19/06/2023
Iyengar Yoga-----Helen Ayling
When a friend recommended that Iyengar Yoga would be good for me and that I would ache somewhere after each session for a minimum of two years after I started, my immediate reaction was…….. REALLY. After all I had played high impact sports for many years and run my own fitness business, but I was aware of only average posture and flexibility. However, I was the wrong side of 60 suffering from frozen shoulders and my sports related injuries were starting to ache more so why not give it go.
On moving to Rustington I took the plunge and attended one of Helen’s group classes in East Preston which was certainly a revelation; so much kit, so many instructions and 90 minutes of awkwardness and education.
This was 2 years ago and I haven’t looked back. Yes, I now have all the kit (which is integral to the practice), I mostly understand the comprehensive and very helpful instructions, together with the synergy of mind, body and breath. But best of all my body feels completely different in a good way. Oh, and I still ache after every session, just to remind me that I am still improving but there is a long way to go.
My body is stronger and more coordinated, my posture is more open and balanced and frozen shoulders almost forgotten. Even my broken wrist of nearly 50 years has more mobility and strength.
Do I wish I had started this practice years ago…… YES.
If Helen is a reflection of all Iyengar instructors, then why isn’t it more well known and more people practising it. Helen is a passionate, experienced and highly knowledgeable instructor with her skills extending to therapeutic rehabilitation during one -to -one sessions.
Put simply, Iyengar Yoga has something for everyone and its benefits will accrue the longer you practise and the more effort you put in.
