Yoga
Iyengar yoga as practised by Les
The aims of my yoga classes are to inform and enthuse my students so they can develop and refine their own yoga practises, and heal their own injuries, ailments, posture problems and imbalances. I like it to be fun, informative, healthy, challenging and imaginative, and overall, not too serious — a bit of a laugh and banter is good for you!
My speciality is to look at individual’s bodies and tailor yoga classes to each person’s particular needs. I have a light hearted, pragmatic and down to Earth style of teaching, which students respond well too.
All the types of Yoga I have practised over the years have helped develop my own individual approach to teaching Iyengar yoga. I like to keep a rhythm and flow to the classes, with pauses for discussion when needed.
I focus on alignment and precision and use props such as cushions, chairs, blocks, straps, and walls etc allowing the students to experience the yoga poses more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible. Props also allow tired, ill or students with injuries to enjoy the benefits of the yoga poses.
Standing poses are emphasized in Iyengar yoga which help build strong legs and back, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance, ensuring a strong foundation for study of more advanced poses.
My Classes
My classes are interactive, fun and informative, I let the poses grow organically whilst following a basic and concept and then look to see where people need help. I tailor the class around the students. I also keep the instructions simple, pick on a certain theme and topic one at a time, so it can be repeated and all aspects of the concept can be assimilated.
As in Iyengar yoga, I like to look at each individuals’ bodies. Everyone’s body tells a different story, and so has different needs from their yoga practise. I can tell what people have going on through their yoga and by their posture.
My shiatsu training also comes into play and this complements my yoga teaching in terms of looking at where people’s imbalances lay.