Description

Hypermobility is commonly evident in yoga classes (and among yoga teachers), but is it catered for? Are adaptations optional or essential for a condition that can range from asymptomatic to debilitating, and what happens with age?  

Hypermobility may initially seem like a blessing in yoga, yet it can present unique - and possibly surprising – challenges, ranging from joint pain, stiffness and tension, a propensity for injury, compensatory imbalances, a scattered mind and difficulty with spatial awareness. 

With care and patience, yoga is a supportive practice for hypermobility, with benefits extending far into daily life. How can we, as teachers, best work with hypermobility, so that yoga remains safe, enjoyable, beneficial and sustainable? How can approaches for hypermobility benefit the whole class? Join us to explore this important subject and refine new skills and understanding in a supportive, interactive environment. 

Topics covered on the day will include:

• Hypermobility, in relation to delivering yoga classes and to daily life
• How yoga philosophy provides the container for hypermobility-aware yoga 
• Degrees, symptoms and concomitants of hypermobility and its implications for the body, mind and wellbeing
• Common signs in students and potential risks
• How to integrate tailored skills such as proprioception, interoception, stabilisation, healthy movement patterns, pathways of weight/load and parasympathetic response in teaching, also for the benefit of the whole class
• Yoga practices or ‘styles’ that are suited and not so well suited to hypermobility for the long-term.

There will be practice, supporting functional anatomy, discussion, small group work and a presentation (electronic handout provided). Relevant research and resources will be shared. 

Carol Trevor

Carol began practising yoga in 1991. Qualified with the BWY in London, she has contributed to teacher training programmes in Cambridge, Hertfordshire and London since 2008 and offers CPD workshops and trainings. She is an Advanced Relax and Renew Trainer® (restorative yoga), is certified in yoga nidra and qualified in sports massage therapy and injury prevention. Through personal exploration, study and teaching she is experienced in working with hypermobility and associated conditions such as neurodiversity. Much of her local teaching is on a one-to-one basis. 

Originally a linguist with corporate and public sector experience, Carol has an interest in ways of life, universal wisdom and yoga philosophy. Her intuitive and collaborative approach to teaching encourages curiosity, self-inquiry and autonomy. 

Additional Information

Held at Cumnor village Hall on Leys Road. The hall is on the edge of the Village, off the B4017 road towards Farmoor and the  Reservoir. Turn onto Leys Road and drive past the front door to car park beyond. 

Please let us know if you are happy to offer to share driving and where you are from, and we will put members in touch with each other. 

Oxford Train Station: You walk under bridge to Botley Road to where all busses now begin at Osney Island. The Bus S9 is most frequent and Bus 44, 63 . The Bridge is closed due to station refurbishment and only pedestrian and cycle access. 

Cumnor Village Hall, Leys Road, Cumnor village, Oxfordshire OX2 9QF

What to Bring

Please have with you your usual yoga props, including blocks/bricks, a belt/resistance band, blanket and a bolster if you have one, plus a hand towel and a cushion or 23cm pilates/exercise ball. 

Bring your lunch, we are providing teas, coffee and fruit teas with cow and an alturnative milk and biscuits 

Please bring your own refreshments if any allegeries.