In August 2013, I walked into my very first Power Yoga class. I figured, how hard could this be? This is only yoga and I'm a guy who lifts weights and runs; I’ve got this! HA! I walked into the studio, rented a mat and immediately felt out of place. Around me were people that looked like they belonged, with their mats, blocks and appropriate yoga apparel. And there I was, sticking out like a sore thumb.
As the class began and progressed, it became apparent that yoga is HARD, and unlike any other physical workout I had ever experienced. I remember moving and not really caring if I did the poses correctly but recognizing that the combination of movement, my breath and the connection with those around me was pretty incredible and a feeling I will never forget. Something clicked for me in that day in class, a deep connection within myself and those all around me – mind, body and soul.
To this day, the memory of the songs played during my first class instantly brings me back to that overwhelming feeling of connection I had experienced with each student practicing alongside of me. Walking out of class that day, I knew there was something bigger in this space for me. As my practice continued 1-2 days per week, the physical and mental benefits of yoga were realized, and I started inviting family and friends to join me in classes. It was a few years into practicing when I realized that I needed to share this practice in a larger capacity with others and started seriously looking into becoming a teacher.
In the Summer of 2018, I learned that my local studio was offering the Baptiste 200 HR Expand Your Power teacher training program, and I knew that was my opportunity to begin my journey as a teacher. I completed the Baptiste training program in November 2018 and am certified with the Yoga Alliance as a RYT at the 200hr level.
I am beyond grateful and am so honored to be able to share this practice and be of service to others in this capacity. I completed Baptiste Level 1 training programs in 2019 and plan to attend Level 2 in the near future.