British Wheel of Yoga (Northern Region) :: Latest news and information | Yoga in Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Northumbria, Tyne & Wear

Recent press articles about Yoga -
a response from the BWY

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

Britain's most adventurous Yogi David Sye headlines North’s biggest festival

A feast of fun and wellbeing is on offer at this summer's
British Wheel of Yoga Northern Festival.

Feeling the beat of life will be the key feature of the Yoga and Wellbeing weekend being held at Durham University's Van Mildert College, Durham, from Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10. The BWY Northern Region has organised the special event, which was formerly known as the Durham Festival, with yoga elder David Sye, the founder of the highly popular Yogabeats™, as headline.

David will be heading a line-up of about 16 teachers who will be delivering sessions covering many styles of yoga. David, son of the late singer Frankie Vaughan, has been practising yoga for more than 25 years and highlights spontaneity as the key to a healthy and happy life. Yogabeats™ is yoga with a difference—a mix of styles with a twist on traditional asanas using micro-moves to promote vitality, balance and flexibility regardless of size, age or experience. It is “more than just Yoga—it is pure fun”.

The venue

The venue, Van Mildert College, is known for its lakeside setting. It has been booked by the festival organisers following the closure of Ushaw College, near Durham, as a conference facility. Ushaw had housed the event for the past three years. BWY North Regional Officer Maureen McCarthy said she hoped this year's event will be a tremendous success with David Sye delivering a truly uplifting experience for all.

Booking and more information

People can book the event as a day delegate or as a full residential weekend experience. For more information, including a booking form and downloadable poster, see the Northern Festival 2011 page.
Gill Gosling

Dates for your Diary

BWY Congress 2010

Congress 2010 is on 9th to 11th April 2010 at Warwick University. If anyone is thinking of going and would like to share transport costs contact Maureen McCarthy (preferably by e-mail).

BWY Northern Region AGM 2010

Next year's AGM will be Sunday 10th October at the Marchesi Centre in Windermere, Cumbria.

Charity Yoga

Around 60 people attended this year’s Charity Yoga event on 21 October to raise funds for the Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough organised by BWY yoga teacher Kath Carrick and two of her students, who are dedicated fundraisers having had first hand experience of the Holistic Centre. Yoga teachers and beginners alike filled the gym at Grangefield Youth & Community Centre, Stockton for the yoga session of gentle asanas followed by breathing practice, meditation and relaxation.

Kath’s students served refreshments, sold home-baked cakes and ran a raffle and, together with the sale of the second Favourite Recipe booklet which this year included Hints and Tips, expect to raise over £900. Barclaycard have agreed to match the donation on a £ for £ basis up to £750.

Kath and her students would like to thank Grangefield Youth & Community Centre for free use of the gym and lounge, the advertisers in the Recipe booklet and all who attended or made donations and made the day another success.

Kath Carrick, 3 November 2009

New Committee Positions

Following the AGM there are a number of changes to Committee positions. Please see the Our Region page for up to date details.