CITYNY MAGAZINE — February / March, 2000

In 1994, the New Jersey native landed at St. Martin’s Press as marketing manager and by 1997 was working with a $3 million budget. She had already been nationally certified through the American Counsel on Exercise (ACE) in 1990, and worked evenings as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. A life of wearing two hats finally caught up with her and in 1994, she was suddenly faced with a personal crisis. “Truthfully, I was stressed out of my mind,” she recalls, “I passed a yoga sign, went in, and after that went to classes five times a week for three years.”

After regular study and genuflecting to the yoga gurus, (which included soul-searching trips out west), Jillian was certified at Yoga Zone. After securing a foothold and student base, she then gave notice. Three weeks later, however, she reneged. “I got too scared,” she says, “I didn’t have a savings— I wasn’t ready for the commitment.” Finally, in May 1999, she gave her notice again-this time for good. “It was interesting to watch people at work when I left,” she remembers. “I got a lot of perplexed looks.” Jillian’s style of teaching draws on the strength building of Astanga, the alignment methods of Iyengar, and the relaxation of Restorative yoga. “What yoga means to me is not how you do a pose, it’s getting sensitive to your own body. That’s what you take with you into your daily life.” Jillian conjures visuals in class to accent the poses. Her customary choice of “water” as an image helps wring out memories of the concrete jungle. For her corporate sessions, there’s a different challenge. “You have to create a vacation time. How fast can you swing them into a space where they forget about work and then bring them back again?”

Although she prides herself on accommodating each individual, she encourages her students to listen closely to themselves. “How do you get quiet enough to learn how to listen to your own voice?” she says. “That’s how I left my job. I just got quiet enough to listen to my own voice.”

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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.

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.

Only the real master-teacher is blessed with that rare combination of gifts that enable students to blossom physically, mentally, and spiritually. Jillian Pransky embodies these gifts. Her teaching exists in that exciting liminal space between kinesthetic awareness and physical transcendence. Jillian’s ability to share her profound knowledge with humor, intelligence, compassion and boundless creativity is unparalleled. As a former professional dancer with over thirty years of experience in body/mind practices, I can truly say that she is among the finest teachers I have ever encountered. It is a privilege and a joy to study yoga with her. Namaste, — Tamara Chaplin Matheson

Jillian’s teaching style and deep respect for each student has literally changed my life. She is the only teacher I know who is completely lacking in judgment or ego when she teaches. I get a huge dose of love, just being in her class. I would follow her wherever she goes. — Rosanne Cash

I had been going to Yoga Zone for about 2 years before I had the pleasure of experiencing one of Jillian’s classes. The class was much different from any of the other classes I had taken to date. She brought a new approach to yoga making it less rigid and focused on getting the asanas “right”. I found that once your mind is not so set on doing it right your body kind of takes over and does it right naturally. Jillian has brought a certain flow of ease, sensuality, freedom and fun into her teaching and at the same time her students get all the benefits from her knowledge of yoga asana alignment and form. — Ana Suric

Jillian has a true gift for sharing yoga with others. She manages to make each person in her class feel like they’re the only one in the room, while maintaining a connection with everyone at once. Jillian keeps my practice fresh by reminding me to always look at my practice with a new perspective. I’m always amazed at how one tiny adjustment by Jillian can completely change the way I look at a pose. It’s an honor to study yoga with Jillian Pransky, and anyone who is lucky enough to learn from her and have that experience will be forever grateful. — Jodi Williams

Some people are born with a natural gift. Jillian is one of those individuals. She is a natural born teacher who beautifully shares her knowledge of yoga. I love her images that help explain yoga so simply. And her choice of descriptive language has always appealed to me. To use one of her adjectives Jillian is a “yummy” teacher. What I learn in her class I take with me each day in all facets of my life. — Colleen Smith Wallnau

I never knew the numerous benefits I could reap from practicing yoga even only a few times a week. I started to practice in April 2000 - Jillian was my first instructor and inspiration. With Jillian’s instruction I have embraced yoga into my life. Her unique and special way of teaching has allowed me to see the spiritual and physical side of the practice. The levels of awareness which have entered my life as a result are incredible! I feel as though I have matured five years in the last nine months. — Beth Seibold, Hoboken, NJ

I have been studying with Jillian consistently for the past three years and I think the most profound quality to her teaching that I have experienced thus far is how she continually shares her growth process with her students. It manifests in her words and in her touch Jillian’s light, love and dedication to life and all it’s beauty shows up in her teachings in every moment. It emanates out from her soul, which creates such a powerful relationship with her students. She is Yoga. She is completely present with each and every one of her students. When I take class with Jillian, I feel like I am in a private lesson. I feel her presence and love and support so strongly. I feel free to be with me and to listen to me. She is remarkable. — Jennifer McCabe

I made my way to Jillian’s class in desperation, I was going through one of the most emotionally difficult times of my life, where living through each day was my goal.....Jillian’s YOGA, is Jillian’s alone...her style is flowing and a workout from the INSIDE-OUT!!!! Her teaching has touched my heart and changed my life...it is my favorite part of my day....she is the epitome of someone finding their way along their path and loving what they do, it shines through.... Namaste, — Wendy

As my teacher, Jillian has provided me with the opportunity to grow into my own yogic experience. Jillian has been a light that illuminated my soul, my love, and my inner wisdom. Her teaching has given me a key to the source of love and possibility. I am grateful for Jillian’s courage, as she regularly shares her inner truth, love, and light with all of her students. Thanks! — Susan Richardson

Jillian’s non-rigid attitude and personal warmth is reflected in her teaching style and every class with her is truly special. Through her teaching, I have learned how to truly make my yoga practice my own. By allowing myself to let go and directing my focus inward, rather than outward, my practice has greatly improved both physically and mentally. — Dalita Keumurian

To study with Jillian is an invitation to study yourself spiritually & physically. Contrary to so many yoga classes in New York City where the process is akin to a workout on ESPN and removed from the study of yoga, Jillian urges you to explore your body, and, as a result, your mind and spiritual self. Perhaps what I admire most about working with Jillian is that she herself is in a constant state of evolution. No sooner than she has absorbed a weekend or retreat with Eric Schiffman or the study of Thai massage, does she immediately impart her learnings to her students. As a result, there is never a predictability to her classes and to her teachings, nor a challenge to simply strike a pose with the purpose of attaining the most extreme possibility. — Lisa Sitjar

Yoga with Jillian is a treat. Her classes are always different. She brings her own practice to ours and we work on what she has discovered for herself. Her teaching is very fluid. She delights us with humor and her fresh view of the world. Her love of Yoga and joy in the potential in all of us is evident. I always feel as if I’m in a private class even when we are a class of many. She transforms the YMCA basement into a sacred space. I always know when I enter that room that I am doing something very, very good for myself. I have never been disappointed. — Nancy Greene