Yoga is for everyone!
Yoga is best learned one-on-one, and that is the way it was intended to be passed on from teacher to student in the ancient times. Yoga is not a performance art, it is a practice that changes every day because we change all the time. There is a sense of flow and continuity, as well as tuning in. People often ask me whether in the deepest state of meditation I am able to tune out completely, and I always reply that on the contrary, meditation and Yoga is all about tuning in to the deepest levels of our beings. Yoga is not just about the postures, it is a way of being in space and time, tuning our awareness to the joys of movement and stillness - simultaneously.
I have studied Pilates as well, and use elements of both blended together in my own practice and teaching. I am familiar with the different styles of Yoga, and I believe that Yoga is Yoga, and one can attest to the fact that even within a certain Yoga tradition, be it Anusara, Iyengar, Bikram, Viniyoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Sivananda, or any other, the content and quality of the class depends on the teacher and the knowledge and caring that he or she brings to class. Which is why it is so important to try different teachers, even if you like the one you are studying with now. There is a Yoga teacher out there for everyone! If you are disappointed in your first class, try someone else, and you will find a teacher that you enjoy.
Even though my own exploration of Yoga has led me to become a teacher, I will forever remain a humble student, and hopefully with the help of this site I can continue to expand my knowledge and spread the joy of Yoga to more people.
At your local health club
Today in the Western world Yoga has become a group fitness format, and there is nothing necessarily wrong with that. People turn to Yoga because it can help improve flexibility and strength, calm the mind and relieve stress. In my group fitness classes I try to cater to everyone's individual needs though, as much as I can. I give a lot of options and variations, so that you can have a "customized practice" in a group fitness format. It means that one person can choose to have an energizing, challenging practice and the person on the next mat can have a less demanding practice at the same time. I keep a close eye on everyone and make sure that everyone has a great experience.
At my house or your house
At the studio at my house, where the groups are small, it is easier to give lots of personal attention, and that is what I do. I love to share the latest thing that I learn in my own Yoga and Pilates studies. We laugh a lot and simply have a good time.
In private lessons it is all about you and your needs. If you are new to Yoga, it might benefit you to have a few private classes first before you venture out in a group class. I can help you with learning the poses and breathing techniques in a way that would suit your body type, your health issues and your goals the best. You can then take those skills and practice with confidence anywhere anytime. If you have been practicing for some time and want to take your practice to another level, one-on-one instruction can help you do that. I can assist you in mastering challenging poses and advanced breathwork, as well as meditation and beyond. If you are suffering from past injuries or other health issues, I can help you put together a program that would be beneficial. I am absolutely convinced that Yoga can be a healing presence in our lives, and you can read more on that in the "Yoga for Wellness" section of this site.