🌟🧘‍♀️STUDENT OF THE MONTH🧘‍♀️🌟
🌟June 2026 Student of the month is……. Mark Probert!!

Mark Probert is well known and much loved within our yoga community. In a curious twist of timing, although we had never met, Mark and I were both in India in January 2020, just before the world changed in ways none of us could have imagined. When classes resumed later the following year, Mark joined one of my classes. Perhaps his recent visit to India had already sparked an interest, because he quickly became one of the most committed and inquisitive students in the class.

Mark embraced yoga with enthusiasm, curiosity and an open mind. His practice has gone hand in hand with a wider exploration of yoga’s rich traditions and history, something that became particularly evident during his second trip to India. As he mentions in his answers below, one highlight was visiting the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune (where I was in 2020), where he interviewed Prashant Iyengar, son of BKS Iyengar. Parts of that interview appeared in Mark’s book, with a longer version later published in the Iyengar Yoga (UK) magazine, something that filled me with immense pride.

What I especially admire about Mark is the breadth of his interest. While deeply appreciative of Iyengar Yoga, he has explored many different strands of yogic knowledge, giving him a thoughtful and well-rounded perspective. Despite all he has learned and achieved, he remains incredibly humble, kind and generous. When his second book about travelling in India was published, he gave a wonderful talk for my students about his travels and research, sharing his knowledge with great warmth, humour and enthusiasm.

It is also a pleasure to see Mark attend classes alongside his wife, Jan, who was herself a previous Student of the Month. Together they are a lovely part of our community, and I am delighted to feature Mark this month.

Thank you Mark for all you bring to our community!

❓Tell us a little about yourself …………………

🧘‍♀️I am Mark Probert, aged 72 and married to Janice. We've lived in Yetminster since 2021, having lived previously in many parts of Britain, and for a short while in France. We have two sons, one in London and one in Bristol, and a daughter and grand-daughter nearby in Sherborne. I retired from a career in map-making six years ago and now mostly spend my time on Jan’s job list, writing, cycling, travelling, gardening and enjoying various clubs and activities in the village... including yoga, of course.

❓How long have you been practicing yoga?

🧘‍♀️I began when we moved to Yetminster in 2021. Jan started soon after and we’ve been practicing weekly since then.

❓What made you start yoga?

🧘‍♀️Over the years I’ve always enjoyed taking part in sports and activities - particularly football, sailing, cycling, hill-walking and running. As the years tick by I do less of those. I’m beginning to think that my chances of playing for England in the World Cup, or in a Lords Test, may be fading. Likewise, I may have left it too late for the Tour de France. But I still cycle and walk a lot, and I want to maintain as much fitness, movement and flexibility as possible, for as long as I can. I see yoga as helping with this, and I particularly like the precision and pace of Iyengar yoga.

❓What’s your favourite pose?

🧘‍♀️I suppose everyone chooses the pose they are most comfortable with and for me that seems to be Vrksāsana (tree pose), although Lisa recently introduced me to supported karnapidāsana (resting on shoulders with thighs supported on chair) - and I found that surprisingly relaxing.

❓What’s your favourite prop?

🧘‍♀️The bolster. Its a bit of a lump to haul around but its very adaptable and supportive for many positions.

❓How has practicing yoga benefitted your life?

🧘‍♀️When I began practicing yoga I found there was something unusual happening, apart from the physical benefits. It might be to do with the friendly group, the teacher, slowing down and being mindful for over an hour, energy flows, and/or something else (but probably all of these). However weary I might feel when I go into a class, I always come out feeling better! My curiosity has led me to yoga centres in Mumbai, Mysuru, and Pune - where I was fortunate (with some help from Lisa) to meet BKS Iyengar’s son Prashant at the famous RIMYI. I’ve also attended workshops in London on yoga for health and Mallakamb (pole / rope yoga).

❓What makes you keep practicing?

🧘‍♀️Yoga is something to which you can adapt as time goes by - some things become easier... some not so much! I’d like to keep the physical, mental and social benefits going as long as I can.

❓Anything else you’d like to add?

🧘‍♀️I feel very fortunate to have discovered Iyengar yoga, to have such an enthusiastic and supportive teacher, and to have such a friendly group of fellow class-mates. I aim to keep moving and learning for as long as I can, hoping my knee clicks and gentle groans aren’t too much of a distraction for everyone else! Namaste.

Thank you Mark for sharing your yoga journey with us! ❤️🙏🕉️

Student of the Month - June 2026 - Mark Probert

Student of the Month - May 2026 - Gina