Training in 2011
Information about BWY courses in the Region in 2011 may now be found on the Training page.
News and information
Recent press articles about Yoga -
a response by Pierre Bibby, BWY CEO
The recent New York Times article on the 'dangers' of yoga, adapted from a book by William J. Broad on The Science of Yoga: The Risks and Rewards, is heavy on anecdote and slim on science. It is full of physiological inaccuracies and confines itself to the most sensationalistic aspects of yoga-related injury, cherry picking a few extreme examples to implicate the entire practice.
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
ABZ of Yoga Celebration Day
The first of our Region's free for members days, ABZ of Yoga Celebration Day, was held in Maidstone on 24 April. Eighty colourfully dressed members attended on this very sunny and warm day.
The first morning session was led by Bob Insley who had us tying ourselves up in knots as we journeyed towards Visvamitrasana (One arm one leg side balance).
The second morning session was lead by Zoe Knott as we journeyed towards Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand). As explained by both Bob and Zoe the journey can be harder than the goal, but it the fun and experience of the journey that makes the final goal a satisfying achievement.
The afternoon session was lead by Antonia Boyle with some relaxation and sound work which was a contrast to the energetic morning.
Financial assistance for BWY SE Region teachers
to set up specialist classes
Your Regional Committee has decided to make funds available to help you, the teaching membership of the South-East region of the Wheel, expand the range of classes you can offer within the Region. We are in a strong financial position, so we have the funds available to support and encourage you, without impacting on the day-to-day running of Wheel events. The Committee has deliberated for several months to come up with a sensible set of guidelines to make this work in a simple but effective way. We hope you will take advantage of it. We will monitor the system closely and review it annually to ensure that it is achieving our objectives.
Any applications should be made to Jan Palmer (Regional Officer)
Download the Guidelines and Procedures as a PDF document (opens new window).