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

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 almost 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 almost 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.

I've gone to a handful of Bikram classes (and I'm a guy!), and while I generally liked the stretching and the hot room, every one of my instructors has come across as new-agey and kinda "out there". A lot of their class talk sounded like a bunch of granola-infused homeopathic...crap. Do you buy into that whole aura?

Asked by Kyle almost 13 years ago

That's funny. I'm seriously laughing because I know what you mean and that can be annoying. I personally do listen to what they say, but it doesn't mean that I agree with all of it. Some of it resonates with me and some of it doesn't. Ultimately our practice should not be predicated on the teacher and what they are saying. We are going inside ourselves. My teacher once told me that the teacher that you dislike the most is the one whose class you SHOULD be attending. Yoga is for YOU. It is personal. Whatever the teacher is saying can be easily let go. It is a great challenge in the meditation itself and focusing on your breath, body and movement.

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 almost 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.

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

Asked by KelBell almost 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 almost 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.

What kinds of in-class disruptions annoy you the most when teaching?

Asked by Scorpion queen almost 13 years ago

Finally, someone pipes up about this! Often a group of friends will come in that have never done the yoga before, and they talk amongst themselves in the class. It is so disruptive to the students practicing and also the teacher. Cell phones ringing. Turn them off! Sometimes a student will want to do their own thing. That's cool, but please keep it at the back of the room. Those are the only things I have encountered that really bother me. I'm sure other yoga instructors have many many more though!