Every new group of Curvy Yoga teachers is fabulous — and this one is certainly no exception! Meet these wonderful teachers here and then, if you’re anywhere nearby, attend one of their classes!
Victoria Alexander
Location: Chelsea, AL
Tell us a little about your relationship with yoga — both your practice and your teaching. Yoga gives me a place for introspection and self-reflection. Things that seem “big and scary” off the mat, become powerless when I get into my yoga mind. The combination of breath and movement make me relaxed and aware. It’s a feeling I carry with me through the day. My strength, balance, and flexibility have increased since I took up a regular yoga practice, but best of all, I’m confident and happy from the inside. I want to share that!
Why do you want to bring Curvy Yoga to your community? I meet so many people, mostly women, who want to try yoga, but are afraid it’s not for them because of their size or lack of flexibility. Maybe they’ve had an injury in the past or are afraid of judgment. There are myriad reasons. Anyone who wants to do yoga should be able to, so I’m happy to be contributing to making that happen.
What can folks expect when they take a class from you? My class is a place you can go, and for at least an hour, it’s all about you. No job, partner, kids, bills—none of that stuff! You’ll move, breathe, and relax, enjoying your body and calming your mind. Wherever you are is where we’ll start. With regular practice, you’ll gain strength, flexibility, balance and confidence. Did I mention it’s a lot of fun?
What has been your favorite part of the certification process? Anna & I spent a lot of time talking about body acceptance. I meet so many amazing women who don’t know how beautiful they are! We worry so much about how others perceive us. She gave me some great tools to help with feeling comfortable in your own skin. I’ve also become a big advocate of props—for everyone!
How can people get in touch with you? I teach at two studios in the Chelsea/Westover area. Contact me at: www.facebook.com/yogabarn or @yogabarntweets on Twitter.
Angel Marino
Location: Gainesville, FL
Tell us a little about your relationship with yoga — both your practice and your teaching. My relationship with yoga continues to remind me to be present and accepting with “what is” rather than trying to achieve a particular outcome or product. Yoga inspires me to be open to the journey of life and I bring this into my teaching by inviting women to be present in the process of doing yoga, rather than trying to achieve a beautiful or “perfect” yoga pose.
Why do you want to bring Curvy Yoga to your community? After experiencing physical limitations in both of my arms over the past 3 years, I recognize the importance of making yoga safe and accessible to all types of bodies and abilities. I want to create a safe space for women of all shapes, sizes, and abilities to be present in their bodies and explore the process of yoga and mindful movement.
What can folks expect when they take a class from you? Whether it’s a private session or a Soulbird Yoga group, I’m committed to creating a safe, accepting and welcoming environment that meets women exactly where they are; nothing to change, nothing to fix and nothing to improve.
I believe each woman knows what is best for her body, so I provide a blend of guidance and also space to explore movement outside of my guidance, allowing each woman to respond to her body’s wisdom and urges for movement on her own terms.
What has been your favorite part of the certification process? Anna met me exactly where I was at every step of the way and tailored the entire certification process around my needs, questions, and dreams. It was a supportive mixture of her guiding the certification with incredible wisdom and insight, while also allowing the process to be completely my own.
How can people get in touch with you? People can learn more by visiting my website, Soulbird Creations. They can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter @SoulbirdYoga.
Linda Patterson
Location: Easley, SC
Tell us a little about your relationship with yoga — both your practice and your teaching. Yoga has influenced the development of a positive body image for me. Yoga changes how I view myself and others with every practice. I try to encourage that perspective in my yoga classes. I love to see a student begin to connect with and gain appreciation for her physical body and the benefits of yoga!
Why do you want to bring Curvy Yoga to your community? I think it is so important to make the wonderful benefits of yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of body shape and size! Yoga isn’t an exclusive club for the super-bendies and super-skinnies. Everyone benefits from this mind/body/spirit practice.
What can folks expect when they take a class from you? My students can count on a yoga class that will encourage them to safely practice to their edge, wherever that may be. They will be encouraged to explore inwardly and appreciate the capabilities of their physical body. They will feel accepted and will be encouraged to develop self-love and appreciation for all that they are today.
What has been your favorite part of the certification process? My favorite part of the certification process was being coached by Anna in the development of my yoga teacher philosophies, skills and future plans.
How can people get in touch with you? People can find me on my website, on Facebook and by email at linda(at)lindapatterson(dot)com.
Susan Rooker
Location: Portland, ME
Tell us a little about your relationship with yoga — both your practice and your teaching. My Great Aunt Eve taught me “lotus” when I was 4 years old, and I have been practicing on and off ever since. Last year, after learning that Breathing Room, a local movement and yoga studio, was offing Yoga Alliance Approved Teacher Training, I decided to go for it and become a Certified Yoga Instructor! Thrilled to have completed the Certification process, I wanted to offer something “different.” The Universe ‘introduced” me to Anna, and I knew that Curvy Yoga would allow me to reach students who may otherwise not engage in yoga.
Yoga is an essential part of my life now. My practice encourages me to stop living in my head. And I truly enjoy teaching yoga. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.
Why do you want to bring Curvy Yoga to your community? There are so many wonderful yoga studios in and around Portland, Maine. Yet I sense, just looking at the population walking in the streets versus those IN the studio, there are many people who feel intimidated by the offerings at these studios. I want to shout from the top of “The Time and Temperature Building” (yes, that’s what its called as, you guessed it, a huge display on its roof displays the time and temperature) that YOGA IS FOR EVERY BODY!
What can folks expect when they take a class from you? When a student comes to my class they can expect to: use props (lots and lots of props — blocks, straps, chair, wall); be safe; see other students of different shapes, sizes & mobility; be in class with some students who are new to asanas and the 7 other limbs of yoga; begin to feel connected or re-connected to their bodies; begin to engage interior muscles that directly support the bones; feel good about their bodies; and apply what they learn on the mat to their lives off the mat.
What has been your favorite part of the certification process? My favorite part of the certification process was learning thoughtful use of props coupled with supportive language and simply talking to Anna. I always felt her support and knew that any question would be answered.
How can people get in touch with you? They can check out my website, SloGo Yoga. They can also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.