I teach a physically challenging vinyasa yoga class because that is how I personally practice. For me, my “real yoga” comes from a daily meditation where I am able to sit and be in the present while working to still my mind…. 8 years later and that’s still very much a work in progress! However, because I consider my meditation my yoga, when I get on my mat I want to move and sweat and listen to cool music while building strength and flexibility- so this is what I teach. Whether you are a beginner or an “advanced” practitioner, I strive to always give you something to take away that is new and fresh.

If you are new to Vinyasa yoga, here is a bit of background information to get you started:

“Vinyasa” is derived from the Sanskrit term nyasa, which means “to place,” and the prefix vi, “in a special way.” The most common explanation of vinyasa is as a flowing sequence of specific asanas coordinated with the movements of the breath.  These flowing movements turn the practice into a sort of moving meditation where we can focus less on the outside world, and get more in tune with what’s happening in our body and mind.

In class and in life I work to take my yoga off the mat and into real life. What practicing vinyasa yoga has taught me is how to enjoy each step on the journey instead of fast forwarding to the finish line. If I got on my mat and immediately tried to push up into a full wheel pose, most likely my body would rebel and I’d have to pay for it later. But if I warm up and open my shoulders and quads, and work on my arm strength before trying to get to the full pose, then I am much more likely to enjoy the prep phase and feel good when I finally get up into full wheel, instead of injuring myself.

When starting out, make sure you find a teacher whose personality and style of teaching you respond to, and make sure they are qualified to be teaching the level of class you are taking. It is your responsibility once you are on the mat to listen to your body and be safe, but having a positive experience on the mat begins with an experienced teacher.

Before you begin each practice, ask yourself: how is my energy ? Am I holding any tension?  Is there something I need to let go of before I begin? What is my mood like? Calm, agitated, foggy, focused? Then let the teacher guide you through the asana while being mindful of each breath and corresponding movement.