Yogalates CPD

I can’t speak for all teachers, but as an uber-flexible yogi, bringing more strength and stability work into my asana practice has been transformative. The truth is, the physical postures of yoga were originally designed by men, for eastern, male bodies. BKS Iyengar had a very different physicality to today’s western yogini, not simply because of gender, but because of the culture in which he was raised. It’s therefore understandable that injuries in the yoga world are common among female practitioners, particularly those with hyper-mobility. Western bodies are also heavily influenced by a culture of sitting in chairs for hours every day, which negatively impacts the subtle interplay of balanced muscular effort that, when functioning optimally, can support us into old age.

Naturally, a lack of body awareness increases injury risk, but improving interoceptive and proprioceptive awareness is only part of the secret to functional mobility. My teacher, Louise Solomon, developed Yogalates in the 90’s after suffering a yoga injury. She found Pilates to be highly effective; improving posture, balanced muscle activation and joint stability, through controlled, core[1]centred exercises. Yoga asana enhances flexibility, so it’s vital for the safety and longevity of our practice that we also incorporate strength work.

Pilates isn't just about the core; it isolates and balances all muscle groups, inviting balance to both deep and superficial muscles of the shoulders, hips, torso and spine. It ensures that overused muscles aren’t taking all the strain and weaker muscles are better utilised.

I became a qualified Yogalates teacher to offer students the best of East & West in one comprehensive practice that works in harmony with our 21st century bodies. Uniquely blending yoga, Pilates and resistance training not only helps my body avoid injury, but enables me to offer something different in a crowded industry.