🌟STUDENT OF THE MONTH 🌟

🧘‍♀️🌟OCTOBER STUDENT OF THE MONTH IS…. TOM!🌟🧘‍♀️

I think Tom would be the first to agree that he doesn’t quite fit the stereotypical image of someone you might expect to find in a yoga class! When he first joined us ariybd a year ago, he was feeling pretty stiff and knew he needed to do something about it. I suspect there was a little apprehension about what his body might (or might not!) be capable of. But fast forward a year and Tom is now a wonderfully consistent member of the class, turning up week after week and always willing to give everything a go. Most remarkably, he tells me that back pain he’s lived with for 40 years has improved since starting yoga. That’s quite something!

I’m always particularly pleased to feature our male students, as yoga is still often perceived as a predominantly female activity. In fact, I have plenty of men attending my classes and in Tom’s class they frequently outnumber the women! I think Iyengar yoga has a particular appeal because of its practical, methodical and sometimes quite demanding approach. It’s a disciplined practice that develops strength, mobility, balance and body awareness, while allowing everyone to work at their own level and within their own capabilities. You certainly don’t need to arrive flexible or fit!

Yoga is a serious subject, but that doesn’t mean we have to take ourselves too seriously! There’s always plenty of laughter in my classes, and Tom, with his wicked sense of humour, certainly contributes his fair share. He’s become a much-valued part of our little yoga community, and it’s been a real pleasure watching his confidence and abilities grow over the past year. Well done Tom and thank you for bringing such good humour and enthusiasm to class!

❓Tell us a little about yourself……………

🧘🏽‍♂️My name is Tom and am now retired for over 9 years after spending the majority of my adult life in the Merchant Navy, having previously been in the military for a short spell. I live in Yetminster with my wife Sue who also attends Yoga Classes.

❓How long have you been practicing yoga?

🧘🏽‍♂️I have been practicing Yoga for over a year now.

❓What made you start yoga?

🧘🏽‍♂️Talking to Friends who said it would do me good.

❓What’s your favourite pose?

🧘🏽‍♂️Savasana with a bolster under my knees.

❓What’s your favourite prop?

🧘🏽‍♂️Bolster

❓How has practicing yoga benefitted your life?

🧘🏽‍♂️It has helped with my posture and also helped to stretch my tendons through out my body.

❓What makes you keep practicing?

🧘🏽‍♂️I feel good after being stetched, and it has improved by lower back pain which I have had for over 40 years.