Posts tagged teacher
Welcome to the Team Andy, Gemma & Julie - Meet Our Newest Yoga Teachers

Andy's Class Schedule:

Shelford:

Tuesdays @ 18.30 Jivamukti

Buckden:

Saturdays @ 10.00 Jivamukti

You can also catch Andy teaching some Friday Nights at Shelford & at our monthly Kirtan at Central

Andy Nathan

I'm a 300 Hour Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher based in the beautiful medieval market town of Saffron Walden - close to Cambridge and less than an hour from London.

My classes have a strong, playful dynamic with attention paid to meaningful connection with students, disciplined practice and positive intention. I teach a number of regular weekly public classes, co-host kirtans in and around Cambridge, offer private tuition to individuals, groups and businesses and assist my teachers both locally and in London.

I'm also proud to be part of the Yoga for Syria team with some hugely inspiring beings, which puts on a yoga festival regularly and donates all the proceeds to an amazing grassroots organisation which takes aid direct to the mothers and children in need.

Find out more about Andy here.


Gemma's Class Schedule:

Shelford:

Tuesdays @ 13.00 Yoga Flow Open

Buckden:

Mondays @ 10.00 Yoga Open

Wednesdays @ 18.30 Yoga Open                                  @  20.00 Yoga Beginners

Gemma Skells

I was a keen fitness enthusiast. Weight lifting was a large part of my regimen. I tried my first yoga class in 2008 after reading an article in a fitness magazine called stretch for strength. I wanted to improve my Olympic lifts, flexibility and reduce muscle hardening so I began attending one hatha class per week at my local leisure centre.

Little did I know that four years later I would have almost completely swapped the gym for the yoga mat. Like many other people, I started to notice the "feel good" feeling. Not just the physical benefits of a regular yoga practice but also the more subtle (and not at first obvious) improvements to my health, well being and sense of self worth. These are just a few of the many beneficial aspects which have fed my interest and love for yoga ever since. So much so that I began my journey of becoming a teacher in November 2013 with the British Wheel of Yoga. My goal is not only to deepen my own understanding, but more importantly to help others facilitate their own "feel good" feeling.

Find out more about Gemma here.


Julie Davies

Julie's Class Schedule:

Central:

Fridays @ 13.00 Yoga Flow Open

 

From a very young age I have found solace and enjoyment in physical activity.  For most of my younger life this need was met by high impact aerobic type exercise and many gym memberships. I came to yoga in my late thirties when I found an amazing teacher and over time have developed an abiding love of the practice.

I discovered through the regular practice of yoga a strength and agility of body and mind that had been elusive.  As the years have passed I have been inspired to share the practice of yoga by the many excellent teachers I have had the pleasure to work with.

My personal style is eclectic.  Some days I need a highly energetic and dynamic yoga and will look to a strong flow practice.  On other days I find joy in a gentler approach. My desire to teach arose spontaneously from the pleasure I found in my personal practice and my wish to share this with others.  My teaching style therefore aims, as far as possible,  to be specific to the students on any given day.

Find out more about Julie here.

Get to know Camyoga Teacher, Rachael Moore

Get to Know Camyoga Teacher: Rachael Moore

Rachael Moore

Name: Rachael

Age:  38

Occupation: Mum and yoga teacher

What brought you to yoga?

As with many people, I first came to yoga as many people do, to help combat 'stress' as a result of my job. I worked as a speech and language therapist for children with profound medical and learning difficulties and although hugely rewarding, it was also at times highly emotional and stressful. Yoga helped me find a way to deal with the challenges I faced in a calm and grounded manner, reacting to situations in a more balanced way.

As a teacher what is Yoga about and not about?

Oooh how long have you got!!!! It is probably easier for me to say what I personally think it is not. Yoga is not about being the best in the room, yoga is not about being competetive (even with yourself), yoga is not always the glossy images you see in the magazines, practising yoga, does not  mean that you no longer experience hardship or tough times (unfortunately). The practice of yoga is far greater and deeper than all of that. Yoga gives you the tools for everyday living, it helps you on every level of your being. Yoga releases your tired stiff body from sitting at a desk all day helping you re-find that childhood softness and agility. In helping you re-claim physical flexibility, this flexibilty then leads to greater flexibility in the mind and how we react to life situations off the matt. It leads you towards a truer more honest you! Wherever you are in your life, yoga can be there for you . It can transform the body physically, energeticly and emotionally. It can energize, detox, heal and nourish you . It can be a soft landing when you fall.

What do you do when you are not doing yoga?

Being mum to my three gorgeous daughters and being taken for a walk by my two huge labradoodles Molly and Floss! What is your favourite yoga pose and why?

Wow! It's almost impossible to choose one as depending where I am on any particular day will determine my favourite pose!. Generally though, I absolutely love and standing balance, especially Natarajasana for its openness and grace and Garudasana for that beautiful feeling of opening up the shoulders.

What is your least favourite yoga pose and why?

I know it sounds cheesy and a bit of a cop out, but I really don't have a least favourite pose. If pushed though, I probably shy away from strong core work a little more readily than I should do!

What is one quality you have taken off the mat and incorporated into your daily life? Patience

An interesting fact about Rachel that you may not know is:

I used to do synchronized swimming as a teenager!!

To book into Rachel's classes click on link

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Am I Good Enough to Become a Yoga Teacher?

Hands on adjustment You have been taking yoga classes for a while and know it makes a difference to your life.  You have started to think about teaching and wondering about the next step. A momentum builds and before you know it you are looking into courses.  A very human hand brake that is often applied is the thought ‘but am I good enough?’

It is a completely natural and isolating feeling.  Take a Masterclass with some of the best teachers in the world and you will quickly see they do have a solid practise but it is not about their practise it is about the students.

Let’s take a peek at three of the world’s best teachers:

David Swenson

There are photos of David Swenson, a top Ashtanga teacher, in challenging arm balances. But in a workshop with him, instead of demonstrating his own skill in these postures, he utilises a wicked sense of humour and light hearted comments to illustrate deep teaching points.

matthew sanford

Matthew Sanford, an incredible Iyengar teacher is a paraplegic after a car accident at the age of 13.  Matthew has learnt to listen to the quiet voice of his own body, this helps him to understand what is needed in a pose. In one workshop a lady with a disability asked him if what she was doing was a good modification.  He gave her power back and suggested she needed to teach this to others and asked when her book was coming out. 'If I hadn't met Matt I would be more defined by my injury instead of the person that I am.' This is inspired teaching. Matthew Sandford on Teaching Yoga

Max Strom

Max Strom is one of the world’s most respected teachers on personal transformation and was born with physical challenges, showing there is more to Yoga. Can Yoga help with sleeping, depression, anxiety when a student does not know what else to do? See more with Max's talk on TED. There is no App for Happiness.

Max addresses the internal, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives.  Max  is visiting Camyoga on the 18th April, book here

Take a moment to look around at the types of people there are in the world, Yoga is increasing 30% each year in the UK and the USA, this includes all ages and abilities.  A variety of teaches are needed to match this need.

Camyoga’s Yoga Teacher Training Diploma course is taught by the best in their field, this gives a great foundation to becoming a teacher.  To start with as a new teacher you may emulate those who you admire, keep learning and developing and teach from the heart and from your own values, be inspired to inspire and remember the very best teachers are the students.

If you are passionate about sharing Yoga. You are good enough. Teach.

Camyoga Foundation Course

Camyoga Diploma Course

http://www.camyoga.co.uk/studios/events/workshops/

 

Win a 30 Day Unlimited Pass for Our New Shelford Studio!

Hot news, our Great Shelford studio will open on Friday 19th October! In celebration of the new opening, we are giving away three 30 day unlimited passes for the Shelford studio. There are 16 classes a week to choose from, in every style from beginners to Jivamukti.

This competition was also featured on Star radio today. Competition closes on Sun 9th Oct at midnight.

All you need to do is answer this very simple question: Where does yoga originate from? Is it: a. Africa b. India c. Russia

Please email your answer along with your name and phone number to: info@camyoga.co.uk And you could win 30 days of free yoga!

Headstand How To with Pilar and Ellie

Stemming from a discussion the other day about what part of the head you use for a headstand, Pilar and Ellie decided to make a few videos.  Below you will find Sirsasana A with Pilar and Sirsasana B with Ellie.  These videos are of course in addition to learning in class with your teacher present. Headstand is wonderful inversion that can stimulate the brain, energise the body and mind, and help you feeling strong.  It requires strength, flexibility, and practice.  So don't get discouraged if you don't come right up the first time you try.  When the body and mind are ready, the pose comes.

Typically we learn Sirsana A, before moving on to a tripod headstand.  Here it is:

http://youtu.be/UrpUmWwAeQ4

Here in Sirsasana B, Ellie answers the question of what part of the head rests on the floor, and how to find it. In pressure point terms it is Du 20, the top of the head just up from the ears. Check out tripod below!

http://youtu.be/51QM6IWu0J0

Ellie Coats is our Yoga for Athletes expert starting your day right on Tuesday mornings at 7:30.  Pilar teaches headstands and more inversions in her 2/3 classes.  Come along and have fun!

If you have just tuned in to the blog, check the many other videos we have made here at Camyoga under the video blog section of the site, and Subscribe on youtube.

Ashtanga in the New Year

Whether you dabble in  ashtanga or make it a daily practice, the primary series is a lifelong journey.  It unfolds day by day and piece by piece.  As a set series, the system allows for self-practice and a deep understanding of moving within.

"Practice and all is coming"

-Sri K. pattabhi Jois

Camyoga is a excited to welcome Alan O'leary for a weekend of ashtanga workshops in January. Alan teaches Italian Culture at Leeds University and yoga as a balance to his life.  He brings with him experience in the ashtanga intermediate series and from his time spent in the Shala in Mysore.

His first workshop will be on building strength and stamina in the Primary series and is open to ashtanga practitioners of all levels. The next day's workshop will be on making the second series more accessible.  Non-dogmatic in his approach, Alan will  dispel fear and help you find the ways to approach the primary and second series challenges with confidence and fun.

Alan will also be hosting our Camyoga social evening following his first workshop on Saturday January 21.  We will screen the film, "Guru" featuring the late Pattabhi Jois, and have a talk around the tradition of ashtanga yoga in Mysore.

Don't miss these great workshops and discussion.  Further your ashtanga practice and gain new insight into this tradition.

Book here

New to ashtanga?  Get your feet wet in one of our ashtanga led classes.  Then come along to mysore in the mornings. You will be taught how to build your self-practice. Check out the Camyoga schedule for all of our ashtanga classes with Camyoga's own, Howard Daly and Emma Lindsay.

 

 

Compliment Your Health: Therapies and one to ones

Complimentary health is more than what the doctor ordered.  It is about thriving rather than just surviving. The body, mind, and breath link together in such a way that when one is impacted, all are impacted. As you know, yoga is more than just fitness, it is a part of wellness.  At Camyoga we offer therapies and one to ones in several modalities to support your wellbeing.

Shiatsu with Ellie Coats

This massage takes advantage of the bodies pressure points and can be used to alleviate stress, and to heal. Ellie works with many athletes in training, injury, recovery, and rehabilitation.  She also teaches our Yoga for athletes class.

Thai Massage with Howard Daly

Deeply therapeutic and relaxing massage. In thai massage, your body is taken in to yoga-like positions so you get the added benefits of a deep stretch.  Howard also teaches our ashtanga, mysore, pilates, and acro yoga classes.

Transformational Breathing with Louise Palmer

Learn this amazing breath technique to bring about fast and effective transformation in your life. Longtime teacher and yoga practitioner, Louise teaches this life-changing breath technique that you won't find in a yoga class.

Yoga with various teachers

You, your mat, and hands on adjustment. Yoga one to ones are great for those new and experienced in their practice.  Many of our teachers are available for yoga one to one's.

You can book any of these therapies here

 

Get to Know Camyoga Teacher, Anna Jackson

Name: Anna Jackson

Age: 46

Occupation: Yoga Teacher

What brought you to yoga?

Had several goes at starting Yoga, first in 1985, it was a lunch time class in a company I was working for and was amazed how different you could feel after one session.  In 1996 I was living in the US and had a fast pace of life and Yoga became a foundation.  I always felt better after a session.

What do you do when you are not doing yoga? Catch up with family and friends, the allotment and sailing.

What is your favorite yoga pose and why? Sivasana at the end of the practise.  It all comes together at that point, used to wish that it was possible to achieve without all the effort.

What is your least favorite yoga pose and why? Reverse most things, although would not say it is least favourite, most challenging maybe?!

What is one quality you have taken off the mat and incorporated into your daily life? Being mindful, when I am mindful enough to remember to be mindful!

An interesting fact about Anna that you may not know is… Anna is qualified to sail 50 foot yachts and has sailed in a number of wonderful places.  She is also a  total mud monster, this year her allotment produced 50llbs of tomatoes and this made her feel very rich.

Hands up for Hanumanasana!

We sometimes avoid the poses that we think we just can't do, the poses that maybe our bodies weren't "built" for.  Hanumanasana is just one of those poses. Full splits are something we feel we either can or can't do.  But even the naturally unflexible have hope in this pose.

Warming up the body and the key muscles is important as is the consistency of practicing.  The way to get better at hanumanasana is to do hanumanasana.  Sounds simple, right?  But then why do so many of us just avoid the pose altogether? Check out the following video for full split prep poses...

http://youtu.be/BgPTT6tQz20

Take inspiration from Hanuman, the monkey god for whom the pose is named before you take this leap of faith.  Hanuman leaped across an ocean in order to help a friend he loved.  And so this massive leap represents the expansion of his heart, the love that allowed him to take this step. In the full version of the pose we add in the expression of the heart opening. Take a look...and give hanumanasana another chance.

http://youtu.be/zUkMuJdOyZ4

Hatha Yoga Pradipika with Andrea K.

Join Andrea this Saturday, August 27th,  for her next Jivamukti masterclass.  This 2 hour class from 10:00 - 12:00 will be inspired by the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.  This Yogic text covers topics such as asanas, pranayama, chakras, bandhas, kriyas, nadhis, and mudras.

Don't worry if you don't fancy yourself a yogic scholar.  Andrea's well rounded classes are dynamic, physical, inspired, and thoughtful.

Camyoga hosts Andrea once a month for a series of masterclasses and this one is sure to be a sellout.  She has an advanced certification in Jivamukti as well as certification in yin and restorative yoga.

Don't miss this one!  Sign up here

Surya Namaskara A with Howard

Salute the sun ashtanga style.  Howard demos this key piece of many yoga practices. Having a hard time taking flight?  Look back at some past videos on jumping with Howard. Looking for modifications and conditioning for the salutations?  Check out Louise Lloyd's 4 part video series in the videos section of our blog.  Happy practicing! http://youtu.be/dg4MFHcGLDU

Insabina, Italy Yoga Retreat in Pictures

The Italy retreat was a wonderful success and everyone really enjoyed themselves.  Check out the video clip below of Louise's class.  A friendly horse tries to partake. Delicious food, idyllic setting, and yoga.  Ommm. We are booking next year's retreat now.  Get in early on this delicious experience. More details here.  Join Louise and Mark on week 1, Howard and Pilar on week 2 from July 28 to August 11.  Book one or both weeks.  Families welcome!

http://youtu.be/Ynpf2nXsDvw