Firstly, as a student of mine, it is helpful for me to know if these are diagnosed or extreme levels of experience. This is particularly important for those with PTSD/complex trauma as there are certain elements of a class (breathing techniques etc) that I would specifically cue differently to ensure your comfort. Of course this is your personal business and anything you do confide in me is kept confidential. If you’re not comfortable sharing with me, I would usually try and include cues anyway that can help those with any of these conditions, or give options and reasons why, empowering you to check in with your own feelings and give you the power to choose what option feels best for you.
The most important thing after this is that you know it is absolutely no trouble at all. It is my job to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience in your time on the mat with me and that includes making any adjustments both necessary and possible to ensure that is the case for you.
If you’re wondering whether yoga can help these conditions, in my personal experience with anxiety and depression-related symptoms, I found yoga extremely helpful (though it helped to have certain cues specific to me to adjust where needed). There are more and more case studies into the impact yoga can have on those with these conditions not just in the moment but also the long-term effectiveness, and it is for the most part very positive and in support. I would put the disclaimer on that though that it will vary depending on the type of yoga and what your personal triggers are. So that brings me back around to having knowledge of this – if there’s anything specific that I can know so that I’m able to make it as comfortable for you as it is in my power to do, then it’s all the more achievable.
If you have any further or more specific questions or concerns surrounding this, please reach out to me directly at jess@jlyoga.com.au and I will be more than happy to assist further.
Forever! Once you’ve enrolled and paid, you’ll have access to the course material for as long as you need. In the case of courses that have weekly releases, you’ll have access forever once each week’s lesson becomes available to you. So devour it all in one weekend or take things slow. It’s your choice! (But I highly recommend taking it as per any schedule set out as best you can – these are scheduled very deliberately to help you to integrate it as effectively as possible).
In most cases I try to make my classes (whether online or in person) beginner-friendly, however that isn’t always possible. Where they are specifically not beginner friendly, I’ll always make it clear in the class/workshop/course description so that there’s no confusion.
In most of the classes I offer, especially for specific groups, I make sure I teach to the level of the group with options on variations given each step along the way. And if these are regular classes, that gives me the opportunity to grow with you as your ability and approach to your own practice grows. If something feels challenging (not painful) it can often be just the experience of trying something new and moving the body in new ways, which is totally natural in this case and what we are aiming for. I will never aim to encourage advanced poses or positions that aren’t safe for your body if you haven’t yet built the strength or flexibility for, or if it’s just not appropriate for you in that moment.
Things I currently teach that are beginner-friendly:
Yoga for Corporate Wellness online course
Young Veterans Sunshine Coast yoga
My classes at Being Yoga Maroochydore
The Grange Club Yoga on Wednesday nights
Most of my yoga flow YouTube videos – though these will always have more specific cautions in the description, which I highly encourage you to read prior to practicing
Corporate Sessions – for both staff and executives
Elite Athlete workshops – however there is usually a dependence on the level of fitness athletes usually possess
Some workshops when they are running – the level of yoga experience appropriate is stipulated in each workshop description
This will always go on a case by case basis but as a general answer, most injuries can be adapted. Especially if I’m aware of them beforehand! Some injuries or conditions might not allow for certain poses, but an alternate pose that gives similar benefits could be quite safe and possible to achieve. As an example, common injuries that can be adapted in most cases surround issues with knees and hips. I’ve also worked with adaptations for women who are pregnant (not an injury, but certainly a condition) so long as they’re feeling healthy and well (although I don’t provide pregnancy-specific classes), those recovering from abdominal surgery (c-section after effects) and spinal surgery, where I’ve been able to recommend a lower intensity class. However, there are of course levels of injury or position in recovery that you are in that might limit this. It’s important to ask your consulting professional (doctor, physiotherapist, osteopath etc) if there are any specific activities you shouldn’t be participating in, especially if you’re on a recovery program. In most cases they’ll be able to give you specifics that you can tell me so I can work with you on this so you’re able to get the most out of your yoga time.
If you’re ever unsure and you’re either attending my classes or planning on coming along to a class or workshop, please feel free to reach out to me.