Did you know you are likely to have done several yoga poses if you have attended other forms of programs or have had Physiotherapy? Many yoga postures are the basis of pilates and other body weight and conditioning programs.

I never liked the idea of yoga because generally it is portrayed as something that only skinny, hyper flexible vegetarian hippies do. Many yogis seem to be showing off their crazy acrobatic poses on social media, which didn’t help, make it more attractive.

I came to like yoga more in a round about way. I knew I had to find something slow and mindful to practice along side the crazy stressful fitness classes I was teaching. That’s when I looked at Tai chi again.
I didn’t really enjoy the tai chi classes I had tried, I have written about it here. I found a Tai chi Qigong Shibashi training course that gave me what I was after and now I teach it in a way that works for me and for other people that did not enjoy Tai chi in the extremely traditional form.

Something similar happened for me with Yoga, I had been unwell with Ankylosing Spondylitis, an inflammatory condition of the spine and joints for several years when I looked to holistic ways of helping myself get better. I used some basic but effective yoga postures and some feldenkrais movement therapy from the CHEK method alongside some meditation and regular tai chi to help my body and mind find back together.

I am not promising that any of these methods are a “cure all” but they can certainly help strengthen the body and the mind and help create a more peaceful disposition. I learned that it is not always appropriate to address acute physical ailments with yoga even when someone claims that X or Y will help with the issue. Sometimes less is more and the body just needs time and very very reduced specific movements with a lot more mindfulness.

My classes are aimed at people that like to understand why they are doing an exercise and the benefits they may get from it, whatever stage they are at in their fitness journey. My participants appreciate that I am able to explain to them what the movements are meant to address and influence and how they can help them and their individual needs.
I had to learn to move with care and to make friends with my body and what it is willing to give, I like to share with others that it is not how bendy you are but how you progress mentally and physically through regular practice.

To me, yoga is not about being able to perform fancy extreme postures, but to be able to find peace and comfort in doable postures that may not be comfortable when you first try them, all you need is your body and the willingness to explore it exactly how it is in that moment. If something improves over time, great, having practiced mindfully you will notice it and with that can celebrate your achievement.
During my yoga teacher training I learned a lot more about the background and theory, it soon became clear that the postures we practice in the western world are primarily there to prepare the body to find stillness and comfort in classic seated meditation poses such as sitting cross legged – Sukhasana. I also liked that there were several ways of practicing yoga that had nothing to do with doing complicated postures. Having practiced meditation and breathing exercises regularly for several years I felt like yoga was actually something I am good at after all even though I am lacking amazing flexibility. Having a flexible mind is also a skill that yoga helps you develop.

I am fully insured, first aid trained and have had an enhanced DBS check (formerly known as CRB check).

Castleford-yoga has been going for a few years now and my grown ups love yoga so much their kids have been asking to have a go too, so I am now a qualified “Kidding Around Yoga Teacher”, check out everything kids yoga related in Castleford and surrounding areas here.

When I am not teaching yoga or researching about yoga, health and fitness I help with some local cat charities by taming feral kittens in my foster care so that they can have a better life going forward.

I have 6 cats , all rescues. I adore every single one and love that I can help more cats by fostering even if I can’t keep them all.

I look forward to connecting with you.

Drop me an email: marie.castlefordyoga@gmail.com

All the best

Namaste

Marie