Simon Borg-Olivier

 

Simon Borg-Olivier MSc BAppSc (Physiotherapy) is a Co-Director of Yoga Synergy, one of Australia’s oldest and most respected yoga schools. The Yoga Synergy style is based on a deep understanding of yoga anatomy, yoga physiology and traditional Hatha Yoga. Simon has been teaching since 1982. He is a registered physiotherapist, a research scientist and a university lecturer. Simon has been regularly invited to teach at special workshops and conferences interstate and overseas since 1990.

Suffice to say, Simon has led an extraordinary life. At the age of six, he was introduced to yogic breathing (pranayama) by his father George who taught him to swim underwater, and the main bandhas (internal locks) through a family friendship with Rhodesian Olympian Basil Brown. At the age of 17, he met a Tibetan Lama who introduced him to the philosophy and practice of Tantric Yoga. 

In 1985, Simon met his primary teacher Natanaga Zhander (Shandor Remete) with whom he studied for almost two decades. He has also studied with such internationally revered Indian teachers as BKS Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois and TKV Desikachar.  Since 2007, Simon has been developing his yoga practice and understanding by studying with Master Zhen Hua Yang.

During the past 20 years, as well as running a successful yoga school, Simon has continued to both study and teach at the University of Sydney. Simon has completed a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, a research-based Master of Science in Molecular Biology and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy. As well as teaching both group and individual classes through Yoga Synergy, Simon also teaches regularly at workshops and conferences both nationally and internationally. He lives in Byron Bay with his wife and fellow-yoga teacher Vitoria and their children Amaliah and Eric.

Yoga Synergy also facilitates online courses (www.YogaSynergy.com.au):
Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga 
Essentials of Teacher Training: Yoga Fundamentals
(the practical application of the 'Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga' course)

When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Last night I went to darling harbour bubble chamber and for the first time ever I did a lotus headstand in a bubble floating on the water :)

What are your goals for 2016 and beyond? 
I want to spread the word of safe, accessible and effective physical yoga to the world!

How would you describe your first yoga experience?
When I was 6 years old my father taught me how to swim - but only underwater - he gave me pranayama - he taught me how to swim 50 metres underwater before I could swim 50 metres on top (for some reason I  just could not swim on top - maybe bones are too heavy!?)

Who has influenced you the most in your life?
My father.

What is your favourite yoga pose and why? 
Savasana because everyone can do it, and also 'eka hasta ardha baddha padma mayurasana' because I don't know anyone else who can do it! :)