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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81 Questions

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Last Answer on September 05, 2017

Best Rated

What is your opinion about instructors forcing students into poses?

Asked by D about 12 years ago

First of all, that is something that I only came across with "new/young" instructors. In fact, In my early and naive teaching days, I taught that way. I am very flexible, and the majority of my students in NYC were in their early 20's and had yet to experience injuries and aging. After traveling the world and teaching yoga to all walks of life (and continuing to learn and grow), that changed. My thoughts are this; A students practice should not be predicated on the teacher. You are your own best teacher. An instructor can't force a student to do anything. Listen to your body. Challenge yourself, but don't torture yourself. Ask yourself why you make the choices you do, acknowledge them, and then let them go.

Have you done an "India/ashram" excursion? If so, would you recommend it to serious practitioners, or is it overrated?

Asked by Hyla about 12 years ago

I have not done that yet. It is a very good question, and every Yogi that I have known to do it said that it changed their life dramatically.

I want to do my teacher training, but it's so expensive! Did you have to make a lot of financial sacrifices to allow yoga to be a bigger part of your life?

Asked by sam about 12 years ago

In truth, Yes. My teacher training was actually not too expensive. It was a cost of about $2500, but my commitment to the program made it very difficult to work. So the financial sacrifice actually came from not being able to have steady income while doing the training. I wouldn't trade that though. With patience, the experience was extremely rewarding. Over time I was able to become a full time Yoga instructor, manager of studio with transition into ownership. I would suggest doing some research on teacher training pricing. There are many out there that charge an arm and a leg, and students leave the training still not knowing how to teach a class.

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 about 12 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.

The wii fit lady says I'm excellent at yoga, but I've never done it before. Do you think she's just saying it because she fancies me?

Asked by edsumnermagic almost 12 years ago

Yes.

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 about 12 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.

Have you formed any lasting friendships / relationships with students that extended outside of the classroom?

Asked by CristyMcD about 12 years ago

Yes, definitely. I have developed beautiful relationships with my students, my teachers and my fellow teachers. It is understood that we are all on different journeys, and the practice of yoga is all about that journey. It's easy to find supportive friends in that environment, because we all want to support each other.