Frequently Asked Questions
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When are you available?
Mon - Thurs: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am -1:00 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Why practice yoga?
The reasons to practice yoga are endless! Some common reasons people begin a yoga practice: to improve flexibility, release pain, increase muscular strength, increase endurance, improve balance, increase joint stability and range of motion, and to release tension or stress.
What advice do you have for people looking to hire a yoga teacher?
If you are looking to try yoga for the first time, individual instruction is a nice place to start. Once you become comfortable, you may decide you prefer having an individual “class” or you may choose to seek group yoga classes at your local gym or yoga studio. Private instruction is great because it allows you to enjoy a yoga practice that is custom tailored to your energy levels and goals each session. It also gives you the flexibility to enjoy yoga on a day and at a time that works for you, instead of working with someone else’s schedule. When you hire a private instructor there are no other students to compete with or distract you, and you can be sure you will get the attention you need to ensure a safe and effective practice.
What questions should a person ask to hire the right yoga teacher?
Ask what interests your potential teacher has and what she most enjoys about yoga. Ask what types of people she works with and why. Ask for the name and contact info for one of her other clients who can tell you about working with her. Ask about what types of payments option she accepts. Make sure you find out if you are within her service area and if she has a time that is convenient for you available in her schedule. Let her know about any special considerations, such as osteoporosis, surgery, back problems, or difficulty getting up and down from the floor. If possible, meet your instructor or speak with her over the phone before your first session.
Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do? Over the years, I have had many people tell me that they find my presence relaxing. It is a gift to be able to help people who are usually “high strung” deeply relax through yoga. My training allows me to work safely with all adults, including seniors with arthritis and osteoporosis. I most enjoy teaching gentle and restorative yoga. The way I teach yoga is not a formula or method. It is uniquely tailored to you. I show up for each session with an open mind. Then we will work together over the hour to relieve whatever aches, pains, or stresses your are currently experiencing through gentle movement. I feel very grateful to have the opportunity to be your teacher, and I know it shows in my work.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my being a private yoga instructor is the feedback I get from my clients. It makes me feel so good to hear how much better people feel after a session with me. I know I make a difference in the quality of the lives of the people I serve because they tell me so! Knowing that what I do is both meaningful to me, and to the people I work with, is incredibly fulfilling. My clients are always happy to see me at their door, and that keeps me waking up with a smile each day. I love knowing I make a positive contribution to the world by doing what I was born to do and being paid for it. There are dozens of people walking around in the world who are happier and healthier because of what I have to offer. What a gift! I can’t possibly imagine a better way to spend my time. I also love having the flexibility to make my own schedule and take my work with me anywhere in the world, should the opportunity arise.
I am not flexible–can I do yoga?
Yes! You are an ideal student for the practice of yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to swim in order to take swimming lessons. See how silly that kind of thinking is!
I exercise regularly, both aerobic and strength training. Should I consider adding Yoga?
Definitely. Yoga works the body in ways that are very different, but complimentary to, conventional modes of exercise. Yoga may also help to improve your focus and performance when you engage in your normal exercise routine.
How much space do I need to practice yoga in my home?
Not as much space as you may think! If you have an empty room or a finished basement great! But if not, don’t let that deter you. Most people have enough room in their living room by simply moving the coffee table out of the way. Together we can find a space in your home that will meet your needs.
Do I need my own yoga mat?
I highly recommend you purchase your own yoga mat once you have decided to commit to a yoga practice. Yoga sticky mats are available at any sporting goods store, as well as major chain stores (e.g. Target), as well as discount stores (e.g. Marshall's, T.J. Maxx). If you are interested in purchasing a high quality durable earth friendly yoga mat, I recommend searching online at amazon.com. For my personal practice, I use a 5mm EKO mat by Manduka brand. Eco mats can cost a little or a lot extra, depending on what you are looking for.
Besides a yoga mat, do I need any other equipment?
The answer to this question is up to you. You can enjoy a satisfying yoga practice with just a mat. As your practice progresses, we can decide together if you would like to incorporate additional low-cost props into your practice, such as yoga blocks, a yoga strap, or even a stability ball.
What do you wish yoga enthusiasts knew about you or your profession?
There is a lot of misinformation out there about yoga. If you can breathe you CAN do yoga. However, this does not mean all styles of yoga are right for you. I see a lot of yoga out there in studios, on DVD’s, online, and in magazines that is not appropriate for the vast majority of people. If you can’t breathe easily of feel unsafe in any way, PLEASE be your own advocate and ask for help or skip out on doing a pose. Yoga related injuries are increasing and can be serious. Play it safe and your practice will progress.
What are your most common types of clients?
My clients are generally women who are retired or stay at home moms with school age kids. Since having a private yoga instructor is often considered a luxury, I generally find myself working with people who take good care of themselves and see the value of their total health and well-being.
Can you tell me about a recent client that you are particularly proud of?
I have a client who could no longer get up and down from the floor when we first started working together. Now she is able to do this with ease and feels much more secure and independent.
Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?
I spend a great deal of time and money studying yoga and wellness related material, completing online trainings, and going to workshops. I think it is very important to keep up to date on research, safety, and technique.
What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?
Medical research is being done on yoga for healthy aging. In the years ahead, having training in adaptive techniques that make yoga accessible for seniors will be very important. I have this training and am looking forward to expanding my knowledge base as studies continue to be published.
Is yoga a religion?
No. Yoga is perhaps best described as a philosophy. The practice of yoga aids all those who seek to improve themselves physically and mentally, regardless of their religious persuasion. It has the potential to calm the nervous system and still the mind, which may or may not lead to a deeper sense of connection to your personal spiritual beliefs. In the US yoga is often taught exclusively as a movement practice.
What does 'Om' mean?
Om, pronounced AUM has many definitions. OM is commonly said to be the resonant sound of the universe, leftover from "the big bang".
What does Namasté mean?
In the Sanskrit language (the language of yoga) "Nama" means bow, "as" means I, and "te" means you. Namasté translates into "I bow to you." It is also often translated as, "the light in me bows to the light in you". I do use this word, but don’t worry…I won’t try to speak to you in Sanskrit!
If I were advising someone who wanted to get into my profession, what would I suggest?
Find a Yoga Alliance approved yoga teacher training school in your area by going to yogaalliance.org. Try taking classes from teachers who have trained in the style you are interested in and see how you like it. Most yoga teachers work part-time in the evenings at gyms and studios as independent contractors, so consider if this is something you that fits into your lifestyle. Yoga teacher training varies in price and quality, so be sure to do your research before you commit your dollars to a program.