CLASS(ES) TAUGHT & A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF WHAT YOU TEACH: I teach a Vinyasa Flow class at Unity. The “flow” means poses are linked together at a steady and balanced pace and I strive to make it safe and fun for all levels.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?: I have been teaching for four years. Movement has always been a part of my life though, as I started dance at a young age. My yoga practice and my dance history intertwine in the beginning, but after a dance injury and a long struggle with insomnia, yoga became really important in my life. When I moved to London in 2014, I went straight into teacher training and have been at it ever since!
WHAT DO YOU PARTICULARLY LOVE ABOUT THE FORM OF YOGA THAT YOU TEACH AND HOW HAS YOUR DISCIPLINE BENEFITED YOU PERSONALLY?: I teach a few styles of yoga, but I generally teach Vinyasa because it gives me the freedom to combine those styles in a way that feels creative and balanced, which is a reflection of how I practice at home. I sprinkle some yin yoga in my classes because I feel like the stillness is something we all need in our modern world, yet that doesn’t cancel out the value of intentional movement guided by breath. My practice has benefitted me in so many ways, but one of the first was that it managed my insomnia in a way that nothing else could. It also strengthened and stabilised my overstretched dance body. From there, it’s led me to ultimately be more honest with myself about who I am, and to live a more authentic and intentional life.
WHAT/WHO INSPIRES YOU?: Nature inspires me endlessly. Going outside into the countryside reminds me of a simplicity and a magic in life that is easy to forget living in an urban environment.
WHAT CAN SOMEONE EXPECT FROM YOUR CLASS AND WHAT MIGHT THEY TAKE AWAY WITH THEM ?: In my class, you can expect a gradual start to a flow that is accessible but still offers challenge. I don’t believe in taking things too seriously, so we keep things light and happy. The pace is steady, which means you have time to find your footing in each pose. Alignment cues are based on the feeling in the pose rather than the look of it, so you can find ease in your unique body. The class finishes with a little bit of yin so you leave feeling balanced and light.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT DOING YOGA? I am currently learning about herbalism, so you can often find me reading a herbal or making potions. I also love going on walks, usually accompanied by my little dog.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE INSPIRING QUOTE?: “Not all those who wander are lost” – Tolkien
Shay teaches Vinyasa Flow from 12-1 pm on tuesdays.
instagram : shaylee.grant
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