Southern Region of The British Wheel of Yoga | yoga classes, training and events in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire

A more balanced article would acknowledge that it is problematic to produce accurate figures on injuries directly causally linked solely to the practice of yoga. Injuries can result from physical activity whether or not we are taking risks. This is not to say that yoga practice is without risk of injuries, which might occur due to the over enthusiasm of a student who wants to achieve more extreme postures and ignores the guidance of the teacher. It could also be that a student has an underlying health issue which they haven't shared with the teacher—a problem which can be exacerbated in very full classes in gyms etc.

Mr Black – the yoga teacher interviewed by Broad – is quoted as saying that he has no formal training for determining which yoga poses are good for a student and which may be problematic, preferring to rely on his 'ton of experience'. At the British Wheel of Yoga (the National Governing Body for Yoga), we do not rely solely on experience. Our teachers complete a rigorous diploma course (the only yoga teaching qualification in the UK equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study), which includes modules on physiology and anatomy, and gives advice and guidance on ways in which postures can be modified so that people with underlying health issues can practise safely. All our teachers have professional indemnity insurance and BWY members benefit from insurance that covers them against injury.

Anyone can practise yoga, regardless of age, sex or ability. As well as stretching and strengthening the body, yoga improves posture, promotes feelings of relaxation and has been linked to improved concentration, better quality sleep and a reduction of anxiety and depression. The British Wheel of Yoga, in conjunction with Sheffield University, is about to publish a research report into the therapeutic effects of yoga for health and wellbeing and, if Mr Broad's experience is anything to go by, we look forward to the comment and debate which we hope will be stimulated by our research. Maybe the biggest benefit for him is that, after the publication of his extremely inflammatory article in the New York Times, his book shot to the top of yoga category on Amazon.

Pierre Bibby CEO, The British Wheel of Yoga

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Having set up the refreshments in the dance studio (realising no one had switched on the water boilers prior to our arrival!), erected the information boards and frantically stuck arrows on the route from the car parks to the hall, the yoga mat carrying attendees started to arrive.

After registration (this is a school after all) there was time for tea or coffee and to meet with friends and make new ones.

It had been an excellent net­working opportunity, catching up with old friends, making new friends, and putting faces to the names in Yoga South.
Bridget Appleby

After Howard Napper's arrival everyone moved into the hall and, following a few words from Tim Lewis, the day began.

Howard Napper is very down to earth for a 'celebrity' yoga teacher, and clearly very ex­perienced and knowledge­able. His discussion around stress was fascinating—this is an area we can always learn more about and relates (in one way or another) to everyone who attends a yoga class.
Jennifer Hunt

Lunch out in the sun was a treat. Outside the hall was a courtyard suntrap with plenty of seating and peace and quiet. Then it was time for the AGM back in the dance studio. It was very gratifying to see that nearly everyone forsook the glorious weather to experience the meeting, many taking an active part raising questions and making interesting suggestions (the minutes will be uploaded onto the website in due course).

This was my first AGM and I enjoyed it immensely. Lots of lovely people meeting together with a common interest. It was good to meet neighbour­ing County Reps and hear their news. Altogether, with the fantastic weather, it was a memorable day.
Dorothy Owen

The afternoon session with Howard flashed past and soon it was time for the goodbyes.

An enjoyable day. I was very impressed with the directions on arrival clearly showing the way to the main building.
The organisation and layout of refreshments and AGM facil­ities were well thought out cre­ating a friendly atmos­phere. The AGM itself was conducted smoothly and professionally by all involved. Thank you all for your efforts to provide a day well worth coming to.
Sylvia Smith

Each Congress and AGM is a 'work in progress' and lessons are always learnt. We rely heavily on the feedback given and strive to improve year on year. Our thanks go to Howard Napper, the staff of Highcrest Academy and to all who attended and made this such an enjoyable day. Watch for details of the Southern Region's Congress and AGM 2012!

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I attended a Prison Phoenix Trust Workshop Striking It Rich In Prison in April 2011 in Oxford; this was aimed at Yoga Teachers who were interested in teaching in Prisons. The Prison Phoenix Trust (The PPT) is a charity that encourages prisoners in their spiritual lives through a daily practice of yoga and meditation, working in silence and the breath and currently has 145 classes in 77 prisons. The day was run by Sam Settle, Director of The Prison Phoenix Trust, along with two of his colleagues (Luisa Golding and Elaine Ulett), and was divided into discussions on teaching in prisons and how The PPT supports you as a Teacher both in preparing you to work in prisons and also assisting and supporting you once you are teaching there. We also had a couple of yoga sessions, led silently by Luisa which were very effective, as well as a meditation session led by Sam.

What is surprising when reviewing the meditation techniques used is that they are remarkably simple. We were given very useful basic information to use when considering whether to teach in a prison:

• Allow plenty of time to approach your class due to security checks
• Room preparation
• Make sure you visit the loo beforehand as otherwise you would need to be escorted by a prison officer using up their resources
• Lessons tend to be longer than the stand 1 hours, so plan your lesson well
• Be adaptable with plenty of alternative material to teach
• Dress code extremely important - be smart but discrete
• Maintain professional boundaries, you are there to teach yoga and meditation only
• Handouts that you would give out to students will need to be security checked beforehand
• Touching students during class is generally not recommended, you may also be filmed whilst teaching
• If you are given keys for the prison, keep them on your person at all times
• Be generous with praise - some students may never have experienced this!
• Yoga Nidra is acceptable, but only the physical relaxation, visualisation is to be avoided
• Classes are paid for, but only if the Prison has enough resources
• Continuity of lessons is particularly important; you may have other things to do next week, but the prisoner is there waiting for you
• Stand In teachers greatly appreciated, to maintain this continuity

It is not compulsory for you to go through The PPT to register your interest in prison teaching as you are able to approach Prisons directly yourself, however, The PPT have such a vast range of experience and support that it would be churlish to turn down any opportunity of preparing yourself for what is quite a unique experience. In addition to this one day workshop, The PPT also does a five day residential course which runs in the summer every other year (the next one is due in 2012) and a number of comments were made of how valuable it was to have attended this course first prior to teaching in prisons. Something worth thinking about if you are serious and have the spare time to carry out this worthwhile challenge.

What I came away with from the day was what a diverse population you would be teaching, mainly those with many challenges in their lives. The books and CDs that The PPT sends to prisoners are free, make a huge difference to life in their cells, and you really begin to see the power of yoga and the difference you can make as a Teacher.

For further details on Teaching in Prisons, please feel free to contact them at:
    The Prison Phoenix Trust
    P.O. Box 328, OXFORD OX2 7HF
    Tel: 01865-512521 & 512522
    website: www.theppt.org.uk (opens new window)

They would certainly appreciate your contact, support and any donations.
Tim Lewis, Regional Officer

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For many participants the course can cement their own practice and be enough as a stand-alone course. Others are inspired to go into more depth of study and continue with the separate disciplines such as pranayama or meditation modules. For some it is a good testing ground, especially with essay writing and return to study to decide to go onto the Teacher Training Diploma.

One of our Members, Sophia Andeh, has written her experience of her Foundation Course:

This 60 hour part-time course is designed for ease of study with a variety of sessions being spread over a minimum of six months. Prospective students should have attended a yoga class for a minimum of two years with a suitably qualified and experienced yoga teacher and will be required to take up Membership of the BWY.

I am aware the launch of the newly designed BWY Teaching Diploma course has created a delay in training Foundation Course Tutors for the proposed new Module, however, our existing Foundation Course is still current and we have Foundation Course Tutors in our Region who would be delighted to run a Course for you.

I would be grateful if you could let me know if you are interested in attending a Foundation Course and where in the Region you live. Once I receive sufficient interest, I can then coordinate one of our seven Foundation Course Tutors who live in our Region to see whether we can get a course up and running for you.

Please contact me at my usual email address: RO@bwysouth.org.uk

Tim Lewis
Regional Officer

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