A place in which creativity and fitness combine, Cove Lifestyle Studios is making waves within the coast’s growing wellness community.
Our editor chats with founder, Rachel Bambrough, about the story behind the small, Tynemouth-based business and discovers why the region’s yogis, paddleboarders and runners are making it their go-to for a fresh, feel-good take on wellbeing.
How did Cove Lifestyle Studios begin?
It all started about five years ago – just before the pandemic. I had just been made redundant and I used my last wage packet to buy enough kit and a rundown car to set up my own paddleboarding business, SUP4. I was living in London at the time and began teaching people of all ages and abilities on the River Thames.
Then Covid hit and I decided to study remotely to become a yoga instructor. Once qualified, I began to offer my own take on SUP yoga out on the river, before finding a space that allowed me to teach traditional yoga on the mat – the floor of a beautiful, holistic hairdressing salon in South West London.
I also decided to start a running club, as I’m a keen runner, but didn’t fancy running alone and wanted to meet new people – especially during winter and at a time when socialising was really hard.
All avenues really took off and soon I was running a small business that combined all my passions into one – and the rest is history.
How has the business evolved since then?
The cost of living gave me a nudge to move back to the North East – where I’m originally from – last summer and I officially opened Cove Lifestyle Studios in February.
You’ll find us on Tynemouth Front Street and we are a hybrid space – both a yoga studio and a store, inspired by the great outdoors.
Here, we offer a variety of yoga types for all abilities and tastes – from gentle and restorative classes, like Hatha and Nidra, to energetic and fast-paced sessions using weights, props and dynamic movement to help you work up a sweat.
Between classes, the space transforms into a lifestyle store, where people can browse books, homeware, plants and more.
What does your new location mean to you?
Running a business at the coast is fantastic – I feel really fortunate to be based in such a beautiful part of the world.
There is a big, vibrant and growing wellness community here. The people are really connected to nature; they love being in the water, they love being outdoors in the fresh sea air and they love movement. Paddleboarding is huge, as is beach yoga and running, so it’s the perfect place for a business like mine. It aligns perfectly.
The studio is an honest reflection of myself and my own personal space. I come from a creative design background and I put a lot of care into things like lighting, sound, music, colours and smell, both at work and at home.
I also suffer from tinnitus, which has made me sensitive to sound and space, but also really aware of other people’s sensory needs and own personal space. It was important to me to create a calm, comfortable and relaxed environment, inspired by the elements, that didn’t feel contrived, overstimulating or intimidating – and that’s exactly what Cove provides.
What makes your approach to yoga teaching unique?
I use a ‘hands-off’ approach when it comes to yoga. In other words, you won’t find me walking around a class, inspecting people’s poses or trying to move them into certain positions. Instead, I’m on the mat and participating alongside them, encouraging them to move their bodies in a way and at a speed that feels comfortable to them. It’s not about structure – it’s about feeling free and finding enjoyment in what you’re doing.
Inclusivity is a huge part of our ethos, as is a big appreciation for neurodiversity – especially in an intimate setting like ours. After all, we’re all built differently, we all move differently and we all respond and adapt differently to the world around us. That’s why every class is a judgement and expectation-free zone and everyone is encouraged to arrive just as they are.
It’s not about fitting the stereotypical yoga mould. It doesn’t matter what you look like, how old you are, what you’re wearing, how flexible you are or how much experience you have – everyone is welcome.
Do you still offer SUP lessons and running?
SUP4 – our sister brand – is still going strong and those seeking adventure and exploration are invited to grab a board and join us out on the water between Tynemouth and nearby Cullercoats Bay. We’re constantly evolving and our offering will change as we head into summer, so it’s a really exciting time to get involved.
Our running club – also known as the Friendly Running Club – still operates down in London and here in the North East. We’ve built a strong community of 100 runners in London and 150 in Tynemouth, which still blows me away. We meet on Tuesday evenings and everyone is welcome to join – it’s a great opportunity to meet new people, take advantage of the beautiful views on our doorstep and do your body and mind some good.
What’s next for Cove Lifestyle Studios?
It’s important to me to create a space in which everyone feels like they belong, so eventually, I’d like for the studio to be on ground level and more accessible to everyone. I’m also looking into adaptive paddleboarding to make the sport more accessible to those with limited mobility.
As we head towards the summer months, I’m looking forward to offering more SUP classes, as well as more creative workshops at the studio. In the past, we’ve offered candle painting sessions and denim embroidery classes, but soon we’ll be experimenting with movie nights and lots more.
For me, the overall goal is to create a flexible and dynamic space that helps people to build communities and friendships, improve self-development, spark creativity and boost mental and physical wellbeing – and I’m really excited for what’s to come.
For more information, or to book a session, visit covelifestylestudios.com or search @covelifestylestudios on Instagram.
