Yoga Instructor

Yoga Instructor

JYogi

9 Years Experience

Delray Beach, FL

Female, 34

I'm a certified yoga instructor specializing in Bikram Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Children's Yoga. My style of teaching emphasizes a safe, supportive environment in which students can explore, be challenged, and find their own inner teacher. I want students to emerge from the classes feeling relaxed, open and alive. Ask me anything about yoga. Anything!

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Last Answer on September 05, 2017

Best Rated

Another guy here! :) So is it just me, or does it seem like a disproportionate number of yoga students also want to become teachers? Why is that? It feels like after like three classes, people are already signing up for teacher training - I don't get it.

Asked by skeptictank over 13 years ago

Wow. Great question. I have noticed that too. This will be a short answer, but I really believe that yoga changes people's live so much that they want to teach. That's what the softie in me wants to believe. I suppose it could also be because it's trendy.

I was doing yoga for about 6 months and have recently stopped. I'm finding it difficult to find the motivation to get back in the room. Any ideas?

Asked by Domino over 13 years ago

I hear what you're saying and have totally been there. Sometimes the body does need a break, and sometimes we lose motivation. Trying a new studio or new teacher may help. Practicing at home is also always an option. Having your own personal practice is ultimately what we want to work toward as practitioners and as teachers. Remember, you are are your own best teacher. Ask yourself the question, "Why am I not motivated to do yoga right now?" Listen to your body, evaluate your choices. Challenge yourself, but don't torture yourself.

For yoga students who are more focused on the fitness element as opposed to the spiritual side, are there classes that focus more on the former and less on the latter?

Asked by ClayDay over 13 years ago

Yes, but it largely depends on the philosophy of the studio. Some yoga studios are less invasive on a spiritual level. I personally would argue that the more corporate a yoga studio is, the less likely it will be to impose spiritual ideas onto a practitioner. It's important to note that as yogis, ultimately the teacher should not affect your own practice. You are your own best teacher.

I've never been able to do a back-bend...can ANYone learn to do one and if so, how do I get there?

Asked by backbender over 13 years ago

Absolutely! It takes time for some, so be patient. I recommend starting like this; Stand with your feet separated hips width distance. If you need to measure, place two fists in between your feet, and walk your feet in to touch your fists. Make sure that all ten toes are facing forward. Then brings your arms up over your head, should width distance. This is called Mountain Pose. Make sure your arms are engaged, shoulders relaxed, spine straight. To proceed into the back bend, drop your head back. Completely relax your neck and head. Squeeze your buttocks and push your hips forward. Don't hold your breath! And started to bend back. Best to begin the back bend while exhaling, and continuing to breath. It is very normal to feel a bit dizzy, or nauseous when you first start your back bend practice. Remember, your spine is long so try not to focus only on bending in your lower back, but your upper back as well. Lift your heart up towards the ceiling, and remember there can be no tension in the neck and head! Hope that helps.

Have you seen any romantic relationships come out of your yoga classes?

Asked by KelBell over 13 years ago

The studio that I originally worked at, prohibited dating the students. I got hit on quite a bit, but never had the urge to date on of the students. I did date a couple of fellow teachers. There is a lot of that in the yoga world, believe it or not. I personally feel it is inappropriate to date the students.

What DON'T you like about being an instructor?

Asked by TrishSF over 13 years ago

Very much like organized religion or the arts, as it becomes more popular and corporate, often the lines get blurred. Inevitably drama occurs and/or the ego gets involved. Sometimes the intention of the Yoga can get lost and misconceptions arise. I want it to stay pure.

Are there any particular brands of yoga mats that you think are head & shoulders above the rest, or are they pretty interchangeable?

Asked by Jake over 13 years ago

I am a huge advocate of the Jade Mat. It is the best of the best.