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                      Raymond Island Yoga:
                            The First Year

                      Celebrating 12 months


“So good for general wellbeing. Have not slept as well for years.” Terri,

“ It is relaxing and challenging and made me feel good each time we worked out. It was not always easy but it was suited to all individual’s needs.” Linda

The sound of yoga mats rolling out marked the beginning of the Raymond Island yoga class in March 2011. The class is held at the Island Community Hall and runs on Friday between 10.30-12pm. A heart felt thanks to all the students who have made the class so worthwhile and fun to teach. The last class is on Dec 16^th and the group will be celebrating with coffee and cake on the mainland.

“I look forward to the yoga class each week and call on a number of the exercises if I am stiff or sore at home.” Barbara

To gain insight into the benefits of attending a regular yoga class, teacher Margot Porter undertook a survey of the group’s thoughts and reasons for choosing and continuing with yoga. The survey showed that overwhelmingly there were two key reasons for doing yoga: firstly, to increase strength and stamina; secondly, to improve flexibility and open the joints. Balance was a close third. Also important to students was relaxation and personal wellbeing, in particular, spiritual wellbeing.

“It has helped me keep flexible and it has aided balance. Also good for relaxation and addressing muscle tension.” Name withheld

A typical class contains all of the above elements. Indeed, many of the poses combine strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, for example, any of the standing poses and sequences such as Sun Salutes. Often the class will have a focus, for instance, opening the hips, increasing neck and shoulder mobility or building upper body/whole body strength. Students have and are encouraged to request poses or sequences to work on specific part(s) of the body or conditions, such as, stiff neck and shoulders or sciatica. A balance pose is usually included to help students draw on their flexibility and strength while challenging their ability to focus as they balance on one foot or hands. The class starts and ends with relaxation practices.

“I enjoy the variety of exercises with emphasis on building strength in various parts of the body… It helps build strength in limbs, essential for older people.” Claire


Most poses can be modified to suit all levels and needs, and contrary to popular perceptions, yoga is not about folding the body into the shape of a human pretzel, although photos in any yoga magazine may have you believe otherwise.

“The class has been a really good for beginners and for those of us who have done Yoga before, to get back into it. Margot adjusts the class to suit everyone’s needs.” Brenda

“The class is friendly. Margot is very good with instructions ensuring we get the most out of the exercises, if you are unable to participate in an exercise Margot will give an alternative.” Barbara

Of course, some poses are more challenging than others, but one of the key ideas behind yoga is acknowledging and being with what is rather than imagining what could be in the future or what was in the past. Thus, students are encouraged to work to their own abilities and limitations and making the practice their own by adapting poses to their needs or avoiding if that is what the body suggests.


“Well done Margot, you make everyone feel comfortable - especially when doing challenging movements.” Kay


I would like to finish by wishing everyone involved in supporting the yoga group a joyful and peaceful Christmas. I invite any expressions of interest for continuing the class in 2012 and welcome any inquires about yoga.

Margot Porter         (03) 5157 5589       0407 343 307      prasannayoga@hotmail.com

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     Raymond Island Yoga:
  starting our second Year