Interview with Ailon Freedman

This is the first in our planned new series of interviews with destination yoga teachers, and we are delighted to be starting with Ailon.

How long have you been teaching yoga and where do you teach?

I’ve been teaching yoga for almost 20 years. I started teaching friends and family in 1992 and began teaching professionally in 1996. I currently teach two classes a week at Evolve Wellness, 4 classes for corporate clients for my business The Lotus Exchange plus a handful of private students

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Over the years, I have explored many different styles of yoga, from Iyengar to Scaravelli to Ashtanga to Remedial to Partner Yoga. Iyengar Yoga was my foundation and starting point, yet the dynamism and vinyasa flow of Ashtanga highlights the importance of breath-movement synchronization. Both of these elements are essential to progressing with yoga. I also love the fun, connection and additional flexibility found through working with a partner and have also been strongly influenced by the Meditation techniques of Osho.

What style of yoga do you teach?

These days, I tend to teach a blended hatha flow class that also includes some dynamic work. However, the precision of Iyengar and the “dropping into” postures of Scaravelli is something I try to emphasise throughout the whole class. Ultimately, hatha yoga is a preparation for meditation – stilling the mind – and I feel that the class should be a moving meditation, whatever the pace.

What do you like about teaching on yoga retreats?

I love the fact that people can drop out of the 9 to 5 mentality and really surrender into relaxation. After all, isn’t that one of the main things that yoga is trying to teach us? Also, having extended time for the classes in order to deepen our practice is a luxury. Finally, the fact that retreats usually take place somewhere warm allows both participants and myself to feel positive about life at a basic level.

Where do you like to go on holiday?

Favourite holidays in the last few years include Cuba, Gambia, Guatemala, Mexico, New York, Ibiza, India and Israel ( in no particular order). Must get to Brazil one of these days soon too.

When’s your next yoga retreat?

I am really looking forward to teaching on the destination yoga holiday from 1 – 8 June in Umbria this summer. And hope that the special introductory offer of saving £200 per room on this trip will help persuade people to join me at this superb yoga venue.