testimonials
“I have been attending hotpod yoga for about 4 years and my go to class is with Aaron.
Aaron’s class was my first class in yoga, he explains clearly & helps with adjustments & assists with poses when needed but, always in a kind & considerate way.
I absolutely love Aaron’s classes I always end a class feeling relaxed and have let whatever has happened during my day go.
I would recommend Aaron’s class to anyone whether beginner or advanced yogi - it is for all.
Best wishes,
Samantha Smith
Samantha Smith
“I've been taking Aaron's yoga and handstand classes for the past 5 years. Aaron is one of the best teachers I have had. His knowledge and skills are clear in every class as well as his passion for yoga. Aaron will always make appropriate adjustments to support you to practice safely. If you're keen to improve, then Aaron will support you to try new skills but he is always aware of your body's limits. He is able to judge what your body can do and adjust appropriately so that I always leave class feeling like I've improved my skills yet have never been injured. Over the past few years, Aaron has helped me to achieve skills that I didn't believe my body could do. He has a quiet sense of humour and his gentle approach makes the yoga class a welcoming and relaxing place to be. Aaron's classes are consistent, you always get a professional and varied class with opportunities to push yourself if you would like to. I have really appreciated Aaron's support these past few years and hope he continues teaching for a long time!
— REBECCA STEWART
I can’t say enough complimentary things about HotpodYoga Cardiff and especially Aaron who is in my humble opinion the best yoga teacher out there.
— Claire W
I’m Emma, I’m a scientist and a mum.
I first started coming to Aaron’s classes at Hotpod at the beginning of last year.
My dad had passed away unexpectedly and I was really struggling with my anxiety, depression and IBS.
My GP told me I should try and get some exercise to improve my health.
I’d always liked yoga but was really out of practice. So I googled yoga near me and started going to Aaron’s classes.
I cannot tell you how helpful I found them. It was such a good distraction.
Even when I could't keep up or found something hard, I never felt judged or embarrassed.
Aaron was so supportive and calm, he didn’t take anything too seriously.
it made me want to push myself and try new things, without fear of failure.
Aaron’s adjustments and corrections are great. He’s very professional and trustworthy.
He explains really clearly.
He has great energy and just makes you feel so comfortable.
He is a fantastic teacher at all levels.
Best wishes
Emma Balsdon
“My name is Nia Roberts and I’m a Cardiff based actor.
I know Aaron through the Hotpod Yoga studio in Cardiff. I did attend Aaron’s Ashtanga yoga classes many years ago but re connected with him when I joined Hotpod about 5 years ago. Since joining the Pod community I have become slightly obsessed with practicing there! I try to attend three times a week and I especially like to make it to Aaron’s classes if possible. He is a fantastic yoga teacher who is incredibly able and experienced. He pushes me in a way I feel comfortable with but challenges me at the same time. If I had time I would love to do more workshops with him, especially handstand workshops as I feel I could progress so much more under his guidance but work and family commitments don’t always allow for this.
In Aaron’s classes I feel comfortable knowing that we will follow the yoga series but that we will also be challenged along the way. He will introduce postures that at first feel unattainable. I can testify however that with perseverance and guidance from Aaron, these postures suddenly begin to happen! His adjustments in class allow you to feel what is possible if you are willing to challenge yourself a little more. I never feel pushed to do something that is out of my comfort zone or ability. His message at the beginning of class is always very clear…if we are uncomfortable with being adjusted then we can say at the beginning of class or any time during.
I would highly recommend Aaron as a yoga teacher. It is very inspiring to practice alongside a teacher who is as able as Aaron. It makes you feel that your body is capable of anything! I have been to many yoga teachers and yoga centres over the years but have finally found my home at Hotpod Yoga. Nothing gives me the satisfaction I feel after a class of practicing yoga here. I feel that my body and mind have had an incredible workout and thanks to Aaron I feel inspired to keep coming back and doing better.”
Nia Roberts
Diane Rees, 57, Cardiff. Post Grad Arts student and Senior Manager with the Open University.
I came to hotpod in mid 2022 after surgery impacted me physically and hormonally, and it has had such a positive impact for me. Aaron was the teacher at my first class and I knew then I would become a regular hotpod go-er. Over time I have really felt an improvement in my general wellbeing and calmness and ability to focus as well as the physical benefits, and the bonus of really enjoying the classes - hotpod doesn't feel like a chore or something I have to force myself to do! All the teachers at Hotpod are great, each with a slightly different tweak in their style. Aaron in particular has a calmness that is very reassuring and trusting. He is clearly an experienced yoga practitioner but is very accessible and ensures nobody is made to feel excluded or unable to participate, every level is catered for. He is very professional and gentle with his adjustments but really helps his students feel the movements and how one slight adjustment makes all the difference. The information in each of his sessions is very clear so new students feel they know what is happening and feel reassured. I feel totally at ease with Aaron, and I know I am in good hands in his sessions, and would fully recommend him as a teacher either on a one to one basis or in a group.
Diane Rees
I have been attending Hotpod Yoga (Cardiff) for a few years now. I always look forward to Aaron's classes. I find that I've developed allot of confidence since attending Aarons classes, and become more flexible. Aaron is very patient with his students and tries to push you to become a much better version of yourself (within your practice). He has a very calming energy and is extremely experienced within his practice and it shows. I would recommend him to anyone.
Nyomi Lenny
"Aaron has the most astonishing and effortless gift. Whilst his own abilities sometimes seem like an unreachable destination, his teaching style leaves his students inspired to continue their yoga journey"
Rob L
For approximately ten years I have attended/ practiced yoga with Aaron Cousins.
His knowledge and his teaching of yoga is outstanding. I have gained so much and developed so much through his methodical and well structured classes. There is always somewhere new to go and Aaron step by step passes on his knowledge and technique of the basics, which then potentially if the student has the interest and desire can progress to a high standard. Aaron gives detailed corrections, I find his verbal imagery very helpful and arm balances and inversions are always a interesting and pleasant challenge.
Dylan D
Janine - future headstand queen (with a bit more of Aaron's guidance)!
I have been attending Aaron's classes at HotPod for a year or so and usually make at least 1 of his classes a week (as I know I make the most progress in my own practice when I attend his classes. From the very first class, I thought Aaron was approachable, and he has a calming presence. His overall demeanour in class is lighthearted and encouraging, and i trust him when he tells me I can achieve poses, and when he adjusts / assists during practice. He is always professional and patient.
I think he will be a fantastic yoga teacher trainer (not least because of his endless patience)! I was nervous about trying headstands and after a few months of attending his classes regularly, Aaron took me aside after class and asked when we were going to start practicing them. When I told him I was afraid, his response was that we would practice at the end of class along with the other students, and he would always be there to support until I was ready to do it alone and that he knew i would be able to do the pose. His confidence in me, and knowing how patient he is, gave me the confidence to try it and we are now working on turning me into a headstand queen. "
Janine Hughes
I started going to Aaron’s classes at hotpod around 6 years ago.
At first I was a bit sceptical as to whether I would persevere with yoga. Being a hyperactive person, I was into running & bootcamps.
I was also conscious about the fact that I am not flexible or brave and that perhaps I would make a fool of myself trying to do those beautiful poses that yogis do.
I could not have been more wrong.
Aaron’s lessons are challenging for the mind and body. One has no option but to be in the present moment. I feel a sense of achievement when I make little improvements in my practice.
At the end of the lesson, I feel at peace with the world around me, revitalised & I know I will have a good night’s sleep.
Yoga has help me to keep calm during personal storms & to appreciate and love myself a little bit more than I used to.
MD
I’m Izzy and I’ve been attending hotpod flow sessions with Aaron for over a year now. Aaron has an open, zen persona that make him approachable and easy to trust. His exceptional knowledge and skill is demonstrated in his teaching as he always knows when to push you to improve your practice or when you may need more support. His sessions have helped both my physical and mental health, and greatly improved my confidence in yoga. Aaron will make an excellent yoga teacher trainer as his patience, mannerism and nurturing vibe makes yoga accessible and fun!
Izzy
I have been attending HotPod Yoga in Cardiff for a little under a year now. During this period, I have always attempted to attend classes around 3 times a week.
I have attended the classes of many different instructors during that time, and in particular I would say Aaron’s classes are amongst my favourites. I attend his classes definitely once, sometimes twice a week.
Aaron is clear and calm in his demeanour, and explains and demonstrates practice really well. Arm balances I can only dream of right now, he makes look ridiculously easy!
He is clearly very knowledgeable, and very approachable when it comes to seeking advice.
The hands on assist, for me around reaching a headstand, has been really invaluable.
I have total faith in attempting the position with Aaron overseeing and supporting the process. I know I’ll get there one day.
Always patient, allowing people to go at their own pace, it is a lovely relaxing session, whilst getting a ‘good sweat on’.
If I recommend the Pod to friends, I am always happy to recommend one of Aaron’s sessions. It is a consistent practice, gives a really good introduction to Yoga, and is paced to suit all abilities. I really enjoy his classes.
Karen M
“ I’ve been going to classes with Aaron for around 18 months now and I found him to be a really excellent teacher. He has a lovely calm, relaxed manner. His knowledge of yoga is absolutely fantastic. I have found that he is able to explain poses well and demonstrate to students more complex poses and breaks and down easily. I’ve been really excited to start doing headstands over the last year, with support from Aaron and have found his adjustments have helped improve my yoga practice. I’m sure that Aaron would make a fantastic teacher for other yoga instructors, with his knowledge, experience and excellent encouraging teacher manner. “
Ele Ragg, hotpod yoga enthusiast!
My name is Sasha, Aaron is my hot pod yoga instructor on Saturday mornings. I tried my first hot pod yoga session with Aaron over a year ago now. I tried other classes with different instructors, but Aaron is by far my favourite. I will only go to his classes now and am almost always in the same session every Saturday at 10am (in the same spot too oops)
Aaron takes an amazing approach every week without fail. He is calm and professional and incredibly knowledgeable. He will shows us different positions and also give variations to those who want to push themselves or are more advanced. He will always try and push me in the best way to try deepening my stretching and try new handstands/ moves at the end of the session as well. We have been working on improving my scorpion for a few weeks! However, if some weeks I ask to not want to something too challenging he never forces me to do anything.
I always feel safe and supported in his classes. In particular he (in my opinion) is the best at hands on adjustments pushing me into deeper postures. He also always asks if we mind hand on adjustments before every single class.
I genuinely feel like I've had a full body massage every Saturday. I constantly encourage others to attend. I cannot rave about hot pod yoga enough generally- it's the best thing I ever tried.
Sasha P
I have been attending yoga classes led by Aaron for over a year and have found him to be a consistently professional and committed teacher. He brings a calm energy to all his classes, providing clear guidance on options for positions to suit your pace and body, whilst also supporting each member of the class to develop their yoga practice through tailored advice, assists and adjustments. I would highly recommend Aaron's classes for both beginners and those loking to advance and develop their practice.
Zoe
My name is Donna Newell and I am a busy mother and also work within the NHS. I have know Aaron for over 4 years now through attending yoga classes that he runs. During this time Aaron‘s class has supported me to a place of incredible flexibility and wellbeing. His ability to inspire me to stretch into deeper poses has seen me in my 50‘s being the fittest I have felt in my life. He has a gentle, calm manner and his voice and practices really take me to a place of tranquility and serenity. When assisting poses, Aaron is respectful and supports a more intense pose to further develop my yoga practice. I would recommend Aaron as a yoga instructor as in 4 years he has developed my practices by developing my strength and balance.I am now able to perform headstands unsupported which demonstrates how my fitness and core strength has improved! Aaron‘s class in part of my weekly routine to maintain my well-being! After the class I am so relaxed and happy, it’s something I look forward to!
Donna
“ I’ve been going to classes with Aaron for around 18 months now and I found him to be a really excellent teacher. He has a lovely calm, relaxed manner. His knowledge of yoga is absolutely fantastic. I have found that he is able to explain poses well and demonstrate to students more complex poses and breaks and down easily. I’ve been really excited to start doing headstands over the last year, with support from Aaron and have found his adjustments have helped improve my yoga practice. I’m sure that Aaron would make a fantastic teacher for other yoga instructors, with his knowledge, experience and excellent encouraging teacher manner. ”
Ele R
I've been attending yoga classes at Hotpod Yoga Cardiff for nearly 4 years now and try to fit in 3-4 classes a week, at least one of which is a class taught by Aaron.
I've felt safe and comfortable during Aaron's classes since the start of my yoga journey. He always makes everyone feel welcome and ensures that everyone is catered for in the class from those attending their very first session to the more seasoned yogis! Aaron always offers alternatives for every level but also provides that extra push when you need it, and offers great variety and challenges should you want them.
I have found Aaron's hands-on adjustments incredibly useful in my practice as they help you get into a more comfortable position, deeper into a posture and generally improve your yoga skills. This is particularly true in inversions and Aaron is a great support for trickier postures, he'll never let go! Equally he's always clear that if you want your own space that's absolutely fine.
It's clear from his teaching that Aaron is highly experienced and genuinely loves what yoga can offer to everyone, physically, mentally and spiritually.
— Kate Mansell
“Yoga is part of my life. It’s changed my life and I absolutely love it!
My name is Rachael and I’m a 43 year old yoga student. I’ve practiced yoga and hand-balancing with Aaron for just over 4 years, and I’m inspired and motivated with every practice.
Hotpod yoga classes support my mental well-being as well as physical. I learn something new every time I go to Aaron’s class; a new pose, nuanced technique, an alternative breathing method. Aaron provides helpful hands on adjustments to ensure poses are accurate and performed safely. He explains flows and breaks down descriptions so if I can’t see the pose (if others are in front of me), I can listen and I know what to do.
I trust Aaron completely. Trust and confidence is huge when it comes to upside down balances, one arm, or back bends and I have complete confidence in Aaron! In his instruction, catching me when I fall (actually) and I trust the confidence he has in me! If Aaron says I can ‘do it’ then I don’t question or second guess, I trust and comply!
Aaron is a thoroughly professional and extremely patient teacher. I enjoy every single class and have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for his patience, support and expertise.
Namaste. ”
“My name is Briony and I’ve been a student attending Aaron’s yoga classes at Hotpod Yoga Cardiff for around 7 years. I was referred to Aaron by a friend who has now completed her yoga teacher training following Aaron’s encouragement and qualified as a yoga teacher.
I was really nervous about starting yoga as I was extremely unflexible and had neglected my fitness for years. I found the first session really challenging as it was such a shock to my system, but I was determined not to give up. Slowly but surely my flexibility improved along with my confidence.
Aaron is friendly and approachable, he supports you to push and challenge yourself, alleviates any concerns or negative self-beliefs that you may have and is an all-round incredible teacher. Aaron is always willing to provide you with any suggestions and tips after class if you’re struggling in a particular area. Aaron teaches with hands on assists which enables you to stretch deeper into the poses, however he always respects your space if you’d prefer not to be adjusted.
Attending Aaron’s yoga classes consistently has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. I don’t think I would have progressed to where I am today if it wasn’t for having Aaron as a teacher. I would recommend Aaron for yoga teacher training in a heartbeat as he is inspiring and you would be learning from the best.
”