Welcome to Jo Ounstead Yoga
"When wise action comes, you no longer feel the effort as effort - you feel the effort as joy."
B.K.S. Iyengar
About me
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Jo Ounstead Yoga.
Born in the UK, I came to live in the Algarve in 2015. I am a Certified Level I Iyengar Yoga Teacher and have been teaching Iyengar Yoga since 2020. I completed my teacher training and certification in 2023 under the mentorship of Sol Viegas (Portugal) and Rachel Lovegrove (UK), both Certified Level III Iyengar Yoga Teachers.
My yoga journey began in my 20s, but it truly took root when I discovered Iyengar Yoga in 2014. After moving to Portugal a year later, I was welcomed into the Algarve’s Iyengar Yoga community. Since 2017, I’ve dedicated myself to deepening my personal practice and development as a teacher.
I have travelled to India to study and practice at RIMYI in Pune and with Usha Devi in Rishikesh. I currently attend weekly in-person classes with Sol Viegas in Almancil and online sessions with Abhijata Iyengar from RIMYI.
As an ongoing student, I regularly participate in workshops with senior Iyengar teachers, including Jayne Orton, Uday Bhosale, Usha Devi, Eyal Shifroni, and most recently, Lois Steinberg.
Alongside my yoga teaching, I have a strong background in emotional well-being. I began studying in this field in 2008 and qualified as a Counsellor in 2010, a practice I continue today. My work as a counsellor has been deeply enriched by the insights and discipline of Iyengar Yoga, which I believe offers a profound pathway to self-awareness, integration, and overall well-being.
“Most people simply want physical and mental health, understanding and wisdom, and peace and freedom … Yoga, as it was understood by its sages, is designed to satisfy all these human needs in a comprehensive, seamless whole.”
BKS Iyengar, Light On Life
What to Expect
You will receive a warm and friendly welcome to all classes. The Yoga spaces in Silves and Portimão are calm and comfortable, and both fully equipped with mats and props for an Iyengar Yoga practice.
You are also welcome to bring your own materials if you would prefer. Whether you are new to Iyengar Yoga or have a regular practice, you can expect a supportive class. If you have any specific health issues I ask that you let me know - this way we can build a supportive practice. Classes are taught in English.
Monday Classes in Silves
Group Classes in Silves are on Monday mornings starting at 11:15-12:30.
Thursday Classes in Portimão
Group Classes in Portimão are on Thursday mornings starting at 09:45-11:00. Bookings can be made directly with Villa Prana
Private Classes
Private classes are possible in your own home if you live within a 30 minute drive from Silves in the Algarve.
Private Class fee is €50 for 75 minutes.
Get in touch
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about group classes or private sessions. Whether you're new to Iyengar Yoga or looking to deepen your practice, I’d be happy to hear from you.
You can also call or message me on +351 914 121 306 if you prefer to speak directly or leave a message.
I teach regular group classes in Portimão and Silves, and offer private yoga sessions at students’ homes within a 30-minute drive of Silves.
I work from Villa Prana, located on Miguel Bombarda Avenue in Portimão, Algarve, Portugal. I see clients from Portimão, Silves, and other surrounding areas in the Algarve.
©Jo Ounstead Yoga
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