Yoga coaching stretches to boardrooms

Jan 23 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AN executive coach and former big business director has stretched his talents further and is now teaching yoga to corporate clients.

Alan Ross, whose directorships included Scottish & Newcastle Breweries, Booker and Smith’s Crisps, believes the “ancient wisdom” of yoga can help to alleviate the stresses and strains of the modern business world.

“I’ve been practising myself for 20 years and it’s ideal for business people. They get perspective as well as physical and mental benefits,” he said. “You don’t need to go to a class to practise some yoga. It’s suitable for everyone. You don’t need to be flexible or strong or be able to get your body into odd positions.”

Alan, who coaches executives from organisations including Northumbrian Water, Durham County Cricket Club and O2 through his Ark Associates coaching business, has qualified as a British Wheel of Yoga coach in order to set up Executive Yoga and teach the classes in Gateshead.

“Executive coaching is extremely well recognised in business. For senior people, a coach is very much an accepted part of one’s development. The days of busy managing directors having time to go off to a business school are gone,” he said. “When you are coaching, clients often want to talk through issues in a very confidential private way. There is much wisdom in ancient yoga teaching.”

Ian Young, director of TDR in Gateshead, says he is surprised by the difference attending yoga classes has made to the way he feels. “I’ve felt the benefits long after the class has finished and I will definitely continue to attend.”

The Executive Yoga classes are held on Monday evenings in the Team Valley and Alan is also planning executive retreat sessions in Northumberland later this year. To find out more, go to www.executiveyoga.co.uk