Jillian Pransky is a New York City/New Jersey based yoga instructor and a Senior Yoga Zone (known also as Be Yoga) teacher. She has a reputation as a nurturing guide with an uplifting and playful style. She is a guest teacher at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY and leads workshops and retreats throughout the country and in Mexico.
Jillian began studying ISHTA yoga in 1996 and was initiated into the ISHTA yoga lineage in 1999, by Yogi Raj Mani Finger. Her teaching is currently most influenced by her studies with renowned Yoga teachers John Friend and Erich Schiffmann. Jillian has also studied with T.K.V. Desikachar, Gary Kraftsow, Angela Farmer, Stephen Cope, and Richard Freedman.
She is also certified in Restorative Yoga Therapy and Thai Yoga Massage and since 1998 has worked extensively with Dr. Ruella Frank, Director of The Center For Somatic Studies, studying anatomy, physiology, movement, and awareness practices. Jillian studies Vipassana Meditation with Pema Chodron and Sharon Salzberg. She has received a 500-hour Certification through the Yoga Alliance and was certified as a Group Fitness Instructor through the American Council from 1990-1998.
Jillian has been featured on CNN Business Unusual and in various magazines including Family Circle, Attaché, CityNY, and SIMPLICITY. She is the producer of the inspirational "Yogalicious" e-newsletter and creator of Relaxmore; a 20-minute guided deep relaxation CD.
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Although there are many styles of yoga, the differences are usually about emphasis, such as focusing on strict alignment of the body, coordination of breath and movement, holding the postures, or the flow from one posture to another. All of the styles share a common lineage. In fact, the founders of three major styles — Ashtanga, Iyengar and Viniyoga — were all students of Krishnamacharya, a famous teacher at the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India. No style is better than another; it is simply a matter of personal preference.
Drawing from the styles of yoga listed below, Jillian creates a blend that is joyful, challenging, and spiritually uplifting. Her classes are marked by her ability to maintain momentum while attending to the needs of the individual.
• VINYASA yoga is like a meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to another flows with the waves of the breath. Individuals work according to the limits of their individual flexibility and strength. Movements are fluid and there is great attention to proper breathing and alignment, while honoring the wisdom of the body to lead the way.
• ASHTANGA, developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, is physically demanding. Participants move through a series of flows, jumping from one posture to another to build strength, flexibility and stamina. It’s often much like the intensity of what is called Power Yoga in gyms.
• IYENGAR, developed B.K.S. Iyengar, this style of yoga is noted for great attention to detail and precise alignment of postures, as well as the use of props such as blocks and belts. There is a lot of concentration on subtle movements and the finer points of poses. Poses are often held for longer periods of time.
• RESTORATIVE yoga is passive poses where your body is fully supported and held by props (i.e.: blankets, bolsters, pillows). When the body is fully supported, you are able to let go more completely. It is a deeply healing and meditative practice. While it is a wonderful practice of release and stress reduction, it is can be particularly ideal for those suffering from chronic pain or illness. Restorative offers healing tools for low back and neck pain, and rejuvenation from chronic fatigue, fybromyalgia, and M.S.
**Look for Jillian's 5 day intensive workshop at Kripalu this July 2009
http://www.yogajillian.com