Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
I am a certified yoga teacher. Originally from Brooklyn, NY. Currently living in Breinigsville, PA. I am a mother of two beautiful kids. Celebrating 5 months on my vegan journey. It was one of the best decisions I made in 2017. I love travelling the world with my husband and kids. Every year we pick a new country to visit. Reading new books is one of my favorite pastimes other than cooking. My kids and I love discovering new recipes to try.
How did you get introduced to yoga and when did yoga get serious?
My passion for yoga started back in 2014. I had just become a stay-at-home mom. During this time I needed to try something that can challenge me while homeschooling my son. After taking on a gym membership and constantly feeling sore, I came across a yoga video on youtube to help me stretch. Two days later I was hooked. Over time, I noticed how yoga helped me with my back problems and increased my flexibility. From that point on I started to share my yoga journey on Instagram.
I was welcomed with open arms within the yoga community. A year later, I started receiving a lot of questions on my yoga transformation I decided to become a yoga teacher. One of the best decisions I ever made.
Can you share your biggest challenges?
After becoming a yoga teacher, it was hard trying to find students I wanted to work with. I applied to a lot of gyms and never received any response. Took my resume to a few studios and gyms and no response. I started offering free yoga classes in the park and met some students there. Then I realized I wanted to do something different, but wasn't quite sure what.
After brainstorming and trying new things, I started holding yoga classes in a community center and was able to teach more students. From there 4 of those students wanted hands on assistance on a regular basis. This allowed me to shift gears and just offer private yoga sessions. Now, I have 4 loyal students that I am able to teach in the comfort of their own home.
How do you handle pressure and where do you find your motivation?
In the beginning, I had a lot of self-doubt. It felt as if I would never look like the yogis on the magazine covers. Once, I started to accept the fact that I am unique and that there is no set way to look or do yoga. It is for everybody. I no longer felt the pressure. I use social media for inspiration and continue to stay humble with my personal practice.
What was your most embarrassing moment (in regards to yoga, of course)?
When I first started to learn how to perform bakasana aka crow pose. I used to experience a lot of face plants. My kids and husband always shook their heads. After surrounding myself with pillows, I slowly gained the strengths to get into that posture without falling.
How did yoga influence your life in other ways?
I am naturally an introvert. I love keeping to myself. Practicing yoga allowed me to gain a new set of confidence where I will do a yoga pose anywhere in public or around the house. Sharing on social media allowed me to connect with yogis from all around the world and create new found friendships.
What does your typical day look like?
6:00 am: My day starts with meditating before I get out of bed to start my day off with a calm state. After getting ready I head downstairs. My husband and I start our morning workout routine, followed by me preparing breakfast. 7:00 am: we wake the kids and have breakfast together. 8:00 am: we drop off the kids to their bus stop. 8:30 am: start working on my business projects. 10:00 am: yoga time! 11:00 am: snack time 12:00 pm: house chores 1:00 pm: lunch time 2:00 pm: back to business projects 4:00 pm: kids are home prepare snacks and prep for dinner. 10:00 pm: bedtime. Then repeat.
And what about your flexibility training? Where does that fit in?
To train my flexibility, I typically do that mid morning. It is usually during and after my yoga practice. Most days my practice will go from 1 hour to 2 hours. I don't really have issues. Everyday my body response is different. So the best thing a learned is to never force anything and listen to your body. Once you use the proper breathing technique you can really melt into a deep stretch.
What are your future plans/goals/dreams?
My future goal is to develop a good solid base of online yoga students. I would like to be able to teach people outside of the small town I live in and help them turn their weaknesses into strengths.
Any tips for passionate people who are starting to practice yoga now?
Tips for new yogis....remember you are unique. No one will know you better than you! Do not get caught up in envy or doubt. We all have our struggles within this practice. Learn to use the power of your breath to move. Never give up! If it does not happen today, there is always tomorrow!
Anything else?
Anyone who is hesitating to start their yoga journey...... Start today! You will be proud of yourself in the future.
Anything you’d like to share?
- Website : simplyfitandcurvyyoga.com
- Instagram : @simplyfitandcurvyyoga
I am offering a free 4 day meditation mini series to help show some nice techniques you can use anywhere..