Yoga is the golden key that unlocks the door
to peace, joy and happiness - B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga Teacher
Stefan Cunnington E-RYT 500, YACEP, Dip.Med. Teacher
Stefan conducts yoga and meditation sessions in a challenging and fun way and he is truly dedicated to supporting others to achieve their full potential.
Stefan's yoga journey began more than twenty years ago in his country of origin, Romania, where he first trained in integral yoga. Stefan trained intensively for eleven years, in which time he gained extensive knowledge and experience of teaching a variety of styles of yoga including Swara Yoga, Laya Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Kundalini Hatha Yoga, Yantra Yoga, Raja Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Karma Yoga, Ayurveda, and Kashmir Shaivism.
In 2003, Stefan relocated to England with his wife, Teodora. Continuing to promote the knowledge and practice of yoga, Stefan has helped to establish a community of yoga teachers and practitioners in the East Midlands. An advocate for self-development, Stefan trained with Sun Power Yoga (200 Hour, Power Yoga) and Yoga London (500 Hour, Ashtanga Vinyasa) and he qualified in Anatomy Studies For Yoga Teachers (ASFYT). Stefan’s experience of teaching also extends to Sports Massage and Holistic Therapies. Over the years, he has taught sports massage in a local Further Education College and private training centres including UKHolistics.
Stefan's teaching practice is underpinned by his knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as well as a deep understanding of yoga philosophy and energy systems. In addition to establishing popular yoga classes, workshops and charity events in and around the East Midlands, Stefan is also the founder of Active Balance Yoga which offers yoga and meditation teacher training programmes and CPD opportunities.
Testimonials
What Our Students Say About Yoga in Grantham
Allison Glover YRT | Qualified Yoga Teacher
"An inspiring and extremely knowledgeable yoga teacher. I feel deeply privileged that Stefan has been my teacher and mentor for the last fifteen years. He opened up the world of yoga for me in a safe and authentic way; training and supporting me to also become a successful yoga teacher. I would highly recommend his teacher training courses."
my teacher and mentor for the last fifteen years. He opened up the world of yoga for me in a safe and authentic way; training and supporting me to also become a successful yoga teacher. I would highly recommend his teacher training courses."
Stephanie Maxwell-Smith | Qualified Yoga Teacher
"Stefan is a fountain of knowledge. He is inspiring. He is funny. He is kind. He was my inspiration to become a teacher and he is my rock, now that I am a qualified yoga teacher. A true professional, once you have met Stefan, you will fall in love with all subjects yoga."
Liz Langford YRT | Qualified Yoga Teacher
"Motivational, encouraging, supportive, inspirational - just some of the words I would use to describe Stefan’s style as a teacher, mentor and exceptional human being. If you are a beginner looking to study yoga and/or meditation or you are seeking a more advanced understanding of principles and practices then Stefan has the wonderful ability to pitch his encyclopaedic knowledge at the perfect level to engage whilst sparking a desire to learn more and improve. He challenges, champions and cheers on his students with a sense of fun and humour. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending a class or event led by Stefan. He is a true Yogi in every sense of the word."
Emma Ansell | Qualified Yoga Teacher YRT
"Stefan is a goldmine of yogi knowledge both in practice & in philosophy - his mentoring comes from the heart & his soul and with that, he nurtures & feeds a student's desire to know more, be more & immerse themselves further in the ever giving practice of yoga. I would highly recommend his teacher training to give you a strong foundation & a rich practice knowledge from which you can develop your own teaching style with confidence. His quirky yet gentle nature with which he shares this wisdom is magical."
Michele Parkes | Qualified Yoga Teacher
"I've been with Stefan for about 21/2 years and can honestly say he is most definitely the best yoga teacher I've practised under. He makes everyone so welcome which is very important when you are new to a class as often the biggest hurdle is just getting there! He is supportive and humorous which makes the classes so enjoyable and I know I can contact him out of class hours if I have a question about my practice without feeling as if I'm intruding I have the privilege of training with him starting in May 2019 and am so very excited."
Janie McCormick | Community Events Fundraiser
"On behalf of St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, I would like to say what a delight it has been to have Stefan heading up our Sponsored Yogathon for the last 5 years.
Stefan was recommended to me several years ago and didn’t hesitate when asked to help us create a fundraising event with a difference. He has donated his time and talents ever since and has helped us to raise in excess of £8,500 to date. Stefan has a passion for helping people and really makes an effort to make sure that everybody is welcome no matter what their level of experience. He is a pleasure to work with and we wish him all the best."
Captain SM O’Hagan RLC | The British Army
"Active Balance Yoga and Meditation has provided us with a superb level of service. The ability to conduct Yoga and Meditation has brought much benefit to all of our staff. The interaction of Stefan to the whole group ensured everyone benefit from the session. We continually use Stefan at Active Balance for group therapy as well as private sessions which support the wellbeing of all.
We cannot recommend Stefan at Active Balance enough for what a difference it has made to the wellbeing of our team, in addition, prices are extremely affordable and ensures we can conduct several sessions over the year."
Jane Douglas | Teacher and Content Creator
"Thank you for your time given to help me find new ways to help me relax my frequently overworked system. The breatheork sessions are always informative, fascinating and deeply relaxing. In practising the exercises as home, it helps me remain calm and peaceful."
Marjorie Spendlow | Lincolnshire
"I have been attending Stefan yoga class now for a number of terms I find them very friendly, relaxing and beneficial as I’m currently a runner and do many races these have proved to help with the core strength and leg strength for my races. They are very relaxing and fun to be in."
Yvonne Johnson | Lincolnshire
"Stefan was my very first yoga teacher, I could write for hours about him! Caring, generous, knowledgeable, compassionate and much much more. A lovely man!"
Lucky Goulsbra | Lincolnshire
"Stefan’s classes are brilliant. I’ve practised yoga for over 20 years and have seen a lot of teachers Stefan is up there with the best. His knowledge of the mind, body connection in yoga is truly valuable. He shares his wisdoms and teaching generously and in simple ways helping students adjust their experience within their own needs. He also makes classes fun!"
Claire Hainstock | Lincolnshire
"Until 3 years ago I had never tried yoga. But I had sciatica in my right leg and my balance was getting worse so wanted to try something.
I do Stefan’s class every Friday morning and it’s been a godsend, physically and mentally. I have never been more flexible, my balance is superb (no more holding on to handrails). My tip would be, try it for at least 6 weeks in a row because to stay flexible and gain any benefits you have to stick with it.
Stefan’s an excellent teacher, nothing is too extreme or too exhausting. Don’t give up until you’ve done the six weeks."
Dan Brooks | Lincolnshire
"Men's classes are awesome. Was a bit apprehensive at first as a beginner but Stefan is a great instructor and everyone is made to feel welcome. A great one hour break from this hectic 21st century life and you feel fantastic afterwards!"
Rachel Halliday| Lincolnshire
"Stefan is very welcoming, knowledgable and supportive and his class always has a big emphasis on not pushing yourself too hard and listening to your body. He takes time to talk to anyone individually if they have a problem or a question. Most importantly he actively encourages a lot of humour and smiling, which I think is really important."
Julie-Anne Middleditch| Lincolnshire
"I have practiced yoga over the last 30 years tho more off than on! Stefan is the best teacher by far. The classes have a lovely atmosphere, peaceful, purposeful and enjoyable. Would highly recommend."