A quick scroll through Instagram would have you believe that yoga is a mythical and inaccessible practice. Every other photo involves someone precariously balancing on their head, and the everyday coffee-drinking office worker may feel overwhelmed by the focus on veganism, chakra systems and meditation. However, yoga is for everyone. While it’s easy to feel intimidated by Sanskrit terminology, fancy…
When people think of yoga, they often imagine slow flows that focus on relaxation and flexibility. Some assume it won’t be challenging enough. I’ve heard plenty of gym-goers and weight-lifters claim it’s “too boring”, despite never having attended a class. While some styles are low-intensity, others torch your core and aid functional strength gains. Sweatier practices overflow with planks, push-ups…
Not too long ago, I received a panicked email from a student asking me whether it’s normal to feel anxious after yoga. After all, wasn’t it supposed to be relaxing? Were they doing something wrong? Everyone else seemed to move effortlessly while they wrestled with uncomfortable knots that only got tighter with every posture and breathing exercise. Now, yoga has…
Recently, I asked my Instagram followers what makes a good yoga teacher? Here are some of the most common responses: Someone who has an in-depth knowledge of anatomy Someone who weaves philosophy and scripture into their classes Someone who incorporates pranayama (breathwork) and meditation as well as postures Someone who practises what they preach, and lives “a yogic lifestyle” According…
What are the benefits of starting yoga? Let’s just say there’s more to the practice than getting your leg behind your head. If you don’t practise yoga, chances are you know someone who does, and they’ve probably chewed your ear off about how it’s changed their life. Now, I’m sceptical by nature – I don’t believe in celery juice fasts,…
As a yoga teacher, one of the questions I get asked the most (besides “do I have to be flexible to start yoga?”) is “what mat should I buy?”. Back in the good old days, there wasn’t much choice – you had one size (small), style (purple) and material (PVC). It was a simpler time when yoga was only practised…
So, you’re thinking about starting a yoga teacher training course but feel totally overwhelmed by what’s on offer. I feel you – there’s a pick and mix of practices to choose from and studios typically design their own curriculums, which means the quality and content can vary dramatically. To be honest, it’s like a yoga wild west out there. As…
Yoga in the workplace is good for business, and that’s why hugely successful organisations like Virgin, Nike, Google, HBO, Forbes and Apple, along with scores of other Fortune 500 companies, consider them essential additions to their employee wellness programmes. And it’s not just larger companies who reap the rewards. Yoga helps any sized business, in any industry – just as…
Why do people take private yoga lessons? More people than ever are discovering yoga’s transformative powers and the positive impact it has on physical, mental and spiritual health. As a result, studios are popping up everywhere, offering an exciting variety of styles and instructors, and most gyms offer classes as part of their membership. So, considering how easy it is…