Private Instruction

The practice of Yoga during pregnancy is perhaps the most helpful exercise a woman with child can undertake. It is slow, strong and gentle. It prepares the woman's body and breath to open as it will need to open during labor and childbirth. Yogic techniques of breath, movement, sound and visualization provide a confident basis for smooth passage through this most powerful of life experiences. All exercises are modified for safety through to term.

"I worked with Portia throughout the second half of my pregnancy and was grateful for the one-on-one attention to my specific concerns. Portia helped me listen to my body to find poses that would open and relax areas that are difficult to access in pregnancy, as well as gave me a firm grounding in relaxation techniques. She also provided wonderful assisted support to make poses and stretches accessible to me. She was also always incredibly reliable, nurturing and intuitive as to my body's needs - sometimes even more so than I was! I would highly recommend private sessions with Portia - whether prenatal or any type of Yoga - for an individual experience with an experienced and caring professional."
- Laura Talle

Also see the Prenatal page for more info:
Prenatal

Postnatal Yoga

The time after giving birth is one of sea change. Private or semi-private Yoga instruction in your home will help you return your body to a state of ease and comfort. Mother-baby partner exercises will bond and delight you both.
Also see the Postnatal page for more info:
Postnatal

Yoga for Men

Men often feel uncomfortable joining a Yoga class because of women's genetic pre-disposition toward greater flexibility (due to the necessities of child bearing). Also women tend to have an emotional tendency toward the contemplative, non-competitive nature of the classes. However, there are many men who love Yoga. Portia has worked with men over the years to help them learn what it takes to feel safe and comfortable joining a class, or simply for the individual to have a challenging yet enjoyable home practice.

"Portia Brockway introduced me to Yoga in a very caring and nurturing way that made it possible for me to stretch my aging male body into poses appropriate for me. She is very sensitive to the individual person's issues (in my case, back pain) and yet encourages constant progress in a supportive and helpful manner. I recommend individual instruction from Portia to any man who wants to experience the benefits of Yoga but is anxious about simply plunging into a class."
- Professor Michael Avery

Yoga to Inspire the Mature Body

At age 52, Portia is aware of how the body can change over time into a state of slow grace when nurtured through the age-appropriate practice of Yoga. Her teaching reflects years of observation of her own body and those of her many students.

"As I moved into my recovery from hospitalizations for major intestinal surgery, I wanted to get strong again, but found myself not looking forward to my ordinary weight training routine. By a happenstance –the invitation by a friend – I found myself at Portia Brockway's Yoga class and had, to my surprise, an "aha!" experience. Here was body cultivation with a profound tradition and astonishing variety. Fully conveying Yoga's deep resources, Portia's verbal and physical style communicated also acceptance of starting where you are and doing what you can do. To jump start my engagement with Yoga, I followed up my initial classes with a series of private lessons that allowed very skilled individual attention that addressed the specifics and peculiarities of my particular 64 year old female body. I am thoroughly enjoying taking this back now to the group class format. I have a tool of growth and well-being for a lifetime.
- Cathy

Yoga for Special Needs

Through more mainstream students Portia has connected on several occasions with people with special needs, from cerebral palsy to multiple sclerosis. Using her many years of experience teaching Yoga to people at all levels, and her skills in Thai Yoga she has been able to help them beyond the means of a standard Yoga practice, with lots of hands on guidance.

"Yoga is very relaxing. It helps the tightness and knots in my legs and back"
- Kristen

"Yoga has been very helpful to my daughter because it helps her to integrate sensory experience. She has a multitude of physical conditions, and Yoga helps her 'be in her body' in a way that is pleasant and restorative, as well as keeps muscular - and mental - tension at bay. Portia has been very attentive, not only to my daughter, but to me, keeping me informed of her progress."
- Carolyn, Kristen's mom

"I take Yoga to relax and to improve the way that I feel and move. After a session, I feel much more relaxed, almost like a new person. Portia is very gentle, caring and makes Yoga fun. I've been taking semi- private lessons from her for one and a half years, and I plan on continuing in the future. Portia is a positive and encouraging person."
- Sasha

"I've seen positive changes in Sasha since she started Yoga. It definitely helps her relax and she is becoming more fit and active. I live across the country, and I appreciate how responsive Portia is to any questions that I have. She gives me a weekly progress report which I appreciate so much. She's a gifted instructor, and we feel lucky to have found her."
- Jenny, Sasha's mom

Bio

Portia Brockway has helped thousands to come to love Yoga,
and include its practice in their lives on and off the mat.

Students who seek a gentle yet rigorous approach are encouraged
to develop a practice with her guidance.

Portia Brockway has been recognized on cable, regional and national television, most notably on PBS's NOVA; on the radio; in the Boston Globe and elsewhere in the press for her exemplary instruction.

She is known for her personable yet meditative approach.