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A Quick Guide to the Essentials of Yoga

By Food for thought

In a hectic world, the pursuit of peace is crucial. Yoga, a timeless practice, goes beyond the hype. Let’s break down the essence of yoga in, delving into its transformative power.

Yoga: Mindful movement, conscious breath. Unites body, mind, and spirit. Strength, flexibility, and serenity. A journey within. Yoga isn’t just about striking poses. It’s a holistic approach to well-being. Breath is key. Inhale courage, exhale doubt. A rhythmic dance with life.

Asanas (Postures): Build strength, foster flexibility. Asanas express balance and grace. Strength from within, radiating outward. Yoga extends beyond the studio; it’s a lifestyle. Asanas are not just physical exercises but reflections of inner strength.

Meditation: Silence amid chaos. Sanctuary within. Stillness births clarity. In meditation, the mind finds its true home. At yoga’s core lies meditation – the art of stillness amid chaos. Through meditation, dive into self-discovery. Mind becomes a calm lake.

Yoga emerges as a journey to self-discovery. Beyond physical poses, it’s a lifestyle that unites body, mind, and soul. Every breath, every posture, an opportunity for growth.

Power Yoga for Beginners: Yes… you are ready!

By Food for thought

Welcome to the healing practice of Power Yoga, a practice that’s not just about physical flexibility but also about the flexibility of the mind and the strength of the spirit. At Power Yoga Canada, we believe that yoga is for everyBODY. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, our classes are designed to empower you, build a strong community, and help you break through challenges that may hold you back.

yogis holding hands

Power Yoga: It’s for everyBODY

One of the most common misconceptions about yoga is that it’s only for the flexible or those who fit a certain mold. Power Yoga Canada shatters this stereotype. Power Yoga is for anyone and everyone, regardless of your level of flexibility, your appearance, or your previous experience. In fact, it’s the perfect place for beginners to start their yoga journey because we encourage you to show up exactly as you are.

Sweat and Breakthroughs

In Power Yoga, you will sweat. That’s a guarantee. But that sweat is not just about physical exertion; it’s about letting go of what no longer serves you. The mat becomes a space where you can break down your limitations and experience breakthroughs in your practice and in your life.

The Edge of Possibility

Power Yoga encourages you to venture to the edge of your comfort zone and dare to jump into the unknown. It’s on the edge where transformation happens. It’s where you discover what is truly possible – not just in terms of yoga poses but also in your life outside the studio.

No Experience Required

Power Yoga Canada is a place where you don’t need to know it all. You don’t need to be an expert yogi from day one. All you need is the willingness to step on your mat and practice. With dedication and consistency, you’ll find that miracles follow.

Inclusive Classes

Our classes are open to ALL LEVELS, and yes, they are heated unless otherwise stated. The heat is not just about making you sweat more; it helps your muscles relax and become more pliable, allowing you to explore the asanas (poses) with greater ease.

Props and Adaptations

We understand that every body is unique. That’s why our teachers are here to guide you and offer adaptations for poses to make them accessible to all levels of practitioners. If you’re a beginner, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from our experienced instructors. Also using props such as blocks and straps are an amazing way to empower your practice and help you get deeper into asanas.

A Supportive Community

When you step into any of our Power Yoga Canada studios, you become part of a supportive community. We encourage you to introduce yourself to the teacher and your fellow yogis. Power Yoga Canada is not just about individual practice; it’s about building connections and supporting each other’s growth.

Conclusion

Power Yoga Canada is not just about poses and flexibility; it’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and community. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi, we invite you to join us, sweat, explore your possibilities, and experience the transformation that comes with dedicated practice. No matter where you start, miracles will follow. Welcome to Power Yoga Canada!

What is Power Yoga? Discover the Benefits of this Energizing Practice

By Food for thought

Unleash Your Inner Strength with Power Yoga: Discover the Benefits of this Energizing Practice

 

200hr Yoga Teacher Training- Toronto 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power Yoga is a dynamic and invigorating form of yoga that combines strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. It is a fast-paced practice that challenges both the body and the mind. In this article, we will explore what power yoga is, the benefits of this practice, and how it can help you unleash your inner strength.

What is power yoga?

Power Yoga is a modern style of yoga that was developed in the late 20th century. It draws inspiration from traditional yoga practices but incorporates a more vigorous and energetic approach. Power Yoga focuses on flowing sequences of postures that build strength, increase flexibility, and improve overall fitness.

Understanding the benefits of power yoga

Power Yoga offers a wide range of benefits for both the body and the mind. One of the main advantages of this practice is its ability to improve physical fitness. The fast-paced nature of power yoga helps to increase heart rate, burn calories, and build lean muscle mass. Regular practice can lead to weight loss, increased stamina, and improved cardiovascular health.

In addition to the physical benefits, power yoga also promotes mental well-being. The mindful movement and breathwork involved in power yoga help to reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve mental clarity. It can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

The difference between power yoga and traditional yoga

While power yoga shares some similarities with traditional yoga, there are a few key differences between the two practices. Traditional yoga typically focuses on slow and controlled movements, while power yoga is characterized by its fast-paced and dynamic sequences. Power yoga also places a greater emphasis on strength and endurance, whereas traditional yoga focuses more on flexibility and relaxation.

How power yoga can help with weight loss

If you’re looking to shed some extra pounds, power yoga can be an excellent addition to your fitness routine. The combination of cardiovascular exercise and strength training in power yoga can promote weight loss and help you achieve a leaner physique. The continuous movements and challenging postures engage multiple muscle groups, leading to increased calorie burn and improved metabolism.

Power yoga for building strength and endurance

Power Yoga is a highly effective practice for building strength and endurance. The dynamic movements and postures require a significant amount of muscular engagement, particularly in the core, arms, and legs. Over time, regular power yoga practice can lead to increased muscle tone, improved balance, and enhanced overall physical performance.

Power yoga for stress relief and mental clarity

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and mental clutter are common challenges. Power yoga can be a powerful tool for finding relief and gaining mental clarity. The combination of physical movement, breathwork, and mindfulness in power yoga helps to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of inner peace. By focusing on the present moment and releasing tension from the body, power yoga allows for deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Finding the right power yoga class for you

When it comes to finding the right power yoga class for you, it’s essential to consider your experience level, fitness goals, and personal preferences. Power yoga classes can vary in intensity and style, so it’s crucial to choose a class that aligns with your needs and interests. Look for experienced instructors who can provide modifications for beginners and challenge advanced practitioners. Experiment with different classes and studios until you find the one that resonates with you.

Power yoga for beginners: Tips and modifications

If you’re new to power yoga, it’s essential to start slowly and gradually build your strength and flexibility. Here are a few tips and modifications to help you get started:

  • Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels during the practice. If a pose feels too challenging or causes pain, modify or skip it altogether.
  • Take breaks when needed: It’s okay to rest and catch your breath during a power yoga class. Listen to your body and take breaks as necessary.
  • Use props: Props such as blocks, straps, and blankets can help you modify poses and make them more accessible.
  • Focus on alignment: Proper alignment is crucial in power yoga to prevent injuries. Take the time to understand the alignment cues given by the instructor and make adjustments as needed.

Unleashing your inner strength with power yoga

Power Yoga is not just a physical practice; it is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Through the challenging postures and the mental focus required, power yoga can help you tap into your inner strength and unlock your full potential. As you progress in your practice, you will develop a deep sense of self-confidence, resilience, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Power Yoga is a transformative practice that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, manage stress, or unleash your inner strength, power yoga can be a powerful tool on your journey. Take the time to explore different classes, find an experienced instructor, and listen to your body as you embark on this empowering practice. Unleash your inner strength with power yoga and discover the incredible benefits it has to offer.

Find the right Power Yoga Class for you at one of our Power Yoga Canada studios!

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of power yoga firsthand, take the next step and find the right power yoga class for you. It’s time to unleash your inner strength and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Take the first step today and find a power yoga class that aligns with your goals and preferences. Your inner strength is waiting to be unleashed!

Click here to find the closest Power Yoga Canada studio to you!

10 minute Gentle Seated Yoga practice with Kinndli

By Online Yoga Classes for everyBODY

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and serenity can be a challenge. However, with the power of yoga, you can carve out time for yourself, even in the midst of a busy day. Join PYC Co-Founder Kinndli in her gentle seated yoga flow, as she guides you through a transformative 10-minute practice designed to stretch and strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. This accessible seated yoga routine, suitable for all bodies, targets key areas such as hamstrings, lower back, upper back, hips, and side body, allowing you to cultivate flexibility and strength with ease.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Power of Gentle Seated Yoga:

Seated yoga offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your body and embrace its innate wisdom. Kinndli’s expert guidance in this practice encourages you to honor your body’s limitations while gently expanding its boundaries. By focusing on stretching various muscle groups, including the hamstrings, lower back, upper back, hips, and side body, you will release tension, improve mobility, and foster a sense of balance within.

Benefits of the Practice:

  1. Flexibility: Regularly engaging in gentle seated yoga enhances your overall flexibility. As you move through the flows, you’ll gradually notice increased suppleness in your muscles and joints, improving your range of motion and making everyday movements easier.
  2. Strength: Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not just about flexibility but also about building strength. Kinndli’s sequence incorporates gentle strengthening poses that activate and tone your muscles, helping you build stability and support your overall physical well-being.
  3. Mind-Body Connection: As you follow Kinndli’s instructions, you’ll find yourself becoming more present and mindful. Seated yoga encourages a deeper connection between your body, breath, and mind, allowing you to experience a profound sense of inner calm and tranquility. Conclusion: Embarking on a 10-minute gentle seated yoga flow with Kinndli is an investment in your overall well-being. By dedicating a few minutes to this practice, you’ll reap the benefits of improved flexibility, strength, and a heightened mind-body connection. Embrace the opportunity to create a harmonious balance within yourself and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty of your body. Remember, this practice is for every BODY, so grab a comfortable seat, press play, and let the transformative journey begin!

Recap:

Embarking on a 10-minute gentle seated yoga flow with Kinndli is an investment in your overall well-being. By dedicating a few minutes to this practice, you’ll reap the benefits of improved flexibility, strength, and a heightened mind-body connection. Embrace the opportunity to create a harmonious balance within yourself and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty of your body. Remember, this practice is for every BODY, so grab a comfortable seat, press play, and let the transformative journey begin!

Power Yoga Canada and PRESTO Perks

By Uncategorized

Finding moments of calm and quiet in the hectic environment we live in today is crucial for our general well-being. Power Yoga Canada, understands this need and has joined forces with PRESTO Perks to offer incredible discounts to yoga enthusiasts. This partnership aims to make the practice of yoga more accessible and affordable for all, encouraging individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and holistic health. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your yoga journey, the benefits of this collaboration are truly remarkable. This partnership was featured in a recent blogTO article that also shares all of the places in Toronto you can get discounts with your PRESTO card.  A recent blogTO piece that also lists all the locations in Toronto where you may receive discounts with your PRESTO card highlighted this relationship.  

15% Off Hot Yoga Classes: 

For all the hot yoga enthusiasts out there, the collaboration between Power Yoga Canada and PRESTO Perks brings you an exciting offer. Yogi PRESTO cardholders can enjoy a fantastic 15% discount on hot yoga classes. This discount is applicable not only to a Single Drop-in class but also extends to 10 and 20 class pack passes. With these incredible savings, you can now deepen your yoga practice and experience the transformative power of hot yoga without breaking the bank. 

50% Off On-Demand Yoga: 

In addition to in-studio classes, Power Yoga Canada offers on-demand yoga classes with Power Yoga at Home that you can take from the comfort of your home or wherever you like in addition to the studio classes. Yogi PRESTO cardholders may now take advantage of a substantial 50% discount on the monthly membership for on-demand yoga thanks to a partnership with PRESTO Perks. Access to a wide variety of class types, such as Power Yoga, Deep Flow, Yin Yoga, and Restorative Yoga, is made possible by this subscription. This entails that you can do yoga whenever and wherever it suits you, at your own pace. 

Benefits of Yoga: 

Yoga offers several health advantages that can improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Regular yoga practice helps to increase posture, flexibility, and strength. Additionally, it encourages relaxation, lessens tension and anxiety, and enhances general mental health. A haven for people to reconnect with themselves and find inner calm despite the bustle of daily life, yoga offers a holistic approach to health. 

The partnership between Power Yoga Canada and PRESTO Perks is a true blessing for yoga enthusiasts across the country. With discounted rates on hot yoga classes and on-demand yoga, this collaboration aims to make the practice of yoga more accessible and affordable. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to prioritize your well-being, nourish your mind, body, and soul, and embark on a transformative yoga journey. Discover the immense benefits of yoga and experience the positive changes it can bring to your life. Embrace this partnership and let the power of yoga guide you toward a happier, healthier, and more balanced existence.

Mastering Power Yoga: 5 Key Tips to Enhance Your Practice

By Uncategorized

You’ve come to the right place if you’re motivated to improve your power yoga practice and are looking for helpful advice to advance it. We’ll go into five key tips in this blog post that will help you enhance your practice, master power yoga and improve your experience on the mat. 

  1. Breathe with Intention: Power yoga is a dynamic, challenging form of exercise that emphasizes breathing in time with movement. In addition to oxygenating your body, conscious breathing also helps to relax your mind, which makes it possible for you to feel more present. Throughout the activity, keep in mind to breathe deeply and completely through your nose. Connect to the strength of your breath, allowing it to direct your actions and give each position a sense of force.

  2. Cultivate Core Stability: Learning power yoga requires a strong core. Your core serves as the focal point of your body’s power, offering stability and support in difficult poses. To build a strong foundation, incorporate core-focused poses into your practice, such as boat posture (Navasana) and plank pose (Phalakasana). Consciously contract your abdominal muscles during the exercise to improve your overall stability and control.

  3. Embrace Challenge with Patience: Power yoga is meant to test your physical and mental stamina. It’s critical to face every difficulty with patience and compassion as you work to push yourself to your limits. Respecting the demands of your body, allow yourself to advance and evolve at your own rate. Never forget that growth is a journey, and each step counts. You’ll gradually see your transformation if you’re patient and keep practising.

  4. Explore Modifications: In power yoga, modifications are your friends. They enable you to avoid injury and modify the poses to fit your current level of fitness. Never be hesitant to alter poses by adding props or changing your alignment. As you proceed toward more complex variants, pay attention to your body and make any adjustments. You’ll develop a strong and enduring practice by respecting the limitations of your body and adapting as necessary.

  5. Find a Supportive Community: Power Yoga Canada provides a loving and welcoming community where yogis help and encourage one another. Participate in workshops, Yoga Teacher Trainings (Summer or Winter) and have conversations with other yogis to broaden your knowledge and meet like-minded people. Sharing your journey with others fosters growth and inspiration by creating a positive and stimulating environment.

Dedication, consistency, and a willingness to push oneself are necessary for mastering power yoga. You may improve your power yoga experience and experience dramatic growth both on and off the mat by implementing these five essential tips into your routine. Keep in mind to breathe deliberately, strengthen your core, accept problems patiently, explore changes, and surround yourself with encouraging people. Enjoy the practice, have faith in your path, and let yoga’s transformative ability to change your life. Come along with us at Power Yoga Canada as we set off on this empowering journey!

vinyasa yoga

Upward Dog with Steph

Lose Weight with Yoga

By Food for thought

Traditional yoga poses are incorporated with strength-training exercises in a style of yoga known as power yoga. It’s an excellent method for losing weight because it not only aids in calorie burning but also helps to develop muscle, which can speed up metabolism. Here is some advice for using power yoga to lose weight:

  1. A minimum of three times per week of power yoga should be practiced in order to observe improvements. Your body will be assisted in burning calories as well as adjusting to the new actions.
  2. Pay attention to your breathing because it’s important for yoga and can assist increase metabolism. Imagine that you are putting energy into your body as you inhale and that you are letting any tension or stress out when you exhale.
  3. Use your own body weight as resistance: Power yoga is a fantastic method to do this. This implies that you won’t require any additional equipment to work your muscles.
  4. Use the correct nutrients to fuel your body: For weight loss, a balanced diet is crucial. Eat a lot of fresh produce, lean protein, whole grains, and fruits and veggies. Avoid sugary beverages and processed foods.
  5. Rest up: Ensure that you receive adequate sleep every night. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. You’ll have more energy to practice yoga and keep moving throughout the day if you get enough sleep.

Power yoga is a good approach to reduce weight overall since it increases metabolism, builds muscle, and burns calories. Recall to practice frequently, concentrate on your breathing, utilize your body weight, including cardiovascular activities, nourish your body with the proper foods, and obtain enough relaxation. You can reach your weight loss objectives if you are consistent and committed.

Your Questions Answered for Yoga Teacher Training

By 200 Hour Teacher Training, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

As Power Yoga Canada (PYC) excitedly prepares to host the hybrid 200 hour Winter 2024 yoga teacher training, a lot of questions come through from potential participants. 

  1. How does an online and in-person program function?
  2. Will I learn everything I need to in order to become a successful yoga teacher?
  3. Can online yoga teacher training be as effective online as it is in person?
  4. What if I don’t want to teach yoga? 

About Power Yoga Canada’s 200 hour Yoga Teaching Training

The PYC 200 hour teacher training is unique as it touches on our culture that has been created and developed since the first doors were opened in 2009. Throughout the training, so much of the culture is brought forth through the methodology, yoga philosophy, the poses, and all of the transformational activities. As we all know, teachers play an integral part in the magic behind what PYC stands for, and therefore in order to ensure our guests experience the magic, it’s important for all teachers to go through the PYC 200 hr training in order to teach at any PYC location or on the PYC at Home Zoom platform. And can we not forget that Kinndli McCollum leads the training? Like, come on. The unicorn of all unicorns! Do not let being tech-savvy stop you from taking this transformational program because we have an amazing team here at PYC who will support you and will ensure you are good to go.

The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program is the first step in your journey as a yoga teacher so continue reading to find out more!

1. How does an online and in-person program function?

Power Yoga Canada is providing multiple options for guests to engage in the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Program for Winter 2024 to make it accessible and to provide guests with the ability to take part in-person or online from anywhere in the world. With the use of technology and facilitation tools, we ensure that all guests, whether they are fully online or in-person and online, will have an engaging and transformational experience. Take a look below to understand what each option entails:

  1. In-Person and Online- participants choosing this option will be fully engaged with participants online and in-person. They will start online on Zoom Saturday morning for a few hours before heading to the PYC Oakville Studio in the afternoon and evening (all participants are given 90 minutes to head to the PYC Oakville Studio). On Sunday, participants will once again start on Zoom in the morning for a few hours before heading to the PYC Oakville Studio in the afternoon. On Wednesday, all participants are fully online from 6 pm – 9 pm EST.
  2. Online- participants choosing this option will be online for the full duration of the program interacting with people in person and on Zoom provided with the same experience and level of care.

It is important to us that all participants have a fantastic experience so if you have any hesitation for either of the options please let us know so we can do our best to accommodate for you.

2. Will I learn everything I need to in order to become a successful yoga teacher?

Yes, you most certainly will! All of the content is delivered to help ensure you are putting what you learn right to practice! There is LABBING where you go through each and every pose of the yoga sequence known as the Power Yoga Canada Flow and you will dissect the poses with all of your peers. Furthermore, you are engaged in experiential learning throughout the entire program by teaching yoga to your fellow peers. There are presentations on the history of yoga, the anatomy of yoga, the Hindu gods, and much more! Another important aspect of yoga teacher training is the self-inquiry work and activities that you take part in. The work and activities that you go through allow you to discover your true, authentic voice and help you find the confidence you had in you all along. We’ve received great feedback about the content of the program including two comments from recent graduates: 

“The content was fantastic. I really enjoyed all the topics we covered. I liked that every day had a theme and a quote. I also really enjoyed hearing others speak and spending time discussing our learnings in small groups. This helped me understand the content on a deeper level.”

“I honestly couldn’t believe how thorough this program was, to be honest. Even with the steps, we could take after the program! This program was so humbling because of the amount of trust PYC puts in their students and I felt the sincerity of wanting to support us after we come out of our cocoons. I wouldn’t change a thing (and I’m so grateful for all of it)!”

3. Can online yoga teacher training be as effective online as it is in person?

Before our first 200 hour Online Yoga Teacher Training took place in May 2020, we had no expectations going in. We hadn’t run one before and Power Yoga Canada is known for providing transformational, high-quality training so we had a lot on the line. We took the leap of faith just a month before the program began and put all of our focus on how it would be delivered. Weeks leading up to the program we had many people interested and kicked off the program with 37 eager yogi’s ready to take on a new journey. A transformational journey.  Below are a couple of comments from graduates of the program:

“The facilitation was amazing, I know it was a group program, but there were so many different times where I felt like the program facilitators were talking directly to me. This really enhanced my experience and was very stimulating. It opened me up to participate in ways I never thought I would.”

“I loved the online aspect! I thought I would miss out on taking the program online, but I don’t think I did at all! I feel like I made genuine connections, made new friends, and I was still able to hear others speak to the group and have small group discussions. I liked that there was no commute to and from training and that I didn’t have to pack everything. It was really nice to have the training in the comfort of my own home. I was very pleasantly surprised!”

4. What if I don’t want to teach yoga? 

PYC has had many individuals take part in our Yoga Teacher Training who simply want to learn more about their own yoga practice and have come out of the training with great knowledge and insight. The self-inquiry aspect is also proven extremely beneficial to all graduates who leave with more clarity in their life’s purpose and have become more self-aware in all areas of their lives. We have seen genuine connections and lifelong friendships created through the programs and we are extremely honoured to be able to lead such a transformative program online to people around the entire globe.

I want to leave you with one personal experience that was shared with us from a graduate of the Summer 2023 training:

“PYC Teacher Training has been pivotal in my own personal and professional transformation. I came to this program with zero expectations but fully submerged myself within the program and community. This program put me through many uncomfortable situations but soon these situations became more comfortable. I then began realizing my potential and possibilities are limitless. In turn, I have a new perspective of who I am. One that is closer to my core values. This new awareness helps me take pride in my attributes, loving what I have, and just being myself. I know If I’m faking it I can never be happy. With this perspective, I live with a new Mantra, “Now everything I do I do it with my heart and I do it so well.” Thank you PYC and the tools you have provided me to better myself and those around me.”

If you have any questions at all please feel free to reach out to PYC’s Director of Growth, Nick Vetro, any time at nick@poweryogacanada.com or by text/call at 905-808-3330.

Community Feature: May 2018

By Community Feature

Author: Roman Tataryn, Power Yoga Canada Teacher & PYC Etobicoke Yogi

Hi, Roman here, where do I start? My life before yoga was very much grey, filled with work and parties, and that was all I cared for. On top of that, about half a year before joining the Power Yoga Canada Etobicoke studio, my family-life started to collapse resulting in a breakup with my significant other. Common experience or not, I took it very close to heart. I thought of myself as failure of a man and husband, and slowly began sinking towards bottom. The depression that I was hiding from everybody, drinking problems, weight gain and health issues started to show up in my life. It all seemed like a never-ending nightmare until a rainy Tuesday, March 22nd. I had neglected my health and when people suggested yoga, I made the excuse that “yoga is not for me, yoga is for girls”.

I walked into Power Yoga Canada Etobicoke and my opinion changed after only one hour of a really sweaty class lead by Susan. I was stunned by how great I felt after class, so I started to practice 4-5 times a week, and signed up for 40 Days to Personal Revolution. Slowly but surely, I started to see results; I started feeling stronger, confident, losing weight at the same time. One of the most important things that started to happen was that I started to love the life I was living at the moment.

A magical thing then happened when I went on a trip to Iceland. I was sitting on a rock on the seashore, listening to the waves crashing (it was like meditating, but better) and the thought that I should take the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training came into my head. Shortly after, I took my first steps towards my goal; I took my Assisting Intensive Training and Teacher Training quickly after.

As I am writing this, I realize that a little more than two years have passed since I started this journey. Was there a grand change in my physical body? The answer to that is YES, but that’s not all. The most important change was how I was able to shift my perspective from material things that used to matter the most to me, to the things that actually make me happy. The practice itself brings awareness to the whole body, to what surrounds you, it shows you how to live in the present moment on the mat and how to bring it with you into the real world.

What I found in this studio was a second family. I found people that support each other and make a stand for one another. Our studio gets together to celebrate happy moments like they’re their own, as well as supporting people in the challenges they are facing. I was able to meet some of the most amazing people and they have become my very close and precious friends. I could never say thank enough to Susan and John for creating such an amazing community that literally draws people in. I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my story with all of PYC. I hope that my story can help any student realize their potential. Change is scary, and I know it but, with a little curiosity we are capable of things that we never thought we could do. With utmost love and gratitude, Namaste.