Black Belt and yoga: our yoga teacher in training Elaine shares her journey to become a certified yoga teacher.
“Growing up I was healthy and active, but always a bit ‘thicker” than my peers. I was self-conscious about body image. It was not a hindrance, but it always floated around in my mind. My Mom and Dad were strong forces. They always told me, “Embrace your height and size. You are healthy and strong, and that is what matters”. Easy for them to say; I was 13 and uncomfortable!
Living in San Francisco in the late ‘80s, I used to see people practice Yoga while I was walking along the beach. I truly thought it was only for thin and flexible people.
It wasn’t until I moved to Missouri, that I became more involved in physical activities. I have been a regular walker my whole life. I am also very hard-working in that for many years I have done the majority of the house and yard work. I love to push the mower for two hours a week!
For the last 20+ years I have truly learned the blessings and benefits of a mind and body workout.
In 2006 I earned the rank of Black Belt in the martial art of Tae Kwon Do. It took many years of grit, sweat, and perseverance. It was during this time that I started a regular Vinyasa Flow Yoga practice with an RYT rather than the DVDs and videos I had been using at home. I believe Yoga helped me tremendously during the 5 hour Black Belt test. The breathing awareness alone had a huge impact. As I started to teach TKD and Kickboxing, I could feel my mind and body yearning for more than what these harsh workouts had to offer.
I was finding the yoga mat to be my “home”. It was a comfortable place to relax, stretch, breathe, be challenged, learn, laugh, and feel the gamut of emotions as well.
I knew that given my teaching/leading experiences, I was meant to take on the newest journey of Yoga instructor. The YMCA hired me as an instructor in 2008. I lead Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, Indoor Cycling, Boot Camp, and pitch in wherever they need me.
I like to spread the good word of the wonderful world of Yoga and feel this is the best fit of all the classes I lead. I have a good rapport with children as well. Often I am called to lead a class for Girl Scouts, elementary and high schools, sports clubs and so on. As for the many participants I have come to know and love, there is one common thread of feedback I hear regularly: “Yoga has changed my life, and it is for the better!”
I have had minimal training. Online/at-home studies, beginner-level courses, and numerous DVDs/books can only provide so much. I know the time has come to embrace the journey of the 200 hour RYT training for personal and professional enhancement.”
Would you like to share the magic of yoga with the world? Looking for a new direction in life? Yoga teacher training might be the next logical step for you. Set up your complimentary consult with Michelle and find out if our courses are the right choice for you.