ABOUT ME
Originally from Kent, I now live in the village of Hutton Rudby, North Yorkshire with my husband and dog. I have been practising Iyengar Yoga since 1991 and qualified to teach the Introductory course of yoga asanas in 1997 after the birth of my two children. Since 2006 I now also hold all 3 levels of the Junior Intermediate qualification. I am a fully insured member of the Iyengar Yoga Association. I attend weekly classes with more senior teachers and regularly attend Professional Development Days and our annual Conventions. In 2006 I attended the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India for the whole of January.
Teaching a wide variety of students over the years, I have gained a lot of experience with two students who have since trained to become teachers themselves. I pride myself on being an open, approachable person and my classes have always been run with a friendly, mutually supportive atmosphere.
ABOUT IYENGAR YOGA
WHY IYENGAR?
B.K.S. Iyengar, who sadly passed away in 2014, studied and practiced yoga for over 70 years. He wrote many books on the subject. The Iyengar method focuses on precision and alignment. Sometimes in class, props, such as blocks and belts, are used to modify the pose, enabling yoga to be accessible to all. The postures are sequenced to avoid strain and injury. Strength, flexibility and physical health are improved. Concentrating on the postures unites the mind with the body which over time can lead to psychological and spiritual benefits. Mr Iyengar was based at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India. Many teachers and students from all over the world travel there to deepen their own understanding of this vast subject, regularly imparting the knowledge gained to their own students.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM AN IYENGAR YOGA TEACHER?
After being a student for a minimum of three years and upon recommendation by their teacher, a student can go on to train for an Introductory Teaching Certificate. This can take at least two years. Teachers can then, after a period of time, advance their knowledge and gain further certificates which can take an additional three years to achieve.
When qualified, an Iyengar Yoga teacher is required to display the Iyengar Yoga Certification Mark. This mark enables a student to feel confident that the teacher is properly trained, qualified and insured and is able to pass on some understanding of Mr Iyengar's work, depending on their level of certification.
Teachers have to maintain their knowledge by regular attendance at classes with more senior teachers. They are also expected to attend regular Professional Development Days to update and share their knowledge. An annual convention is led by internationally known teachers.
BENEFITS
Practicing Iyengar Yoga has a very beneficial effect on the body. The Asanas (postures) and Pranayama (breath control) promote good health and well-being. Flexibility, strength and posture, as well as circulation of blood and oxygen, all improve.
Through practicing the Asanas, many aches and pains are alleviated, lower back pain being just one of these. Respiratory problems can be reduced, stress levels decrease along with anxiety and emotional problems.
The props used under the Iyengar method can offer extra help with injuries and aid the correct alignment of the body. Concentration, memory and mood can improve, therefore helping with mental well-being and better sleep patterns.
CLASSES
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A CLASS?
Yoga is non-competitive and the Iyengar method is suitable for everyone. It is not just physical exercise, the aim is to unite the mind, body and spirit and promote physical and mental health.
Yoga is practiced in bare feet on a mat; a blanket is also useful for a variety of reasons. Mats can be provided for you for your first lesson and can be purchased once you are hooked! (If you have your own mat and blanket, please do bring them, if not, I recommend Yoga Matters). It is best to wear loose trousers or leggings and a loose t-shirt and don't eat anything too heavy for a couple of hours before class. Please also bring socks and something warm for Savasana (relaxation) at the end of the class. A medical questionnaire will need to be filled in prior to any tuition. Please feel free to call me to discuss any questions you may have concerning this, as you would expect, this is completely confidential but is necessary for your own protection.
You can expect to practice a wide variety of Iyengar Yoga asanas (postures) which are carefully sequenced to obtain the maximum benefits ending with a period of Savasana. With the use of Iyengar props, all the postures can be modified to accommodate individual needs.
Every class is different and a student needs to experience a range of postures over a minimum of six classes to appreciate the benefits that can be achieved.
WHERE ARE THEY HELD?
At present, I hold a weekly class in Hutton Rudby and three weekly classes in Stokesley. I am also available to teach locally on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, these classes can be arranged to suit.
CONTACT ME
HOME: 01642 706352
MOBILE: 07512 095405
E-MAIL: JILLAYLES@OUTLOOK.COM
A confidential medical questionnaire has to be completed when you attend your first class. Please contact me in advance to discuss any medical conditions or injuries you may have.