luckily, my body said ‘no’ and forced me to change my life completely.

I have to admit that I went to my first yoga class reluctantly. I had these preconceived ideas that yoga was slow and boring but I completely fell in love. Straight away I wanted to try all the classes around: Ashtanga, Iyengar, Hatha… I bought two DVDs: David Swenson Short Forms (Ashtanga) and Dharma Mittra – Maha Sadhana Level 1.

I have no doubt yoga helped me to navigate this very hard and stressful period in my life. It was so crucial for my mental, physical and emotional wellbeing that I decided to train as a yoga teacher and work with people diagnosed with chronic health conditions like MS.

Over the years, I have learnt from various yoga teachers but also from my students. More recently, I trained in Breathwork with Dr Ela Manga and blend yoga and Breathwork in most of my classes.

Then, about ten years ago, as I turned 50, I started to explore yoga and breathwork for healthy ageing. 

That’s when I realised that what I had learned over the years about yoga for MS actually applies to healthy ageing too!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I teach yoga, strengthening & Breathwork 5 days a week, starting at 6.30am or 7am. Most of my classes are in the early morning as my energy level tends to slowly lower during the day. After my classes, I exercise. It is a key part of my approach to managing my health. I believe it is good for us to do various types of movements, so I run, I skip, I do HIIT… and of course I do my own yoga practice. Most days, I also sit and meditate with my husband for 30 minutes at some stage during the day.

After this physically active start of the day, I sit down to work at my desk or record videos. There are always so many things to do, from class preparation, videos editing, newsletters and blogs writing, management of retreats bookings, online marketing, keeping up to date with latest research on topics I am interested in.

I try to take a break around 3 pm when my energy goes down to do a 10 minute yoga nidra, which is really useful to keep my energy level from dropping too low towards late afternoon, especially on days when I teach at 6pm.

I start to slow down around 6 pm unless I have an evening class.

How did your yoga journey begin and what inspired you to become a yoga teacher?

I started yoga when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and found it so beneficial and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to become a yoga teacher. In a way it felt it was too good not to share it.

What inspired you to specialize in your practice?

Having lived with MS for more than 25 years, I naturally developed a specialisation in yoga for MS. My own experience gave me the opportunity to explore what genuinely supports wellbeing and resilience. Since I realised that many of the principles and practices that help people live better with MS are also key to healthy ageing, these two areas now form the core of my work. 

How have you seen yoga benefit your students?

It’s quite difficult to identify specific elements. It’s more a combination of elements. I believe that when we move, all the systems in the body work better. And when we practice consciously, with full awareness of the sensations, then we also improve our mental, emotional and cognitive health.

But there is also the community aspect. People enjoy connecting regularly, in person or on zoom. They recognise each other, we always exchange a few words at the start or the end of the classes. They get to know each other. I also created a WhatsApp group where my students can share information, ask questions, and support each other… I even started a Taming the Walrus Running Club on Strava recently for those who want to start running again.

What is your favorite quote or life motto?

It used to be ‘Don’t be afraid of what could go wrong. Think of what could go well’. I think it is by Tony Robbins. But more recently, another one came to me: Everything is Possible. Nothing is Certain. I think it is a better reflection of where I am now on my yogic path.

What’s coming up for you for the rest of 2026?

My first book is being published in June. It has taken considerable effort and perseverance to achieve. So I intend to take some time to rest and celebrate, especially in August: my husband and I will both turn 60, and we will also celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Afterwards, I look forward to bringing my book out into the world and sharing its message more widely. 

Find out more about Véronique:

Website: Taming the Walrus – Yoga and Breathwork for a Better Life

Instagram: @tamingthewalrus