Jenni Gilbert Without intending to sound wanky, yoga changed my life. I’m not a card-carrying yogi, I must point out, and I’m now more committed to Pilates (hey thanks,Renee!).
But I still weave yoga into my routine whenever possible, because it just makes me feel better – mentally and digestively, as well as in terms of shape.
Look, I know that diehard yogis might find this a trivial way of expressing the philosophy and benefits of this ancient practice, but it’s surely better that everyone can benefit from it in some way by being introduced?
The practice of yoga can sound alienating and inaccessible to many people who’ve never tried it, but who would benefit from its benefits.
I started classes nearly 20 years ago when I was packing on fat in places I’d never previously had it (as opposed to fat overall). Then-impending middle age and the various metabolic and hormonal changes it heralds were no doubt the major culprits.
But that’s too-easy an excuse. There are always “ways” and I was determined to find them.
These fatty bits would not budge, despite whatever diet and exercise hell I put myself through.
I was doing regular weight circuits at a gym and daily “power walks”. This was a Herculean effort for one who had not exercised (in any conscious sense anyway) prior to age 39.
For some reason I gravitated to yoga; luckily available as lunchtime classes via the company I worked for at the time.
For one who hated “exercise”, this became a passion. I can’t explain it. The only thing I’d been able to continuously commit to for prior 39 years was to breathe. And that’s an autonomic response.
I think it was being put through the wringer, literally. The twisting moves just seem to keep things “moving” on all levels. Overall, classes made me feel (and be!) lighter and brighter.
So I’m very interested to read how yoga is now being specialised to target individual interests.
Herewith two examples. Food for thought re studios/teahers you can cross-refer with or invite to teach classes on your premises:
RAGE YOGA
Mindfulness is universal. Ways to achieve it, however, are not. While some arrive at their zen through a series of ohms and namastes, others find that sweet spot when the serenity reaches its breaking point. Namely, through drink, some heavy metal music, and swearing.
Recognising a gap in yoga’s point of entry, Canadian Lindsay-Marie Istace, a certified yoga teacher and subscriber to the philosophy of My Head Says Gym But My Heart Says Tacos, founded her practice after she discovered that letting loose on the yoga mat like it was a university bar helped her overcome a difficult period.
“During that time my practice became a lot more swear-y. I was angry, hurt, confused, and my time on the mat became a safe haven for me to let it out while reconnecting with my body,” she says.
Fittingly, her classes are held in a bar; in the dimly lit basement of Dickens, Calgary, Canada, and are suited for anyone who’s looking to better their “strength, flexibility and become zen as f*ck.”
That becoming is achieved by encouraging participants to feel free to swear and drink while posing.
Thanks to Uberwell for the inspiration!
THYROID YOGA
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that influence every cell, tissue and organ in your body.
“If your thyroid is out of whack, you can often feel sluggish, bloated, and foggy – and, perhaps even worse, disempowered and unable to control your own body or health,” says Fern Olivia, LA-based bio-engineering graduate turned thyroid healing yoga expert and founder of Thyroid Yoga.
Fern redirected her life and career after difficult personal circumstances that motivated her to help others.
“I will take you on a journey to empower you to create daily rituals that will support your sustained health and vitality,” she says.
“You’ll learn about the root causes of thyroid symptoms, and how to self-heal using the practices of yoga, meditation, breath work, mantra and holistic lifestyle rituals.
This class is for you if you:
- Feel less than happy with your current state of health
- Have been diagnosed with a thyroid imbalance
- Are sick of feeling foggy, puffy, bloated, and congested
- Want to have glowing skin, tons of energy, and a feeling of peace and calm
- Are interested in using holistic practices to heal and balance your body
- Want results and are willing to do the inner work rather than relying on others to heal your body.
