I’ve seen lots of new members join Ad Astra Yoga and Pilates in the recent months and it occurred to me that I’m likely to meet new people as we approach New Year resolutions, so I thought it would be a good time to reintroduce myself and my brand of teaching…

Who is Jayne, Ad Astra Yoga and Pilates teacher?

If you know me at all, you’ll know I’m not keen on talking about myself, so for this bit I’m handing the reigns over to my able assistant and long suffering serving class member, Hilary.

‘I’ve been going to yoga and Pilates with Jayne for about 11 years, even since before she was Ad Astra. I was keen to find out what sort of teacher Jayne would be, as I had been to a class when I lived down south that was, shall we say, very ‘zen’ and a bit too ‘om’ for me.

Thank goodness for Jayne!

Jayne has become a good friend to me over the years; we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve been embarrassed together – and that’s just in class! One thing Jayne is not, is a hippy dippy floaty chanty teacher and that suits me just fine…’

OK, so that’s what you can expect from me in class, but you might also like to know about my credentials…

My teaching passion is yoga, it has always been a help to me personally, and to pass on the same help to others feels just great. And I am very proud of the qualifications I have gained since starting in 2010:

• Level 3 Yoga Diploma + Advanced Vinyasa, Yoga Nidra & Level 1 Yin Yoga
• Level 3 Mat Pilates Diploma
• Pilates for Orthopaedic Conditions Diploma
• F L E X Instructor
• Level 2 Exercise to Music
• Indoor Cycling Advanced Instructor
• Pump FX
• Cold water immersion coach.

I believe I am a genuine, down to earth (despite the Ad Astra name), fun yoga and Pilates teacher, who will listen to your ‘pains’ and adapt every and any class to suit you.

Yoga Classes

I’m a relaxed yoga teacher, but I do have the guiding mantra of ‘challenge the body to calm the mind’, so you can expect to put the work in! My yoga class content is guided by what my members need – every 7-8 weeks or so we have a poll in the private Facebook group, asking them what niggles they have in their bodies and what they would like to work on. I then build the vinyasa (flow of movements) around the most popular requests.

However, as well as building the vinyasa from gentle to strong over the weeks, I like to have a bit of fun and add in some challenges or peak poses. These might make you sweat, they might make you fidget but they will definitely make you feel fabulous as you progress over the term.

At the end of term, I like to treat my members to a Yin and Nidra class, consisting of deep lengthy stretch poses, followed by an extended meditative period. Members have dubbed this ‘sleepy yoga’ and are encouraged to bring pillows and blankets – one member once brought a full-on sleeping bag!

Pilates

There are two Pilates classes a week. On Tuesday mornings it’s Pilates for All – A class designed for beginners or those returning to exercise, including seniors. All you need to be able to do to join this class is get up from the floor. Then on Wednesday nights it’s Pilates FLEX which focuses on strength, mobility and flexibility. This is definitely the stronger of the two classes, but I do have members who attend both with great results, and I always offer progressions of every move, so you’ll find your own level of ‘challenging’.

I teach mat Pilates, so there’s no fancy machinery, and only the occasional bit of extra kit such as balls, bands and blocks. You don’t need to buy these items as I bring plenty to share.

Retreats | Walks | Christmas Lunches or days and evenings out

Ad Astra Yoga and Pilates doesn’t end after class finishes. I’ve hosted weekends away in the Wye Valley for retreats that include cold swimming or dipping, hiking and of course loads of yoga and Pilates.

Madie’s Mental Health Mates is a local group that shares members with me, and we take gentle walks around the local towns or villages to find physical and metaphysical space.

And I do enjoy a good celebration – My Pilates for All group has an annual Christmas get together after the last class of the year, and I do try to organise a Christmas event for everyone, even if it does sometimes land in summer!

Laughs, inuendo and funny photos

I have to say, there’s always someone giggling in my classes – normally at the bottom end of the hall, but I try not to take myself or the moves too seriously – life’s too short not to have a laugh!

Hilary is usually in class taking photos for social media, but only if you’re happy to feature – she’s very careful not to incriminate anyone, or share ‘delicate’ angles, and you’ll generally see those on Facebook, Instagram and in the private Facebook group. That group is available for anyone to share in, including a joke they’ve just seen, or to ask a serious question, it’s also where you’ll find class updates.

So, if you’re looking for a really good full body workout, that doesn’t take itself too seriously, maybe Ad Astra Yoga and Pilates is the place for you.

Seniors can claim a discount, first timers get a freebie – just message me before booking to make sure you get it.

You can join me online via Zoom or in person in Carterton – don’t forget to bring a mat, a drink and some cosy socks, everything else you can borrow… See you soon, Jayne 🙏