Yoga

Iyengar yoga

I teach Iyengar yoga, a style of yoga that was named after Yogacharya Sri B K S Iyengar.

A regular Iyengar yoga practice helps you to relax while also energising the body and mind. Bringing vitality, flexibility and strength, concentration, self confidence and mental calm. It provides a firm foundation for health and wellbeing.

I have tried many types of yoga and, in my opinion, this is by far the best! Iyengar yoga is one of the most widely performed methods of yoga worldwide, and it is suitable for all ages and abilities.

‘Yoga can be practiced by anyone, whatever one’s state of mind or health.’  B.K.S Iyengar

Two women are reaching up, doing yoga in a yoga studio
A closeup of a seated woman's hands while she meditates

Postures and props in Iyengar yoga

In this method there is a strong focus on the correct alignment in poses. Yoga postures are held for longer than in some other methods, allowing tight muscles to lengthen and relax, and helping to focus awareness. With regular practice of as little as one hour a week students will notice the benefits. The practice is progressive, with those taking part building a stable foundation before attempting more demanding work.

 Props, such as bricks, blocks and belts, are used to ensure you’re working safely. This also allows those with less strength or flexibility to work correctly to achieve their potential.

The classes can be hard work as the poses involve intense stretching. However, you will leave the classes feeling lighter and calmer, both physically and mentally.

Physiology and psychology

“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”  BKS Iyengar

Yoga is like a pair of scales bringing balance to an overstimulated mind and an under stimulated body.

The immediate benefits of yoga are better physical health and greater flexibility and strength. As you continue with your practice, psychological and spiritual benefits begin to appear.

Iyengar yoga teaches good physical alignment which helps to combat the typical wear and tear the body experiences over time. Common complaints such as lower back pain, rounded shoulders and poor posture can all be improved from doing yoga.

Our physiology performs better when we feel free and strong within our bodies. As we practice yoga over time our posture improves, and our posture has a direct impact on our mood and state of mind. Our physiology impacts and informs our psychology.

As Iyengar yoga promotes physical strength, flexibility and enhances mental well-being it stimulates happiness, calmness and a peacefulness. It is the perfect antidote to the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle of today.

Two seated women, one has her hands clasped together doing yoga
A woman's hands holding beads for yoga

Your yoga classes

Having practiced yoga for over 20 years, I have experienced the physical and mental benefits first hand. Yoga helps us to navigate life’s ups and downs with a little more grace and ease.

Classes generally start with simple poses and gradually move towards more advanced poses, ending with a period of relaxation, called Savasana, and sometimes incorporating breathing techniques, known as Pranayama. My classes are mixed ability; beginners are always welcome.

All classes are taught at Nafferton Recreation Club. The classes are term time only:

Monday 7-8:15pm

Thursday 9:30-10:45am

The cost is £12 per class to drop in or £10 per class if classes are block booked and pre-paid at the start of term. Please note that classes are non- refundable.

I also teach private workshops and can be booked for yoga retreats and festivals. If this is something you are interested in, please contact me for more information.

Your yoga teacher

The class is taught by myself, Kate Goodwin, and I have been trained to a very high standard and am fully insured. As an Introductory teacher, I completed 3 years of regular Iyengar yoga classes followed by 2 years’ teacher training, before successfully passing a rigorous assessment. I qualified to teach the Introductory Syllabus in October 2016 and have enjoyed teaching regular classes ever since.

High standards are maintained through ongoing training and professional development.

A seated woman meditates doing yoga with her eyes closed

Teacher membership number 19256

Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Introductory Level 1 Certificate

What our clients say

  • "Kate’s classes are special. She creates a positive atmosphere of calm and joy and gives precise instructions. Her teaching is focused, inclusive and intuitive, giving instructions for adjustments or alternatives where necessary. Every student leaves feeling better than they did when they arrived."

    Brenda, Beverley

  • "To say I’ve been travelling almost 30 miles for the last seven years to go to Kate’s Iyengar yoga class says a lot! Kate is a splendid teacher, who encourages her students to reach their potential while working with and listening to their bodies. She creates a warm and welcoming environment where we feel safe, comfortable with each other and where there is no competition.

    Kate’s classes are thoroughly prepared with variety and progression over each term. She has contributed much to my yoga journey and has quietly inspired me towards a daily practice (albeit short!) She is a gifted teacher, and we all love and respect her. I can’t imagine my life without yoga now and hope to continue at my own level and capacity for always."

    Anne, Newport, Brough

  • "I love your classes. You’re a brilliant teacher; quietly confident, totally capable, and clearly in your element, doing what you love, which is much admired and appreciated."

    Belinda, Beverley

  • "Your yoga classes are unlike any other I’ve ever taken. You can really feel the wisdom of Ayurveda and yoga combining in how and what you teach, how you structure your classes and what goes into them. It feels like I’m always absorbing something very powerful and wise, rather than doing a bunch of poses and stretches. Absolutely love it! Thank you for your brilliant teaching!"

    Meghan, Driffield

  • "Kate has a calm, clear way of teaching Iyengar yoga that instantly puts you at ease. She is super knowledgeable and explains everything in a simple, supportive way. Her classes are relaxed, welcoming, and often sprinkled with moments of laughter. I always leave feeling lighter and better in myself."

    Libby, Beverley

  • "I know I feel very different after class, a better me."

    T, Nafferton

  • "I always enjoy Kate’s classes and come away feeling energised and inspired. Her instructions are clear and concise with small points bringing into focus where and how to improve my practice. There are always what seems like a small adjustment that make a huge difference to the posture, and I carry these with me after the class. Kate is very positive and encouraging and will offer options to make a pose possible whilst not compromising its overall structure in any way. Thank you, Kate – you’re a great teacher."

    Dianne, Beverley

  • "Kate’s classes are always interesting and enjoyable. She is an extremely knowledgeable and considerate Iyengar teacher and pays attention to the needs of everyone in a session with sensitivity, providing opportunities to explore basic and more challenging poses in depth. I always feel revitalised after her classes."

    Jayne, Beverley

  • "A few years ago, I stumbled across Kate’s Iyengar yoga classes, soon noticed the benefits of this type of yoga and realised what a gifted teacher Kate is. Kate is patient and sensitive to the needs of everyone. She is meticulous in planning a class with options to suit us all. Before and after having a full hip replacement, I needed to be careful in some postures, but Kate was fully aware of this and offered advice in an inclusive manner. An Iyengar class is perhaps more physically intense than other yoga. Kate is an exacting teacher who expects high standards of attention and involvement. I feel completely in tune with the class from start to finish and know that others feel the same. I enjoy the inherent postural standards of Iyengar yoga. Kate’s teaching reminds me of the rigorous dance training I did many years ago. I want to maintain the flexibility and strength I have now for as long as possible. I look forward to Kate’s class each week knowing that I will feel not only fitter but happier and calmer by the end. That physical intensity seems to lead naturally to meditative relaxation and a resulting feeling of peace."

    Liz, Driffield

  • "Having moved to the area recently, I was unsure whether or not I could find a good yoga teacher; I had been practising Iyengar yoga in Lincolnshire and was enjoying its physical benefits and the way it was improving my everyday life. It was a huge plus when I joined Kate’s classes and realised that I had found such an excellent teacher. The classes are welcoming and friendly, and Kate’s understanding of our individual needs strengthen the integrity of her polished teaching. She is always mindful of any injury or weakness we may be carrying and keeps a watchful and professional eye on our practice in order to deliver restorative yoga, focusing on alignment and internal calm. Kate continues to challenge us and work with us in the spirit of Iyengar, the classes are always well structured and informative. It is a nourishing practice for body and mind, a little time away from the pressures of everyday life. I have found it both rewarding and enjoyable, mainly through the excellence of this tuition."

    Terry, Nafferton