Nécole King traveled around Europe before getting a job in Portugal, where she met her husband. Together they traveled extensively and spent time living in England and New Zealand. They have two children, one born in England, and one born in New Zealand. They settled on Whidbey in 2012 and purchased a house in Freeland.
Nécole has been practicing yoga since 2002 and is a certified Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga instructor, with further training in teaching yoga to beginners and yoga for injury prevention and management. Aside from the numerous physical benefits of yoga, Nécole finds the real value in the not-so-obvious work: "Yoga may begin on our mats, but by getting to know ourselves through a physical practice, we get to know who we are in the world. That's the magic right there."
Nécole teaches a variety of ‘all levels’ classes, both at Island Athletic Club in Freeland and Kula Yoga in Clinton. "While alignment and form are important, my true focus is on finding ways to make Yoga work for each person that comes to my classes. Too often we try to fit ourselves into postures that don't feel good, or don't work in our bodies. Where's the joy in that? We're looking for the joy."
During the pandemic, Nécole wanted to have a project that would allow her to do something she loved that would be of value in the community. She says, “Yoga has always been a massive support to me, allowing me to connect to who I am, and to connect to others. I think the entire world was pretty much feeling like we needed more connection during the Pandemic.” In 2014, Nécole began working at the Island Athletic Club in Freeland as front desk staff, and after many pandemic-forced changes, IAC owner Katie Shapiro approached her and asked her if she would like to teach at the club. Nécole seized the opportunity. She notes, “I love the club. I have been so lucky to be part of that community for the last ten years.” She currently teaches three classes a week at IAC, two “Body Balance” Yoga-Pilates fusion classes by Les Mills, and one yoga class.
Nécole also teaches at Kula Yoga, which opened in October of 2023. Marcie Costello opened the new Clinton studio with a focus on community and connection. "I absolutely love teaching in this calm space," Nécole says. A great deal of planning goes into each of her classes, but she notes, “It's a creative outlet, and I'm good at it.” When asked about what she offers, she says her main focus in her teaching is to encourage people learn to connect to both their inner strength and their physical strength, and ultimately to the community they are a part of."
Nécole is passionate about encouraging people to feel good moving their bodies. She feels that people learn best in a creative, supportive environment, and she emphasizes “It’s OK to not do everything perfectly.” She adds, “We are not all built the same. But we do all possess the same capacity for joy.”
Nécole King is currently teaching three classes at Kula Yoga in Clinton, 4777 Commercial Street, A-5: Mondays at 10:00 a.m., Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Body Balance classes at the Island Athletic Club are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.; and yoga on Wednesday at 5:30pm.
To find out more about Nécole King and her classes, visit her website: www.Nécolekingyoga.com.
